Doubling the Threat: Drones + Lasers?

When MQ-1 Predators are armed, they head off into the wild blue yonder with a lone pair of Hellfire missiles under their wings. It’s a double-barreled shotgun you can’t reload.

But folks at General Atomics are getting increasingly excited by the HELLADS — the High Energy Liquid Laser Defense System. It is designed to shrink a flying laser into a package small enough to cram onto an aircraft.

“It would give us an unlimited magazine,” says one person close to the program.

Read more: http://nation.time.com/2012/12/10/double-trouble-drones-lasers/#ixzz2Egum16MB

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Video: KC-390 wind tunnel tests

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La SEPI obtendría 365 millones por su cesión del 1,5% en EADS

La SEPI obtendría 365 millones por su cesión del 1,5% en EADS:
Madrid.- La española Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (SEPI) podría llegar a percibir hasta 365 millones de euros por la cesión del 1,5% de su participación en el capital social del consorcio aeroespacial y de defensa europeo EADS, tras la recomposición del accionariado del mismo producido la pasada semana.

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El ministro de Defensa Pedro Morenés participa en Rabat en la reunión ministerial de la ‘Iniciativa 5+5’

El ministro de Defensa Pedro Morenés participa en Rabat en la reunión ministerial de la ‘Iniciativa 5+5’:
El Ministro de Defensa español, Pedro Morenés, se encuentra en Rabat con objeto de participar en la reunión anual de ministros de Defensa de la ‘Iniciativa5+5’, que tiene lugar bajo presidencia marroquí. La ‘Iniciativa 5+5’ está formada por Argelia, España, Francia, Italia, Libia, Malta, Marruecos, Mauritania, Portugal y Túnez. Al término de las reuniones de la ‘Iniciativa 5+5’, el Ministro Morenés se reunirá con su colega de Mauritania para tratar asuntos bilaterales.

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IRST EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON METEOR FIRING TRIAL A SUCCESS

The Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile has been successfully launched from a Eurofighter Typhoon as part of the Future Enhancements Flight Test Programme.


The missile was eject launched from a rear fuselage missile station, which on Eurofighter Typhoon is semi-conformal for aircraft drag and radar signature reduction. The missile motor was fired, providing data that will allow the missile launch envelope to be expanded.  

This builds on an earlier series of flight trials, carried out by partner company BAE Systems on behalf of the Eurofighter programme, where unpowered missiles were used to demonstrate safe separation on the missile.
This current package of work begins the full integration of the Meteor missile with all Eurofighter Typhoon systems.

The flight trials were conducted with integrated support from QinetiQ and MBDA.
After taking part in the Meteor trials, BAE Systems Typhoon Test Pilot Steve Long said: "By completing these initial Meteor flight trials, Typhoon has taken a significant leap forward in operational capability.  As a fighter pilot, you ultimately want the best possible combination of aircraft and advanced weapons to ensure mission success and to get you home safely. The range and performance of the Meteor weapon goes a long way to achieving this - with confidence.  A potent long range missile, coupled with a highly agile aircraft gives us a very potent and very powerful mix."

Meteor, a beyond visual range air-to-air missile manufactured by MBDA will provide the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft with the next generation of cutting edge weapons capability.  Featuring advanced air breathing motor technology for maximum range and the latest electronics to deliver optimum combat performance, it will ensure that Eurofighter Typhoon remains the world's most advanced multi role aircraft and will further complement its short and medium range air-to-air missile capabilities.

The integration of the Meteor weapon is a game-changer on the battlefield; adding another layer to Eurofighter Typhoon's swing-role capabilities and ensuring the pilot is able to engage hostile air threats at long range at the same time as identifying and engaging targets on the ground.

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Cruce del Atlántico colgado de globos de helio "de juguete"

http://www.flyclick.com.ar/2012/11/19/cruce-del-atlantico-con-globos-de-juguete-2/

Jonathan Trappe, de 37 años quiere realizar el sueño de cruzar el Océano Atlántico de este a oeste. Lo interesante de la aventura es que volaría suspendido por un racimo de globos de helio, simulando al film UP de Disney Pixar. El sueño de niños volar aferrado a un montón de globos de juguete.

El viernes pasado realizaron el primer lanzamiento en León, México para probar el sistema de globos y la nueva góndola, que es un bote salvavidas de color amarillo, antes usaba un arnés similar a los de parapente.

