The CGAMEC joint venture of Eurocopter, COHC and Samwell Aviation expands its helicopter maintenance capabilities in China

The blade repair builds on CGAMEC’s previous qualification as a Eurocopter-approved center for a variety of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services on helicopter types that range from the light single-engine EC120 to heavy twin-engine helicopters such as the Super Puma AS332 and EC225.

CGAMEC’s new capability was formalized with Eurocopter’s presentation of the rotor blade repair approval certificate, which was provided by Dominique Maudet, Eurocopter’s Executive Vice President of Global Business and Services, to CGAMEC General Manager Zhou Jian at the 2012 Airshow China in Zhuhai.

“The blade repair capability is a major step in CGAMEC’s development, which supports the rapidly-evolving helicopter market in China,” Maudet said. “It demonstrates the commitment of Eurocopter and CGAMEC to increase their support and services activities. Eurocopter will continue to assist CGAMEC in gaining new capabilities to offer current and future Chinese customers with local solutions to support their helicopters.”

Created in 2001, the Shenzhen-based CGAMEC is a joint venture of CITIC Offshore Helicopter Company (COHC), Eurocopter and Samwell Aviation Limited Company. It is the first Sino-foreign joint venture in the general aviation MRO field, and is approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), as well as the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). In addition to being the only Eurocopter-approved maintenance center in China, CGAMEC also is the engine service center in China approved by Turbomeca – the main manufacturer of powerplants for Eurocopter’s product line.

“Our new rotor blade repair qualification enhances CGAMEC’s advantage in China, and provides additional benefits for our leadership role with Eurocopter in this market,” Zhou explained. “We look forward to bringing additional expertise to our maintenance, repair and overhaul portfolio through this joint venture.”

According to Bruno Boulnois, the CEO of Eurocopter China, CGAMEC’s capabilities expansion marks a new step in Eurocopter’s Chinese presence strategy, which includes its in-country subsidiary that he oversees, along with a range of cooperative programs for spare parts, logistics, MRO and training – all tailored to offer turn-key solutions for customers and their operational needs.

In other activity at this week’s Airshow China that underscores Eurocopter’s key role in Chinese rotorcraft operations, the company recognized COHC for the 160,000 hours of safe flight operations logged with Eurocopter rotorcraft. COHC’s Eurocopter fleet is composed of the EC135, AS365, EC155, AS332 and EC225 helicopter types.

About Eurocopter China (www.eurocopter-china.com)
Created in December 2006, Eurocopter China is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eurocopter Group, responsible for sales and customer support activities for the company’s entire range of products. In China, Eurocopter China covers a market share of 40%. With 45 years of presence and over 30 years of experience in industrial cooperation in China, around 180 Eurocopter helicopters have been sold in the country. In order to provide quality service in proximity to Chinese operators, Eurocopter China has established a multi-based organization in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Harbin, Chengdu, Wuhan and Hong Kong staffed with around 65 employees.

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EADS North America awarded $ 181.8 million Army contract option for 34 UH-72A Lakotas

The U.S. Army has awarded EADS North America a $ 181.8 million contract option to deliver 34 additional UH-72A Lakota helicopters, bringing the total aircraft ordered to date to 312. Army plans call for procuring 347 Lakotas through 2016.

EADS North America has delivered 243 Lakotas – all on time and on budget – from its American Eurocopter facility in Columbus, Miss., where up to five aircraft per month are produced by a workforce that is more than 50 percent U.S. military veterans. The same production line would produce the company’s armed Lakota derivative, the AAS-72X+, for the Army’s Armed Aerial Scout helicopter program.

"This latest contract award is a reflection of EADS North America’s commitment to on-time, on-cost performance with the Lakota, a proven, flexible aircraft that is flying every day to meet the Army’s mission," said Sean O’Keefe, EADS North America Chairman and CEO. "We’re proud of delivering on our promises. In today’s fiscal environment, the Army needs and deserves programs that meet their cost and schedule commitments."

