Quadrocopters throw, catch, and balance an inverted pendulum

Quadrocopters throw, catch, and balance an inverted pendulum:

Apparently, balancing a pole on top of a flying quadrocopter robot wasn't challenging enough for the researchers at ETH Zurich's Institute for Dynamic Systems and Control. Their latest project has two quadrocopters playing catch with a precariously balanced pole – the first robot launches the pole into the air, while the second robot deftly moves into position in less than a second to catch it as it falls. The incredible precision flying achieved by the team can be seen in a video after the break...
Continue Reading Quadrocopters throw, catch, and balance an inverted pendulum

Boeing Acquires CPU Tech's Microprocessor Business

• Acalis microprocessors provide critical security for global aerospace and defense customers
• Acquisition increases Boeing's vertical depth to further differentiate its platforms and services in growing global market

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 22, 2013 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today continued to address its global customers' enduring need to protect warfighters from information-assurance attacks by acquiring CPU Technology Inc.'s Acalis business. Acalis microprocessors contain unique hardware and software that can guard mission-critical onboard systems in Boeing platforms.

"Acalis provides security-on-a-chip that can help defend the manned and unmanned aircraft we build at Boeing today and in the future for customers around the world," said Chris Chadwick, president of Boeing Military Aircraft. "With these processors onboard, warfighters can complete their missions and not be sidelined by malware, cloning and other cyber threats against the aircraft's systems."

Acalis will be integrated into Boeing Military Aircraft's Global Strike division. The Acalis business employs approximately 40 people and is based in Pleasanton, Calif.

Acquiring Acalis continues the company's strategy of increasing Boeing's vertical depth to better differentiate its offerings and provide long-term value for its global aerospace and defense customers.

CPU Technology was privately held and the terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 60,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

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Forward-Looking Information Is Subject to Risk and Uncertainty

Certain statements in this release may be "forward-looking" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding benefits and synergies of the transaction, as well as any other statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions about future events that may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements. As a result, these statements speak only as of the date they are made and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. Specific factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include the effect of global economic conditions, our ability to successfully integrate CPU Tech’s business and realize anticipated synergies, and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Boeing-COMAC Technology Center to Support Efficient Air Traffic Management

• Companies will work with Chinese researchers to forecast 30-year airspace capacity, new opportunities for efficiency
• Collaborative effort will support growth in commercial aviation

BEIJING, Feb. 25, 2013 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) announced today that the Boeing-COMAC Aviation Energy Conservation and Emissions Reductions Technology Center will conduct two new research projects on air traffic management to support the long-term efficiency, capacity and safety of China’s air traffic system.

“Combining our two companies’ efforts on air traffic management through our Joint Technology Center is a natural step forward in our steadily expanding collaboration,” said Marc Allen, president of Boeing China.

The Boeing-COMAC Technology Center, the companies’ collaborative effort to support commercial aviation industry growth, will work with Civil Aviation University of China (CAUC) to forecast the 30-year capacity of China’s national airspace system. This research will develop evaluation tools to predict trends of future airspace development and provide recommendations for improving the national airspace system. CAUC is administered by the Civil Aviation Administration of China and hosts the National Key Laboratory of Operation Safety Technology.

“With the increasing demand for air transport and growing environmental concerns, air traffic management plays a key role in the healthy growth of air transport capability,” said Dr. Guangqiu Wang, vice president of COMAC’s Beijing Aeronautical Science and Technology Research Institute (BASTRI). “It is our great pleasure to cooperate with Boeing to work on air traffic management initiatives for greater energy efficiency and emission reduction.”

The Boeing-COMAC Technology Center will also work with Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, which hosts the National Key Laboratory of Air Traffic Flow Management Technology, on development of an air traffic decision support system to optimize in-bound air traffic flow at airports. Successful outcomes from this project will help air traffic controllers determine the most efficient arrival sequences and enhance flight safety by providing better situational awareness.