Jonathan se siente muy seguro de poder realizar este vuelo que quedará registrado en el libro de Guinness. Tal como otras conquistas, cuando en en mayo de 2010 cruzó el canal de la Mancha partiendo desde Inglaterra, a lo largo de los icónicos Blancos Acantilados de Dover para aterrizar en la campiña francesa. Luego en septiembre de 2011 sobrevoló los Alpes, cruzándolos desde Francia para aterrizar en Italia. Este año voló a través del lago Michigan en el lanzamiento de EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

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Boeing Corporative Magazine:Frontiers (Dec-12)

http://www.boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2012/december/#/1/

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[video] Latest Boeing simulation System

http://www.boeing.com/Features/2012/12/bds_crvs_12_06_12.html

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Piloting an experimental aircraft, from the ground up [video]

text: http://www.boeing.com/Features/2012/12/corp_x48ctestpilot_12_07_12.html

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Boeing, Turkish Airlines Finalize Order for 15 777-300ERs

• Largest order by value in Turkish Airlines history

ISTANBUL, Dec. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Turkish Airlines have finalized a firm order for 15 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes worth $4.7 billion at list prices. The agreement, first announced in October as a commitment, also includes options for five additional 777-300ERs and is the largest order by value in Turkish Airlines' history.

Turkish Airlines' fleet currently includes 12 777-300ERs, the first of which Boeing delivered in October 2010. Over the past two years, these airplanes have formed the backbone of Turkish Airlines' long-haul operations. This latest order will enable the Turkish flag-carrier to continue to serve new destinations worldwide.

"This latest order from Turkish Airlines is testament to the key role the 777 has played in the carrier's long-haul route expansion," said Todd Nelp, vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "In recent years, Turkish Airlines has been incredibly successful in providing its passengers with outstanding service to a growing range of international destinations. The exceptional performance of the 777-300ER, with its excellent fuel economics, reliability and passenger comfort, has been a cornerstone for Turkish Airlines' continued growth."

The 777-300ER seats up to 386 passengers in a three-class configuration and has a maximum range of 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km).

Turkish Airlines currently operates a fleet that includes nearly 100 Boeing airplanes and serves more than 200 destinations across 90 countries worldwide.

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La hora de Alestis:tiene una cartera de pedidos de 2.400M€ en diez años pero está en concurso de acreedores y un ERE amenaza a 312 empleos

Es festivo. Día de la Constitución. Muy temprano. Pero las luces ya están encendidas en la planta de Alestis de Puerto Real. No se descansa. La aeronáutica andaluza trata de mantener su actividad pese a estar inmersa en un concurso voluntario de acreedores, un plan de reestructuración y un Expediente de Regulación de Empleo. El fracaso supondría la pérdida de 1.800 puestos de trabajo y otros 4.000 indirectos. Un golpe prácticamente mortal. Hace casi cinco años que Alestis despegó como un gran sueño cumplido: consolidar una empresa andaluza volcada en el sector aeronáutico bajo el paraguas de los encargos de piezas para el consorcio europeo Airbus, que ya entonces daban trabajo a pequeñas plantas industriales ubicadas en su mayoría en Sevilla y Cádiz. http://ccaa.elpais.com/ccaa/2012/12/08/andalucia/1355000165_852057.html

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Airbus Military A400M completes critical flight-test phase

On track for full certification and first delivery.

Airbus Military has successfully completed the 300 hours of Function & Reliability (F&R) flight-testing of the A400M new generation airlifter which is a key requirement prior to full certification.

Data from the F&R programme, which was performed entirely using the first production-representative aircraft – MSN6 / Grizzly 5 – is now being examined by the civil and military certification authorities for the A400M – respectively EASA and a committee appointed by OCCAR.

Having received the restricted Type Certification begin May this year, this phase of the flight test programme was the last major requirement prior to full Type Certification. It is expected that the aircraft will receive the full civil Type Certificate and military Initial Operating Capability in the first quarter of next year subject to the approval of the relevant authorities. First delivery to the French Air Force, of MSN7, is planned for the second quarter, and a total of four aircraft will be delivered during the year in line with the schedule.

The F&R testing was completed in just 32 days, during which the aircraft made 52 flights and visited 10 different airfields. The exercise is intended to examine the aircraft´s behavior in conditions representative of normal in-service experience, including both routine and simulated abnormal operations in a wide range of weather and locations. It helps minimize the risk to operational crews, particularly on new aircraft entering service, of malfunctions and failures that increase pilot workload.