"The Lakota program is an example of a successful program that is meeting the Army’s needs by complying with the Army and OSD goals for an ACAT-1 high performing program," said Colonel Thomas H. Todd, the Utility Helicopters Project Manager. "High performing, well-run programs are the benchmark for major defense program acquisition; the Lakota is clearly in that category."

Aircraft deliveries under the latest option will begin in September 2013. The contract also includes eight engine inlet barrier filter kits.

Twenty-four of the aircraft on this contract will receive the Security and Support (S&S) Battalion mission equipment package (MEP), which was procured under a separate contract action. The S&S Battalion MEP expands the Lakota’s capabilities for missions ranging from disaster response to border security operations. It includes a moving map, EO/IR sensor, digital video recording capability, digital and analog downlink, and a searchlight. Army National Guard units across the country currently operate Lakotas equipped with the S&S Battalion MEP, including extensive operations along the U.S. southwest border.

A combination of full contractor logistics support (CLS) for the Active Army and hybrid CLS for the Army National Guard enables the units to operate the Lakota in accordance with their flying hour plan. The Army program office, military units, and the industry team of EADS North America, American Eurocopter and Helicopter Support International has provided tailored program logistics to the Army and Army National Guard since 2006.

The Lakota fleet has averaged an operational availability rate greater than 90 percent for locations with the full contractor logistics (CLS) support, encompassing 21 different military units. Spare parts fill rate under the hybrid CLS concept supporting 33 units has averaged 97 percent.

The UH-72A is a Defense Acquisition Category (ACAT) I major defense acquisition program, and marked one of the most rapid introductions of a new aircraft in the U.S. Army’s history. Deliveries of the aircraft to National Guard units allow aging OH-58 and UH-1 rotary-wing aircraft to be retired, while UH-72As assigned to the active component of the U.S. Army free up UH-60 Black Hawks for assignment to combat missions.

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Northrop Grumman, U.S. Navy Demonstrate Precision, Wireless Ground Handling of X-47B Unmanned Aircraft

Maneuvers With Handheld Controller Build Confidence for Future Trials on Carrier Deck



NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md., Nov. 15, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and the U.S. Navy have taken a first critical step toward demonstrating that the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator can be maneuvered safely and wirelessly on the crowded deck of an aircraft carrier.

Photos accompanying this release are available at http://media.globenewswire.com/noc/mediagallery.html?pkgid=15766.

In early November, the team successfully completed its first shore-based trials of a new wireless, handheld device called a Control Display Unit (CDU). Developed by Northrop Grumman, the device will allow deck operators to maneuver the X-47B by remote control on the carrier deck.

The team demonstrated the CDU's ability to control the X-47B's engine thrust; to roll the aircraft forward, brake and stop; to use its nose wheel steering to execute tight, precision turns; and to maneuver the aircraft efficiently into a catapult or out of the landing area following a mock carrier landing.

Northrop Grumman is the Navy's prime contractor for the UCAS Carrier Demonstration (UCAS-D) program.

"The CDU is fundamental to integrating the X-47B seamlessly into carrier deck operations," said Daryl Martis, Northrop Grumman's UCAS-D test director. "It will allow us to move the aircraft quickly and precisely into the catapult for launch, or out of the landing area following recovery. Both of these activities are essential to maintaining the rhythm of the flight deck."

In practice, a deck operator will work in tandem with the flight deck director – aka a "yellow shirt" – to move the X-47B via the CDU to a designated flight deck location. Standing in front of the aircraft, the director will use traditional hand signals to indicate how, when and where the aircraft should move, the same way he would communicate with a pilot in a manned aircraft. The deck operator will stand behind the director and use the CDU to duplicate the director's instructions as digital commands to the aircraft.

According to Martis, the CDU will help streamline and, in fact, enable many of the flight test operations required for UCAS-D shore-based carrier suitability testing.

"Instead of towing the aircraft out to the flight line, we can now start the X-47B outside its hangar, then use the CDU to taxi it out to the runway, or into a catapult for launch," he said. "Use of the CDU is the most time-efficient way to move the X-47B into the catapult or disengage it from the arresting gear after landing."