“We are very pleased to work with COMAC to support the long-term efficiency of China’s commercial aviation system and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Dr. Dong Yang Wu, vice president of Boeing Research & Technology - China. “The Boeing-COMAC Technology Center continues to partner with wop’rld-class research capabilities in China to support commercial aviation’s growth while reducing its environmental footprint.”

The Boeing-COMAC Technology Center previously announced research to identify contaminants in waste cooking oil, which is sometimes called “gutter oil” in China, and processes that may treat and clean it for use as jet fuel. Funded by both companies and located in COMAC’s BASTRI, the Boeing-COMAC Technology Center is working with China-based universities and research institutions to expand knowledge in areas such as sustainable aviation biofuels and air traffic management that improve commercial aviation’s efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

China is one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. The Civil Aviation Administration of China has reported that passenger traffic reached 319 million in 2012 and forecasts that it will reach 1.5 billion passengers in 2030. Boeing has estimated that Chinese airlines will need to buy 5,260 new commercial airplanes by 2031 to meet this extraordinary demand.



About COMAC

The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) is a state-owned company, which is formed with the approval of the State Council and jointly invested by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council, Shanghai Guosheng (Group) Co., Ltd., Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), China Aluminum Corporation (CHINALCO), Baosteel Group, and Sinochem Group. COMAC was held on May 11th, 2008. COMAC is headquartered in Shanghai. Mr Jin Zhuanglong serves as Chairman of the Board, and Mr He Dongfeng as President.

COMAC functions as the main vehicle in implementing large passenger aircraft programs in China. It is also mandated with the overall planning of developing trunk liner and regional jet programs and realizing the industrialization of civil aircraft in China. COMAC is engaged in the research, manufacture and flight tests of civil aircraft and related businesses such as marketing, servicing, leasing and operations of civil aircraft. The company has six member organizations: Shanghai Aircraft Design and Research Institute (SADRI), Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (SAMC), Shanghai Aircraft Customer Service Co., Ltd., Beijing Aeronautical Science and Technology Research Institute (BASTRI)., COMAC Flight Test Center (CFTC), Shanghai Aviation Industrial (Group) Co., Ltd. (SAIGC) and Shanghai Commercial Aircraft Magazine Co., Ltd.



COMAC adopts a "major manufacturer-suppliers" model, focusing on aircraft design, final assembly and manufacture of aircraft, marketing and customer service, and acquisition of certification. COMAC adheres to the principle of "developing with Chinese characteristics and representing the technical progress" and makes self-reliant advancement in the process of marketing, integration, localization and globalization. The company endeavors to manufacture large passenger aircraft that are safe, economical, comfortable and environmentally friendly. COMAC is determined to independently build large Chinese passenger aircraft that will soon be soaring through the blue skies.



About Boeing

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in 150 countries. Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training. For more information about Boeing please visit www.boeing.com.



Boeing is currently celebrating the 40th anniversary of its partnership with China’s aviation industry.Boeing is the single largest purchaser of made-in-China aviation parts, committing hundreds of millions of dollars annually to dozens of suppliers. Today, some 6,000 Boeing airplanes fly throughout the world with integrated China-built parts and assemblies.

Lockheed to upgrade USAF's F-22 jet fleet in $6.9bn contract

Lockheed to upgrade USAF's F-22 jet fleet in $6.9bn contract: The US Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded a sole source indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity $6.9bn acquisition contract to Lockheed Martin, to upgrade the US Air Force's (USAF) F-22 Raptor fighter jet fleet.

Asia-Pacific to drive demand for bigger and more efficient aircraft

Demand for nearly 10,000 new aircraft, including over 3,800 widebodies
Blagnac, 25 February 2013


Asia-Pacific airlines will lead global demand for larger and more eco-efficient aircraft types over the next 20 years, according to the latest market forecast for the region by Airbus. The forecast was presented today in Singapore by John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, Airbus.

