miércoles, 10 de octubre de 2012
Redbull Stratos: next attempt will be on Sunday, Oct. 14th.
Next weather window to launch Felix Baumgartner opens Sunday, Oct. 14th.
BAE Systems and EADS end discussions regarding possible combination
Press Release
Following the announcements made by BAE Systems plc ("BAE Systems") and EADS N.V. ("EADS") on 12 September 2012 in relation to a possible combination of their businesses through a dual listed company structure, BAE Systems and EADS announce that they have decided to terminate their discussions.
BAE Systems and EADS believe that the merger was based on sound industrial logic. It represented a unique opportunity to create a combination from two strong and successful companies greater than the sum of the parts. The merger would have produced a combined business that would have been a technology leader and a greater force for competition and growth across both the commercial aerospace and defence sectors and which would have delivered tangible benefits to all stakeholders. Discussions with the relevant governments had not reached a point where both companies could fully disclose the benefits and detailed business case for this merger. BAE Systems and EADS are, however, confident that these would have provided a strong case to take to their shareholders
As between themselves, BAE Systems and EADS had agreed the principal terms of the merger, subject to the approval of their respective Boards, including:
The commercial terms of the merger;
The legal structure of the merger;
Governance arrangements which would enable the combined business to operate in a normal commercial manner;
A unified management and Board structure;
The strategy for the combined business;
Near-term dividend policy;
The cost saving and revenue benefits of the combination and associated implementation plan.
From the outset of discussions between the parties, both BAE Systems and EADS were clear that they would proceed with a merger of their businesses only if a transaction structure could be created that aligned the interests of the parties' stakeholders and received their support. BAE Systems and EADS worked constructively to deliver such a structure.
Notwithstanding a great deal of constructive and professional engagement with the respective governments over recent weeks, it has become clear that the interests of the parties' government stakeholders cannot be adequately reconciled with each other or with the objectives that BAE Systems and EADS established for the merger. BAE Systems and EADS have therefore decided it is in the best interests of their companies and shareholders to terminate the discussions and to continue to focus on delivering their respective strategies.
Ian King, Chief Executive of BAE Systems, today said:
"We are obviously disappointed that we were unable to reach an acceptable agreement with our various government stakeholders. We believe the merger presented a unique opportunity for BAE Systems and EADS to combine two world class and complementary businesses to create a world leading aerospace, defence and security group.
However, our business remains strong and financially robust. We continue to see opportunities across our platforms and services offerings and in the various international markets in which we operate. We remain committed to delivering total shareholder value and look to the future with confidence."
Tom Enders, Chief Executive of EADS, today said:
"I'd like to thank everybody who supported us, in particular all the colleagues at BAE Systems and EADS for all their hard work and dedication to this project in recent months. A special thank-you goes to Ian King for his trust and partnership. It is, of course, a pity we didn't succeed but I'm glad we tried. I'm sure there will be other challenges we'll tackle together in the future. EADS will continue on its international growth path and our shareholders can continue to expect profitable growth, excellent liquidity and programme execution based on a strong order book."
This announcement, which is being made with EADS consent, is made in accordance with Rule 2.8 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the "Takeover Code").
A copy of this announcement will be made available on BAE Systems' website atwww.baesystems.com and EADS's website at www.eads.com
Following the announcements made by BAE Systems plc ("BAE Systems") and EADS N.V. ("EADS") on 12 September 2012 in relation to a possible combination of their businesses through a dual listed company structure, BAE Systems and EADS announce that they have decided to terminate their discussions.
BAE Systems and EADS believe that the merger was based on sound industrial logic. It represented a unique opportunity to create a combination from two strong and successful companies greater than the sum of the parts. The merger would have produced a combined business that would have been a technology leader and a greater force for competition and growth across both the commercial aerospace and defence sectors and which would have delivered tangible benefits to all stakeholders. Discussions with the relevant governments had not reached a point where both companies could fully disclose the benefits and detailed business case for this merger. BAE Systems and EADS are, however, confident that these would have provided a strong case to take to their shareholders
As between themselves, BAE Systems and EADS had agreed the principal terms of the merger, subject to the approval of their respective Boards, including:
The commercial terms of the merger;
The legal structure of the merger;
Governance arrangements which would enable the combined business to operate in a normal commercial manner;
A unified management and Board structure;
The strategy for the combined business;
Near-term dividend policy;
The cost saving and revenue benefits of the combination and associated implementation plan.