The UCAS-D program plans to conduct its first shore-based catapults of X-47B aircraft later this month. That testing will be followed by hoisting an X-47B aboard an aircraft carrier, and using it to validate the performance of the CDU in an actual carrier environment.

In 2013, the program plans to demonstrate the ability of an X-47B to safely operate from a Navy aircraft carrier, including launch, recovery, and air traffic control operations. The program also plans to mature technologies required for potential future Navy unmanned air system programs. For the latest X-47B news and information, please visit www.as.northropgrumman.com/products/nucasx47b/.

Northrop Grumman's UCAS-D industry team includes GKN Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney, Eaton, General Electric, UTC Aerospace Systems, Dell, Honeywell, Moog, Wind River, Parker Aerospace and Rockwell Collins.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cybersecurity, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

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Boeing 737 MAX Achieves 'Firm Concept'

• -- Program transitions to finalizing configuration details by mid-2013; on track for first delivery in 2017
• -- Boeing selects suppliers for flight deck displays and electronic bleed air system

Boeing (NYSE: BA) has finished defining in broad terms its newest single-aisle airplane, the 737 MAX, recently completing a major milestone in development known as 'Firm Concept'.

"The program has achieved this development milestone by defining the significant changes needed to deliver the performance we've committed to our customers," said Beverly Wyse, vice president and general manager 737 program. "The team has a firm plan in place to incorporate all the changes necessary to realize a 13 percent fuel-use reduction within the scope and schedule of the program."

Fuel-use reduction changes include new LEAP-1B engines from CFM International, a redesigned tail cone and Advanced Technology winglets. Other changes allow these fuel-saving features to be integrated into the overall airplane design.

Boeing also decided to incorporate limited systems changes to the 737 MAX. These include an electronic bleed air system that will be supplied by Honeywell and large-format displays, supplied by Rockwell Collins, for the flight deck of the 737 MAX.

"In keeping with our commitment to customers to continuously improve the 737, we also are making an investment in the future capability of the 737 MAX flight deck with the new, more advanced displays," said Wyse.

The 737 MAX flight deck will have four new large displays with significant growth capability while maintaining a common look-and-feel with the Next-Generation 737 display formats that preserves commonality with training across the 737 family.

"With large-format displays we can offer our customers future capability in the flight deck as pilot and training needs evolve, giving the 737 MAX a competitive advantage and 737 MAX operators even greater value," said Wyse.

The team also has defined the high-speed aerodynamic lines for the 737 MAX. Through analysis and testing conducted in high- and low-speed wind tunnels, the 737 MAX design team has further refined the geometric shape of the airplane, eliminating the need for the small bump on the nose-gear door that appeared in earlier design iterations.

"Removal of the bump demonstrates how far our design work has progressed," said Michael Teal, chief project engineer, 737 MAX.

With Firm Concept, the factory plan for the 737 MAX also has been defined. The factory plan includes a 737 MAX transition line where the initial 737 MAX airplanes will be assembled before integrating the new airplane into the existing 737 production lines in Renton, Wash.

"The 737 MAX remains on track for first delivery in 2017," said Teal. "Now we are focused on the finer details of the configuration and we are confident we'll be ready to begin detailed design in mid-2013."

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EADS encarga una auditoría externa sobre la Conformidad del Grupo

• La agencia líder ETHIC Intelligence llevará a cabo una auditoria externa del sistema de Conformidad de EADS
• Plena cooperación con la Serious Fraud Office de Reino Unido sobre las alegaciones relativas a GPT, una filial de EADS
• La evaluación de PwC sobre GPT no encontró pruebas que sugirieran que GPT o ninguna otra compañía del Grupo EADS pidiera a terceros específicos que efectuaran pagos ilícitos en su representación
• El Grupo reconoce que se reaccionó con lentitud ante las alegaciones de actividad impropia en lo relativo a GPT, pero se ha demostrado la valía en la práctica de su sistema de denuncia interna a prueba de represalias
• EADS colabora plenamente con la fiscalía del Estado en el caso del Eurofighter para Austria

