www.Noticias-Aero.info: 2015/04/23

Uber launches on-demand helicopter rides in Shanghai

jueves, 23 de abril de 2015

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/uber-launches-on-demand-helicopter-rides-in-shanghai-2015-04-23

Airbus, FlightSafety International’s U.S. Partnership to Help Address Future Commercial Pilot Shortage [feedly]

Airbus, FlightSafety International's U.S. Partnership to Help Address Future Commercial Pilot Shortage
http://www.airbus.com/no_cache/newsevents/news-events-single/detail/airbus-flightsafety-internationals-us-partnership-to-help-address-future-commercial-pilot-shortage/?utm_source=article&utm_medium=All-news&utm_campaign=RSS

Photo Release -- X-47B Unmanned Aircraft Demonstrates the First Autonomous Aerial Refueling

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – April 22, 2015 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and the U.S. Navy successfully demonstrated fully autonomous aerial refueling (AAR) with the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) aircraft today, marking the first time in history that an unmanned aircraft has refueled in-flight.

This is another historic aviation milestone for the X-47B, which in 2013 became the first unmanned aircraft to autonomously launch from and recover aboard an aircraft carrier. In combination, these landmark demonstrations constitute a major step forward in autonomy that has application in both manned and unmanned aircraft. Autonomous launch, recovery and refueling have the potential for reducing operational costs in the future.

"AAR testing with the X-47B helps solidify the concept that future unmanned aircraft can perform standard missions like aerial refueling and operate seamlessly with manned aircraft as part of the Carrier Air Wing," said Capt. Beau Duarte, the Navy's Unmanned Carrier Aviation program manager.

During the probe and drogue (or "Navy-style") AAR demonstration, the X-47B performed a close formation flight rendezvous with an Omega K-707 tanker. Upon clearance from the tanker crew, the X-47B maneuvered into position behind the K-707 and successfully engaged the drogue. On completion of the refueling, the X-47B autonomously disengaged the drogue and maneuvered away from the tanker before returning to base.

"We are very pleased with the outcome of this first round of probe and drogue flights with the X-47B," said Pablo Gonzalez, UCAS-D program manager, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "The AAR system and X-47B both performed as expected. While we would certainly benefit from additional probe and drogue flight testing, we have reached a tipping point at which AAR is now feasible."

Northrop Grumman began developing AAR technology for both Navy and Air Force application nearly a decade ago, pioneering a "hybrid" approach that integrates both GPS and infrared imaging to enhance navigational precision and hedge against GPS disruption. Initial UCAS-D flight testing began in 2012 using a manned Learjet as a surrogate for the X-47B. These successful proof-of-concept flights demonstrated the overall feasibility of the X-47B AAR system and helped refine its navigation, command and control, and infrared sensor processing components.

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

To learn more about the X-47B UCAS Program, visit: http://bit.ly/18iGc2J.

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

Pratt & Whitney Powers X-47B Unmanned Aircraft Aerial Refueling - PR Newswire (press release) [feedly]

PATUXENT RIVER, Md., April 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Naval Air Systems Command -- The Northrop Grumman X-47B unmanned combat air system (UCAS) has successfully performed an autonomous aerial refueling (AAR) flight test off the coast of Maryland andVirginia powered by Pratt & Whitney's F100-PW-220U engine and exhaust system. This test event marks the first time an unmanned aircraft has demonstrated mid-air refueling using the Navy's probe-and-drogue refueling method, and completes the final objectives of the UCAS demonstration program. Pratt & Whitney is a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

The F100-PW-220U engine is based on the extremely successful engine powering the F-15 and F-16 aircraft around the world. The nozzle was uniquely designed for the X-47B application.

"The engine has performed nearly flawlessly," said Dan Grady, manager, Unmanned Systems, Pratt & Whitney. "Its performance and reliability has exceeded our expectations resulting in no unscheduled engine removals, 100 percent dispatch readiness and in-flight reliability."

During the test, the X-47B exchanged refueling messages with a government-designed Refueling Interface System (RIS) aboard the Omega K-707 tanker. While in-flight, the X-47B then autonomously maneuvered its fixed refueling probe into the tanker's drogue, transferred fuel and safely disconnected from the tanker, successfully completing the first contact flight.

"The ability to autonomously transfer and receive fuel in flight will increase the range and flexibility of future unmanned aircraft platforms, ultimately extending carrier power projection," said Capt. Beau Duarte, the Navy's Unmanned Carrier Aviation program manager. "What we accomplished today demonstrates a significant, groundbreaking step forward for the Navy."

Over the last few years, the X-47B conducted five carrier demonstrations, showcasing the Navy's commitment to unmanned carrier aviation through operations in and around the flight deck and maturing an AAR capability.

"Our team has worked closely with the Navy and Northrop Grumman to get ready for this important demonstration," said Grady. "Powering the successful fuel transfer marks a proud moment in history for Pratt & Whitney."

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit its website at www.utc.com, or follow the company on Twitter: @UTC.

Sweden’s Remote Tower Services go live at Örnsköldsvik Airport [feedly]

Sweden's Remote Tower Services go live at Örnsköldsvik Airport
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AtwDailyNews/~3/BQ_ad6W_bUk/sweden-s-remote-tower-services-go-live-rnsk-ldsvik-airport

Sweden's Örnsköldsvik Airport has begun operations using the Remote Tower Services (RTS) system developed by Swedish air navigation services provider LFV and Saab.

Boeing Reports Strong First-Quarter Results [feedly]

Boeing Reports Strong First-Quarter Results
http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2015-04-22-Boeing-Reports-Strong-First-Quarter-Results

Core EPS (non-GAAP) rose 12 percent* to $1.97 on strong operating performance; GAAP EPS of $1.87

ANA develops new economy class seats with Toyota Boshoku [feedly]

PICTURE: ANA develops new economy class seats with Toyota Boshoku
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/PICTURE-ANA-develops-new-economy-class-seats-with-Toyota-Boshoku-411460/

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easyJet takes delivery of its 250th Airbus aircraft [feedly]

easyJet takes delivery of its 250th Airbus aircraft
http://www.airbus.com/no_cache/newsevents/news-events-single/detail/easyjet-takes-delivery-of-its-250th-airbus-aircraft/?utm_source=article&utm_medium=All-news&utm_campaign=RSS

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Airbus Selects Korean Air Aerospace to manufacture Sharklet wingtips for the A330neo Family [feedly]

Airbus Selects Korean Air Aerospace to manufacture Sharklet wingtips for the A330neo Family
http://www.airbus.com/no_cache/newsevents/news-events-single/detail/airbus-selects-korean-air-aerospace-to-manufacture-sharklet-wingtips-for-the-a330neo-family/?utm_source=article&utm_medium=All-news&utm_campaign=RSS

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Triton UAV conducts first flight with search radar - IHS Jane's 360 [feedly]

Triton UAV conducts first flight with search radar

IHS Jane's 360

The US Navy's (USN's) Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) completed its first flight equipped with a Multi-Function Active Sensor (MFAS) on 18 April, the USN announced on 20 April. The USN's MQ-4C Triton UAV has completed ...

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FAA Approves UAV Use for Search and Rescue in Maine - Spar Point Group [feedly]

FAA Approves UAV Use for Search and Rescue in Maine

Spar Point Group

Viking Drone SPAR reported last week that the FAA had introduced a summary grant process to improve the speed at which they could grant 333 exemptions. At the time we published, the process had already increased the number of exemptions from 69 to ...

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