This intensive testing demonstrated the excellent reliability of the A400M and its systems as well as its TP400 engines even under an exceptionally demanding schedule.

Airbus Military Head of Flight and Integration Tests Fernando Alonso said: "During this F&R campaign the A400M has really been put through its paces. It has flown an average of two flights and 15 flight hours per day over a 26 day timeframe with only 6 days devoted to routine maintenance activities.The crews have been greatly impressed with the performance of the on-board systems and engines, and we are confident that we have a sound basis for completing the civil and military certification in the next couple of months."

PR

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Siemens ensaya con Airbus: se encargará del mantenimiento tecnológico de la planta de fibra de carbono en Illescas

Usted céntrese en lo suyo, que nosotros nos encargaremos de todo lo demás. Con esta filosofía, Siemens ha lanzado en España un proyecto piloto para realizar el mantenimiento tecnológico de la planta de EADS, fabricante de Airbus, en Illescas (Toledo), con el objetivo de reducir los costes y mejorar la productividad. "Tenemos que garantizar que los medios de producción están disponibles, a punto y que incluyen una mejora continua del servicio", explica Pascual Dedios, consejero delegado del sector industrial de Siemens en España. Si los resultados son los adecuados, se podría extender esta experiencia a nivel mundial.

http://economia.elpais.com/economia/2012/12/07/actualidad/1354886060_885400.html

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India’s Light Transport Competition: Follow Avros to Exit

India’s Light Transport Competition: Follow Avros to Exit:

India’s slow-motion force modernization has made significant progress within its aerial transport fleet. Their AN-32s are being modernized, stretched C-130J Hercules have been bought for their special forces, and the IAF’s high-end IL-76s will soon be joined by 10 Boeing C-17 heavy transports. Now, at the very bottom of India’s fixed-wing transport force, it’s time to replace the 6 tonne capacity of the IAF’s 30 or so surviving 748M Avros. The planes are currently used for troop transport, communications, and training.

The 2 leading contenders are a familiar pair, and would be more like western counterparts to the higher-performance AN-32s. A number of other makes and models have been floated, which could make for an interesting competition if enough of them respond.
(more…)

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La Fuerza Aérea Brasileña se decanta por el F-18, en lugar del Gripen NG, según la prensa local

La Fuerza Aérea Brasileña se decanta por el F-18, en lugar del Gripen NG, según la prensa local:

La FAB, a la espera desde hace más de 12 años de la decisión final para adquirir 36 cazas, se inclinaría ahora por los F-18 Súper Hornet estadounidenses, que compiten con los Rafale franceses y los Gripen suecos, afirma la revista paulista Istoé.

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U.S. Army Flies Autonomous Black Hawk Helicopter

U.S. Army Flies Autonomous Black Hawk Helicopter: First Test Flight Had Pilots Aboard For Safety Over the skies east of San Jose, CA, a Black Hawk helicopter was seen flying low and slow November 5. There were pilots aboard the aircraft, but all maneuvers during this flight were being conducted autonomously.

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La SAE contada a los niños: "¿Cómo y por qué vuela un avión?"

CONFERENCIA DEL CICLO "LA SAE CONTADA A LOS NIÑOS"

Desde la Sociedad Aeronáutica Española y de la Astronáutica, SAE os queremos invitar el próximo dia 15 de diciembre 19:00 horas a una nueva conferencia infantil de la SAE:  "¿Cómo y por qué vuela un avión?"   Descubre la pasión por volar, desde el vuelo de las aves al de los aviones Aprende por qué y cómo vuela un avión, partiendo de la mitología y de los artilugios menos pesados que el aire para finalizar con las aeronaves más modernas Contado por  Javier Gomez Barrero, Piloto de Línea Comercial y Vicepresidente del SEPLA. Dirigida a público infantil. Tendrá lugar en el National Geographic Store de Madrid (Gran Vía 74) el próximo sábado 15 a las 19.00 ¡Ven con tus hijos! No es necesario confirmar la asistencia, ¡simplemente venir y disfrutar! Para más información: http://www.sociedadaeronautica.org para reunir y divulgar el conocimiento aeronáutico Así fueron las anteriores: Las ciudades del cielo, ¿cómo funciona un aeropuerto?" Magia ¿Cómo se controla un avión?

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