A la vista de las actuales investigaciones sobre la conformidad legal de ciertas actividades, EADS desea hacer público lo siguiente:

Principios y organización de conformidad del Grupo EADS
El Grupo se empeña en garantizar y mejorar continuamente un sistema de Conformidad de vanguardia. El Código Ético de EADS aplica una política de tolerancia cero en lo que concierne a comportamientos fraudulentos o no éticos. El Grupo coopera plenamente con las autoridades en las investigaciones que se están llevando a cabo sobre su Conformidad. EADS es, asimismo, miembro fundador de los Principios Internacionales de Ética Comercial en el Sector Aeroespacial y de Defensa, que también fomenta una política de tolerancia cero ante la corrupción.

En los últimos años, la organización de Conformidad de EADS –que existe en su forma actual desde 2008– se ha desarrollado hasta convertirse en una función central y perfectamente consolidada del gobierno corporativo del Grupo, y con el objetivo de evitar la corrupción de forma eficaz. El Consejo de Administración de EADS y el Comité Ejecutivo del Grupo realizan, junto con el Chief Compliance Officer, continuas evaluaciones relacionadas con materias de Conformidad.

El Grupo pone en marcha una auditoria de su sistema de Conformidad
EADS ha puesto hoy en marcha una evaluación externa del sistema de conformidad normativa de EADS con ETHIC Intelligence, una agencia líder de certificación especializada en programas de cumplimiento normativo anticorrupción. Este examen de la capacidad de cumplimiento del Grupo comenzará de manera inmediata y debería presentar sus primeros resultados a finales de febrero de 2013. Sus conclusiones se darán a conocer públicamente.

GPT Special Project Management Limited
En lo que se refiere al caso de GPT, EADS está colaborando plenamente con el organismo que lleva a cabo la investigación, la Serious Fraud Office (“Fiscalía de Delitos Económicos Graves” – SFO) de Reino Unido. GPT es una empresa con sede legal en Reino Unido que lleva a cabo sus actividades comerciales de forma exclusiva para el Ministerio de Defensa británico. Como proveedor de servicios para el Ministerio de Defensa de ese país, GPT se encarga de llevar a efecto las obligaciones contractuales contenidas en un acuerdo-marco intergubernamental entre el Reino Unido y Arabia Saudí. En marzo de 2007, GPT fue adquirida por Paradigm, una filial de la División Astrium de EADS.

Existencia de un sistema eficaz para proteger a los denunciantes internos de posibles represalias
El pasado mes de agosto, se hicieron públicas unas alegaciones con respecto a la posible implicación de GPT en actividades ilegales. El Grupo reconoce no haber reaccionado con la prontitud necesaria cuando dichas alegaciones fueron presentadas primeramente en la propia filial. EADS se ha comprometido a mejorar aquellos procesos que aceleren la respuesta a asuntos de este tipo en el momento en que se planteen. Sin embargo, el desarrollo de los acontecimientos demostró que el sistema que posee EADS para proteger a los denunciantes de posibles represalias funcionó tal y como se esperaba.

La evaluación de PricewaterhouseCoopers sobre GPT no encontró pruebas que sugirieran que GPT efectuara pagos ilícitos
Como resultado de las declaraciones del denunciante, EADS llevó a cabo en 2010 exhaustivas auditorías referentes a si desde GPT se habían efectuado pagos ilícitos. Tales auditorías internas no encontraron infracciones a la ley. Para posibilitar que prosiguiera la investigación sobre el caso, EADS contrató a PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) para que llevara a cabo una evaluación independiente de ciertas alegaciones hechas sobre GPT, cuyo alcance fue acordado previamente con la SFO. En el período examinado, y de acuerdo con el trabajo que se realizó, PwC no notó indicio alguno que sugiriera que GPT hubiera efectuado pagos ilícitos. Además, la evaluación no encontró pruebas que determinaran que GPT, o a través de GPT, ninguna otra compañía del Grupo EADS pidiera a terceros específicos que llevara a cabo pagos ilícitos en su representación. En su informe, PwC resaltó que EADS cuenta ahora con un sólido régimen de conformidad legal. El informe de PwC se llevó a cabo entre noviembre de 2011 y marzo de 2012, y fue entregado por EADS a la SFO en marzo de 2012. Independientemente, la SFO puso en marcha una investigación oficial sobre el asunto en agosto de 2012.