From the outset of discussions between the parties, both BAE Systems and EADS were clear that they would proceed with a merger of their businesses only if a transaction structure could be created that aligned the interests of the parties' stakeholders and received their support. BAE Systems and EADS worked constructively to deliver such a structure.
Notwithstanding a great deal of constructive and professional engagement with the respective governments over recent weeks, it has become clear that the interests of the parties' government stakeholders cannot be adequately reconciled with each other or with the objectives that BAE Systems and EADS established for the merger. BAE Systems and EADS have therefore decided it is in the best interests of their companies and shareholders to terminate the discussions and to continue to focus on delivering their respective strategies.
Ian King, Chief Executive of BAE Systems, today said:
"We are obviously disappointed that we were unable to reach an acceptable agreement with our various government stakeholders. We believe the merger presented a unique opportunity for BAE Systems and EADS to combine two world class and complementary businesses to create a world leading aerospace, defence and security group.
However, our business remains strong and financially robust. We continue to see opportunities across our platforms and services offerings and in the various international markets in which we operate. We remain committed to delivering total shareholder value and look to the future with confidence."
Tom Enders, Chief Executive of EADS, today said:
"I'd like to thank everybody who supported us, in particular all the colleagues at BAE Systems and EADS for all their hard work and dedication to this project in recent months. A special thank-you goes to Ian King for his trust and partnership. It is, of course, a pity we didn't succeed but I'm glad we tried. I'm sure there will be other challenges we'll tackle together in the future. EADS will continue on its international growth path and our shareholders can continue to expect profitable growth, excellent liquidity and programme execution based on a strong order book."
This announcement, which is being made with EADS consent, is made in accordance with Rule 2.8 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the "Takeover Code").
A copy of this announcement will be made available on BAE Systems' website atwww.baesystems.com and EADS's website at www.eads.com
Update: Curiosity object probably plastic
Update: Curiosity object probably plastic:
The object that NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover found on Sunday is probably a piece of plastic that fell off the unmanned exploration vehicle. According to mission control at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at Pasadena, California, the object is “benign” and poses no likely threat to continuing the mission. However, the JPL rover team has not yet definitely identified the object and will continue investigating for another day... Continue Reading Update: Curiosity object probably plastic
The object that NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover found on Sunday is probably a piece of plastic that fell off the unmanned exploration vehicle. According to mission control at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at Pasadena, California, the object is “benign” and poses no likely threat to continuing the mission. However, the JPL rover team has not yet definitely identified the object and will continue investigating for another day... Continue Reading Update: Curiosity object probably plastic
SpaceX Dragon capsule berths with ISS
SpaceX Dragon capsule berths with ISS: A SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying supplies has successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS), three days after a problematic but successful...
Rusia ha firmado con Irak contratos de armamento por más de 3.000 millones de euros
Rusia ha firmado con Irak contratos de armamento por más de 3.000 millones de euros:
Se trata principalmente de sistemas antiaéreos de cañón-misil Pantsir, unos 50 sistemas, y 30 helicópteros de ataque Mi-28NE.
EADS - BAE Systems: NO habrá fusión
EADS - BAE Systems: NO habrá fusión:
Ambas compañías han confirmado hoy el fracaso de la operación de fusión. La falta de un acuerdo político entre los gobiernos implicados ha sido el principal motivo: a las fuertes presiones de EEUU y a la negativa alemana. Además“El consejo de administración de BAE había impuesto ciertas condiciones para que el acuerdo prosperase: limitar el porcentaje de participación de los gobiernos francés y alemán hasta el 9%, y que estos dos países no votasen en bloque sobre eventuales contratos”
Ambas compañías han confirmado hoy el fracaso de la operación de fusión. La falta de un acuerdo político entre los gobiernos implicados ha sido el principal motivo: a las fuertes presiones de EEUU y a la negativa alemana. Además“El consejo de administración de BAE había impuesto ciertas condiciones para que el acuerdo prosperase: limitar el porcentaje de participación de los gobiernos francés y alemán hasta el 9%, y que estos dos países no votasen en bloque sobre eventuales contratos”
Fwd: ANA announces shortlist for aircraft body design contest Commemorating the 60th anniversary of ANA
ANA announces shortlist for aircraft body design contest
Commemorating the 60th anniversary of ANA
TOKYO October 9, 2012 – ANA Group, Japan's largest airline group, today announces the shortlisted entries in its competition to paint a new design for the Boeing 767-300 aircraft. The competition, which took place in September, was a way of showing ANA's gratitude to its customers for their support over the past six decades. ANA received 7,042 submissions from 36 countries.