Altogether, airlines from the region will take delivery of around 9,870 new passenger and cargo aircraft during the forecast period, valued at US$1.6 trillion. This represents 35 per cent of all new aircraft deliveries worldwide over the next 20 years, ahead of Europe and North America. In terms of value, the region will account for 40 per cent of the global market for new airliners, reflecting the higher proportion of widebody aircraft required by Asia-Pacific carriers.

In the passenger market, the fleet of aircraft operated by Asia-Pacific carriers is expected to more than double in the next 20 years, from 4,300 aircraft today to a total of 10,440 jets, based on higher than average annual traffic growth of 5.8 per cent and replacement of nearly 3,500 aircraft in service today.

Reflecting the high levels of urbanisation in the Asia-Pacific region, traffic will continue to be concentrated around a growing number of major cities, with larger aircraft providing the most efficient means of meeting demand while overcoming airport constraints. As a result, Airbus predicts that carriers in the region will acquire some 3,840 widebody aircraft over the next 20 years, accounting for 44 per cent of worldwide demand in the larger aircraft categories.

The widebody deliveries to the region will include 3,080 twin-aisle aircraft, such as the A330 and all-new A350 XWB, and around 760 very large aircraft with over 400 seats, such as the A380, for the busiest routes. At the top end of the market, the region will lead global demand for airliners such as the A380, accounting for 45 per cent of deliveries in this size category.

In addition to long haul services, carriers in the region will continue to operate large numbers of mid-size widebodies on regional services, with more routes being served in the future by aircraft carrying more than 400 passengers.

While Asia-Pacific carriers will lead demand in the larger aircraft segments, the latest Airbus forecast also sees the number of single aisle aircraft in the region accelerating in the coming years.

This will be largely driven by the ongoing growth in the low cost sector, which has increased by seven per cent annually for the last ten years. This growth, plus replacement cycles, will generate demand for some 6,030 new single aisle aircraft in the region, such as the best-selling A320 Family.

As with the widebody market, the average seating capacity of single aisle aircraft in the region will also grow, with a significant move towards the larger models offered by the various manufacturers and higher seating configurations.

In the cargo sector, the region will continue to dominate the global market. According to the new forecast, the dedicated freighter fleet operated by Asia-Pacific airlines will grow from 316 today to some 887, representing 30 per cent of the global freighter fleet. While many of the aircraft will be converted from passenger models, Airbus predicts that around 251 new production freighters will be delivered to the region over the next two decades. As in other world regions, around 30 per cent of the freighters will be in the 45 – 70 tonne category served by mid-size widebody aircraft, such as the A330.

“The Asia-Pacific market is where the action will be in the air transport market over the next 20 years,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “Growing economies, bigger cities and increasing wealth will see more people flying, driving the need for larger and more efficient aircraft.”

“Airbus will be uniquely placed to meet demand from airlines in the region with the most modern, efficient and comprehensive product line, ranging from 100 to over 500 seats and catering to every market segment.”

The Asia-Pacific region is a core market for Airbus, accounting for 31 per cent of all orders recorded by the company to date. Today, there are more than 2,100 Airbus aircraft in service with 97 operators across the region, with another 1,800 on order with customers for future delivery. This represents over a third of the company's total backlog, reflecting the importance of the region as the fastest growing market for new civil aircraft.

Airbus' forecast for the Asia-Pacific region is derived from the company's Global Market Forecast, which foresees a need for some 28,200 passenger and freighter aircraft valued at nearly US$4.0 trillion over the next 20 years. In the various size categories the forecast predicts total demand for 1,710 very large aircraft, 6,970 twin aisle widebodies and 19,520 single aisle aircraft.

The Airbus product line comprises the best-selling A320 Family in the single aisle market, the popular A330 and all-new A350 XWB in the mid-size widebody category and the flagship A380 in the very large aircraft segment. In the freight market Airbus currently offers the new-build A330-200F and the A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (A330P2F) programme.