Eurofighter Austria
Con respecto a las actuales investigaciones relacionadas con la adquisición por parte de Austria de aviones Eurofighter, Tom Enders, Chief Executive Officer, declaró: “Me tomo muy en serio estas alegaciones y EADS está colaborando plenamente con la fiscalía del Estado sobre esta cuestión. Sin embargo, no deseamos apresurarnos a sacar conclusiones y a exponer nuestra posición sin antes contar con una perspectiva plena de lo que parece ser un asunto muy complejo. La empresa mantendrá informado al público sobre los acontecimientos que puedan darse cuando sea necesario”.

Acerca de EADS
EADS es líder mundial en aeronáutica, defensa y servicios relacionados. En 2011, el Grupo –compuesto por Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian y Eurocopter – generó unos ingresos de 49.100 millones de euros con una plantilla de más de 133.000 empleados.


www.eads.com

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AJW CAPITAL buys two A340-500s

• AJW Capital becomes newest Airbus aircraft customer

AJW Capital Partners Limited, a worldwide aviation services group based in the UK, has signed a firm contract for the purchase of two Airbus A340-500s aircraft. With this order AJW Capital becomes the newest Airbus aircraft customer. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines the aircraft features a comfortable two-class cabin for maximum passenger appeal. Commercial service will begin with an existing AJW Group customer early 2013.


“This aircraft order is an important step to further develop the global presence and product portfolio of AJW Capital Partners”, said Christopher Whiteside, President of AJW Group.

“We are very pleased to welcome AJW Capital as a new Airbus customer and we wish to congratulate them on this order’’, said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. ‘’We are proud that they have selected Airbus to develop their product portfolio and I look forward to our partnership”.

The A340-500 is the member of Airbus’ A330/A340 Family with to date more than 1600 aircraft sold and a customer and operator base beyond 150. Operating the world’s longest-range commercial air routes the aircraft offers maximum operational flexibility.

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Maldivian Airlines becomes a new A320 operator

• Modern, best selling A320 Family continues to expand its operator base

Maldivian Airlines, the national carrier of the Maldives has become a new operator of Airbus single aisle aircraft, following the first commercial flight of an A320 on the inaugural flight from Male to Chennai. The aircraft, operated under a leasing agreement, is the first A320 Maldivian will fly to destinations in the Indian sub-continent.


The aircraft, which is powered by CFM56 engines, was previously handed over at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Maldives, in October 2012. Its interior has been specifically modified to accommodate a three-class configuration: 14 business, 18 premium and 120 economy seats.

“This entry into service of our first A320 is a great day for Maldivian and our passengers. This signifies the increasing expansion of Maldivian in the region,” commented Abdul Haris, Managing Director of Maldivian. “We will start our A320 operations with direct flights to Mumbai, Chennai and Dhaka, much-anticipated routes for our customers.”

“We are delighted to welcome Maldivian as the latest operator of our best selling A320 Family,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “Its best-in-class fuel consumption and impeccable eco-efficient credentials make it the ideal match for the Maldives, an island nation which sets high standards for environmental responsibility.”

The A320 Family is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. The aircraft feature the latest technology available today, the widest and most comfortable cabin, and the highest degree of operational commonality. With 99.8% reliability and extended servicing intervals, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft today. More than 5,300 A320 Family aircraft are in airline operation around the world today with over 370 customers and operators. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the world-wide standard wide-body system.