The winning design will be voted on through a special online site by ANA passengers and ANA employees -- votes will be cast between 9th and 21st October 2012 via the special online site:http://ana60thcontest.jp/. The winning design will be announced on 1st December 2012. The design will then be painted onto one of the 767s in the ANA fleet.
ANA will celebrate its 60th anniversary in December 2012.
About ANA Group
All Nippon Airways (ANA) is the ninth largest airline in the world by revenues and the largest in Japan by passenger numbers. Founded in 1952, it flies today to 76 domestic and international cities in a fleet of 231 aircraft serving a network of 174 routes. ANA has 33,000 employees and operates about 1,000 flights a day. In 2011, it carried 43 million passengers and generated revenues of $17.1 bn. ANA has been a core member of Star Alliance since 1999 and launched a joint-venture with United Airlines on trans-Pacific and Asia routes in April 2011; ANA launched a joint-venture with Lufthansa on Japan-Europe routes in October 2011. ANA has more than 23 million members belong to its Frequent Flyer Program (ANA Mileage Club). ANA is the launch customer for the world's newest and most advanced passenger aircraft, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
España y EEUU firmarán hoy en la sede de la OTAN la inclusión de la base de Rota en el Sistema de Defensa Antimisiles
España y EEUU firmarán hoy en la sede de la OTAN la inclusión de la base de Rota en el Sistema de Defensa Antimisiles:
Tras negociar durante nueve meses los términos, el ministro español de Defensa, Pedro Morenés, y el secretario de Defensa estadounidense, Leon Panetta, firmarán hoy el nuevo Convenio sobre cooperación para la Defensa entre España y Estados Unidos en el que se fijan las bases para la inclusión de la base naval de Rota en el escudo antimisiles de la OTAN.
Turkish Airlines orders another 15 Airbus A330 aircraft
Efficient reliable A330 family remains the popular choice
Blagnac, 09 October 2012
Turkish Airlines has placed an order for 15 A330-300s, their seventh order for the A330 family of aircraft and their twentieth Airbus order overall. The aircraft will be operated on medium and long haul routes from the Turkish Airlines hub in Istanbul.
Turkish Airlines placed their first order with Airbus in 1984, and now operate 101 Airbus aircraft including 17 A330 Family aircraft.
“The efficiency, reliability and passenger appeal of our in-service A330’s make them a cornerstone of the Turkish Airlines medium and long haul operations” said Dr Temel Kotil, CEO of Turkish Airlines. “The new order will allow us to continue our strategy of growth and fleet renewal with an aircraft we know to be both reliable and profitable.”
“Airbus and Turkish Airlines have a long history of partnership, and we are proud to be celebrating our twentieth order together,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers “The efficiency, reliability and comfort provided by the A330 continues to delight customers and passengers worldwide and will do so for many years to come.”
Airbus aircraft share a unique cockpit and operational commonality, allowing airlines to use the same pool of pilots, cabin crews and maintenance engineers, bringing operational flexibility and resulting in significant cost savings. Airbus is the leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive family of airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats
The A330 Family, which spans 250 to 300 seats, and includes Freighter, VIP, and Military Transport/Tanker variants, has now attracted more than 1,200 orders, with around 900 aircraft flying with some 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 still remains the most cost-efficient and capable aircraft in its class, and the family is achieving average dispatch reliability above 99 percent.
Eurocopter’s mission-capable helicopters take center stage at the Japan Aerospace 2012 exhibition
The capabilities offered by Eurocopter’s current and future helicopter product lines for Japanese civil and governmental operators will be the company’s focus at the Japan Aerospace 2012 exhibition in Nagoya. Eurocopter’s exhibits will include flight demonstrations by the highly popular EC135 light twin-engine helicopter, as well as scale models of the EC175 and the X3 high-speed hybrid technology demonstrator.
To be showcased at the event is the EC135 light multipurpose twin-engine helicopter, of which more than 70 have been registered in the country – making Japan’s fleet the third largest worldwide. An EC135 will be displayed at Nagoya’s Central Japan International Airport (Centrair), where it will take part in the exhibition’s flight presentations on October 13-14.
The EC135 is a rotorcraft of choice for Japan’s “Doctor-Helicopter” emergency airlift services program, and is also widely used in electronic news-gathering missions by the country’s media organizations. In addition, the EC135 was selected by the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force as its training helicopter, with the service having already contracted 10 of the 15 planned for acquisition and operating 8 of them.
As part of Eurocopter’s support for local operators, its Eurocopter Japan subsidiary has created a training center in its newly opened Kobe facilities, which is to formally receive Eurocopter’s certificate of approval during an October 11 ceremony at the Japan Aerospace 2012 exhibition. This will be Eurocopter’s 22nd training center worldwide, and will include a full-flight simulator for the EC135.
“Eurocopter is continually developing new and cutting-edge technology to meet the requirements and expectations of customers,” said Eurocopter Japan President & CEO Stephane Ginoux. “We have also renewed our commitment to Japan with the investment made in our new Kobe facilities, which will put us in good stead to answer to the needs of both civil operators as well as government agencies effectively and efficiently.”
Scale models of Eurocopter’s new EC175 medium twin-engine helicopter and the revolutionary X3 high-speed hybrid helicopter are to be included on the company’s Japan Aerospace 2012 exhibit stand at the Port Messe Nagoya, where the event’s displays are located.
The EC175 is well matched to the law enforcement, fire-fighting and disaster response needs of Japan’s central and local governments, and also offers a highly capable solution for passenger shuttle operations and transportation to off-shore oil and gas platforms.
Eurocopter’s X3 demonstrator has proven its capabilities in flight testing, validating the company’s concept in applications requiring long transit flights and where speed is important, while retaining vertical lift and hover capabilities – all at a very affordable cost. The X3 uses a pair of turboshaft engines to power a five-blade main rotor system, as well as two propellers installed on short-span fixed wings.
In response to the Japanese government’s recent decision to relax its defense policy in an effort to strengthen its domestic defense industry, Eurocopter will also demonstrate its commitment to co-operation programs with Japanese partners. Not only does Eurocopter have a proven track record of successful industrial co-operations for European military platforms such as the Tiger combat helicopter and NH90 NATO multirole helicopter programs; Eurocopter’s 35-year co-operation with Kawasaki Heavy Industries on the EC145/BK117 civilian program has also enjoyed great success globally.
About Eurocopter Japan
Eurocopter Japan Co., Ltd was established in April 2009 as a subsidiary of Eurocopter (90%) and Itochu Corporation (10%). In July 2009, Eurocopter Japan established Eurocopter Japan T&E. Co., Ltd, a joint venture with ANAM. After these two acquisitions, Eurocopter became the first foreign affiliated company in this field to become a full fledged industrial player in Japan. With around 55% market share in the civil and parapublic sectors, a fleet of 320 helicopters and 50 years of presence in Japan, Eurocopter Japan will continue to contribute to Japanese customers and the society by improving safety, usability and the cost efficiency of the air by providing excellent products and consummate services.
About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 20,000 people. In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 149 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.
ATR enters the Japanese market
Japan's new carrier LINK will operate a fleet of 3 ATR 72-600s
Nagoya, 09 October 2012
The European turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR and Japan's new regional carrier LINK are pleased to announce the introduction of the very first ATRs that will fly in Japan, one of the last Asian countries where ATR aircraft had not entered yet. LINK will start operations in 2013 with the introduction into its fleet of three leased ATR 72-600s. The aircraft will be delivered starting in late 2013. This major commercial announcement has been unveiled on the occasion of the Japan Aerospace Airshow, held in Nagoya (Japan).