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Latin American airlines will require more than 2,100 new aircraft in next 20 years

• Region’s airlines to benefit from second highest traffic growth in the world

According to the recently released Airbus Global Market Forecast (GMF), Latin American airlines will require 2,120 new aircraft between today and 2031, including 1,660 single-aisle, 420 twin-aisle and 40 very large aircraft estimated at $242 billion. Globally, by 2031 some 28,200 new aircraft valued at $4 trillion will be required to satisfy future robust market demand.

With GDP currently growing above the world average, socio-economic indicators predict Latin America’s middle class will double between 2012 and 2031. Additionally, Latin America has become the second most urbanised region worldwide after North America, and by 2031, 10 out of the 92 mega-cities with more than 10,000 daily long-haul passengers will be in the region.

As a result of this region’s dynamic economic growth, Latin America’s air traffic will rise 5.3 percent per year over the next 20 years, well above the world average of 4.7 percent. Benefiting from this, the region's airlines will grow their own traffic by almost 6 percent per year, the second highest growth globally, only exceeded by those airlines based in the Middle East. Additionally, Latin American airlines’ market share on long-haul routes increased by 8 percent between 2005 and 2011, to reach 21 percent today, showing that they have significant development potential for intercontinental networks.

Increased aircraft demand is also leading Latin American airlines to ordering larger aircraft. Between 2000 and 2012, average aircraft seat capacity increased by more than 13 percent, while the average age of Latin America’s fleet in service decreased below the world average to 10 years of age.

“The Latin American market has become smarter, seeking out highly-efficient, cost-effective and versatile aircraft,” said Rafael Alonso, Executive Vice President of Airbus for Latin America and the Caribbean. “Airbus is perfectly positioned to serve the market’s requirements and future aviation demand with its A320, A330 and A350 Families, as well as the A380.”

Another important trend in Latin America is the rise of low cost carriers throughout the region. Brazil and Mexico have become leaders of the low-cost-carrier segment in the region, with the two countries combined contributing to 95 percent of the market.

With more than 700 aircraft sold and a backlog of almost 350, over 450 Airbus aircraft are in operation throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. In the last 10 years, Airbus has tripled its in-service fleet, while delivering more than 60 percent of all aircraft operating in the region.

For the first time a GMF is available as an application from the App Store.
The report is also on www.airbus.com

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1 de cada 3 pilotos alemanes admite haberse quedado dormido en vuelo

1 de cada 3 pilotos alemanes admite haberse quedado dormido en vuelo: La seguridad en el aire es una cuestión que implica varias cuestiones, entre las cuales desde luego sobresale la tecnología aplicada a ello. Pero por más que se inviertan millones en ello, si luego los pilotos están cansados por la sobrecarga de trabajo, todo habrá sido en vano, y algo de eso hay.
De acuerdo a una encuesta realizada por la Asociación Europea de Pilotos (ECA) entre más de 6.

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España y EEUU firman los acuerdos que coordinan el despliegue de destructores estadounidenses en Rota

España y EEUU firman los acuerdos que coordinan el despliegue de destructores estadounidenses en Rota:

El Comité Director Hispano-Norteamericano ha firmado los acuerdos administrativos de coordinación para que los cuatro destructores AEGIS norteamericanos se basen en Rota a partir de 2014.

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Boeing to develop F-15E and F/A-18E aircraft simulation technologies

Boeing to develop F-15E and F/A-18E aircraft simulation technologies: Boeing has received a three-year contract from the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to develop simulation technologies for two US military aircraft.

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MIT investigating ways to combat boredom in drone pilots

MIT investigating ways to combat boredom in drone pilots:

The saying that "war is long periods of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror” could have been written for military UAV pilots. The news media like to portray drones like the MQ-1 Predator as robot warriors, but behind each one is a human pilot with only limited powers of endurance. On long missions, pilots get bored and distracted, so a team from MIT’s Human and Automaton’s Lab is studying how what can be done to stave off boredom and keep pilots alert...
Continue Reading MIT investigating ways to combat boredom in drone pilots

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