The arrival of these three 70-seat ATR 72-600 aircraft into the Japanese market represents a major milestone for ATR, which is already well established all over Asia and the Pacific region, with 250 aircraft currently operated by some 50 airlines over 25 countries. These ATR 72-600s will be equipped with new Pratt & Whitney 127M engines and new full-glass cockpit developed by Thales. They will also be equipped with the new Armonia cabin, developed by Italian designer Giugiaro, featuring the most modern layout and most advanced technologies in the field of passenger comfort.
Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Koichi Sugiyama, Chief Executive Officer of LINK, declared: “The ATR 72-600 perfectly fits with our requirements in terms of low operating costs, most updated technologies and optimal comfort. This is the most-recently certified 70-seat aircraft on the market, and we are proud to start our operations with such a modern, successful and well-reputed aircraft”.
Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, declared: “Today is a really important day for ATR. We are entering a new and huge market which may bring us substantial commercial opportunities in a country with some 130 million inhabitants. The introduction of these ATR 72-600s with LINK will give us the opportunity of further consolidating our newest 70-seat aircraft as the reference for regional operations. We will make sure for offering all the supports Link will need for its future success in Japan and commit to this important market. The ATR 72-600 features the lowest operating and maintenance costs of the market, as well as the newest navigation aid tools for optimal performances. In addition, we are pleased to bring into Japan an aircraft which is largely recognized as the greenest one among all regional planes”.
About the ATR 72-600:
Passenger capacity: 68-74 seats
Engines: Pratt & Whitney Canada PW 127M
Maximum power at take-off: 2,750 horse power per engine
Maximum weight at take-off: 23,000 Kg
Maximum load: 7,500 Kg
Maximum range with full passenger load: 900 nautical miles (1,665 Km)
About LINK:
Link Inc. was established on April 5, 2012 in order to enter the regional air transport market in Japan. It aims to start commercial operation in 2013 with three ATR72-600s on domestic routes linking major airports and local airports in Japan, as well as on short-haul international routes.
About ATR:
Founded in 1981, ATR has become the world leader on the market for regional aircraft with 90 seats or less. Since its creation, ATR has sold over 1,200 aircraft, and has today 186 operators based in 90 countries. ATR planes have totaled over 21 million flight hours. ATR is an equal partnership between two major European aeronautics players, Alenia Aermacchi (a Finmeccanica Group company) and EADS. Its head office is in Toulouse (France). ATR is ISO 14001-certified, the international reference standard in the field for environmental friendliness.
Video: Two Global Hawk Unmanned Aircraft Fly in Close Formation, Move AHR Program Closer to Autonomous Aerial Refueling
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.
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 visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
New Commercial Imaging Spacecraft Progressing at Lockheed Martin as IKONOS Satellite Achieves 13 Years in Operations
Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] is making steady progress in a key test phase on GeoEye’s (NASDAQ: GEOY) next-generation, high-resolution imaging satellite, GeoEye-2, as IKONOS, the world’s first commercial remote sensing spacecraft marks 13 years of outstanding services for GeoEye’s customers around the globe.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company is developing GeoEye-2 under a fixed-price contract with GeoEye. The satellite is currently in the midst of Baseline Integrated System Test (BIST), an extensive test designed to characterize the performance of the integrated satellite and establish a performance baseline prior to entering environmental testing. Beginning later this year, spacecraft environmental testing will validate the overall satellite design, quality of workmanship and survivability during space vehicle launching and on-orbit operations.
Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services will be prepared for a planned launch for GeoEye-2 aboard an Atlas V rocket in 2013. Once operational, GeoEye-2 will be the world’s highest resolution commercial satellite, providing highly accurate images to intelligence analysts, warfighters, and decision makers across the globe.
“Our on-schedule execution of GeoEye-2 is direct testimony to our entire team's talent and dedication to successfully delivering this critical capability for our GeoEye customer,” said Allen Anderson, program director for Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. “The team also takes great pride in the impressive record of performance and longevity of IKONOS. We look forward to delivering GeoEye another world-class, high-performance spacecraft and achieving mission success for its customers.”
Last month, the Lockheed Martin built-IKONOS satellite surpassed 13 years of successful on-orbit operations. Launched Sept. 24, 1999, the satellite has collected the world's largest archive of commercial, high-resolution Earth imagery. IKONOS continues to perform with outstanding results, collecting 0.82-meter resolution black-and-white imagery while simultaneously collecting just better than four-meter resolution multispectral data. These map-accurate images are used for applications in land management, environmental monitoring, local and regional government, national security, disaster relief, news gathering, and many other geospatial applications.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation's net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company is developing GeoEye-2 under a fixed-price contract with GeoEye. The satellite is currently in the midst of Baseline Integrated System Test (BIST), an extensive test designed to characterize the performance of the integrated satellite and establish a performance baseline prior to entering environmental testing. Beginning later this year, spacecraft environmental testing will validate the overall satellite design, quality of workmanship and survivability during space vehicle launching and on-orbit operations.
Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services will be prepared for a planned launch for GeoEye-2 aboard an Atlas V rocket in 2013. Once operational, GeoEye-2 will be the world’s highest resolution commercial satellite, providing highly accurate images to intelligence analysts, warfighters, and decision makers across the globe.
“Our on-schedule execution of GeoEye-2 is direct testimony to our entire team's talent and dedication to successfully delivering this critical capability for our GeoEye customer,” said Allen Anderson, program director for Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. “The team also takes great pride in the impressive record of performance and longevity of IKONOS. We look forward to delivering GeoEye another world-class, high-performance spacecraft and achieving mission success for its customers.”
Last month, the Lockheed Martin built-IKONOS satellite surpassed 13 years of successful on-orbit operations. Launched Sept. 24, 1999, the satellite has collected the world's largest archive of commercial, high-resolution Earth imagery. IKONOS continues to perform with outstanding results, collecting 0.82-meter resolution black-and-white imagery while simultaneously collecting just better than four-meter resolution multispectral data. These map-accurate images are used for applications in land management, environmental monitoring, local and regional government, national security, disaster relief, news gathering, and many other geospatial applications.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation's net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.
Lockheed Martin-Led Industry Team Receives $13.5 Million Contract to Develop New Autonomous Technology Aboard Unmanned Aircraft
he Office of Naval Research has awarded a $13.5 million contract to an industry team led by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] to explore highly advanced autonomous technologies aboard an unmanned vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
Under the contract, Lockheed Martin and a team of industry, government, and academic partners will develop a technology that will enable aircraft to operate under supervisory control. A human operator will interact with the system at a high level while low level control is left to the automation.
The resulting technology will have the potential to improve the utility and effectiveness of current unmanned vertical take-off and landing aircraft, as well as offer pilots supplemental decision aids on legacy manned platforms.
“This contract provides our team the opportunity to demonstrate how far we can expand the technology envelope,” said Roger Il Grande, director of Airborne Systems for Lockheed Martin’s Mission Systems & Sensors business. “Some of our cutting edge technology has already been demonstrated on K-MAX for the Army’s Autonomous Technologies for Unmanned Air System program, and is now deployed with the Marine Corps on the aircraft in Afghanistan.”
During this first, 18-month phase of the five-year effort, the team will demonstrate the capabilities of its Open-Architecture Planning and Trajectory Intelligence for Managing Unmanned Systems (OPTIMUS) architecture. OPTIMUS is designed to be platform-agnostic, drawing from Lockheed Martin’s experience with the unmanned K-MAX cargo resupply program and the combined teams’ expertise in the fields of sensing, autonomy and human-machine interaction.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.
India installs Russian navigation systems in BrahMos missile
India installs Russian navigation systems in BrahMos missile: India has installed advanced Russian satellite navigation systems into the BrahMos supersonic missile, a military official has revealed.
India likely to sign multi-billion SU-30MKI fighter deal with Russia
India likely to sign multi-billion SU-30MKI fighter deal with Russia: India is likely to sign a multi-billion contract with Russia for the supply of upgraded Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets during an official visit of President Vladimir Putin at the end of October 2012.
Richard T. Whitcomb Enters Aviation Hall Of Fame
NASA Aerodynamics Legend Enters Aviation Hall Of Fame: Designed The Supercritical Wing That Led To Practical Supersonic Flight Aeronautics engineer Richard T. Whitcomb, whose legendary NASA research contributions made supersonic flight practical, joined other aerospace pioneers in the National Aviation Hall of Fame on Saturday.