viernes, 30 de septiembre de 2016
Airbus Steps Up Integration
PR
Airbus Group (stock exchange symbol: AIR) further integrates by merging its Group structure with its largest division Airbus Commercial Aircraft into a new entity. Last night, the Board of Directors of Airbus Group approved a respective proposal by the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tom Enders.
“Already in July, we launched a transformation programme that is heavily focused on digitalisation of the company’s core processes and tools,” Tom Enders said. “It will impact the way the company and its employees will work and the way we organiseAirbus in the future. Lean structures and speedy decision-making are prerequisites for the success of digital transformation. The merger of Airbus Group and Airbus paves the way for an overhaul of our corporate set-up, simplifies our company’s governance, eliminates redundancies and supports further efficiencies, while at the same time driving further integration of the entire Group. The other two divisions, Defence and Space led by Dirk Hoke and Helicopters led by Guillaume Faury, remain integral parts of the Group and will derive considerable benefit from the merger through more focused business support and reduced costs.”
The new entity will be led by CEO Tom Enders. Fabrice Brégier will become Chief Operating Officer (COO) and President Airbus Commercial Aircraft. As COO, Brégier will have group-wide responsibilities, inter alia for reshaping digital operations – the core part of the group’s transformation programme – as well as for global supply chain and quality.
“We are bringing Team Airbus closer together, recognizing that our Commercial Aircraft Division is by far the largest contributor to our company’s revenues and financials. We are committed to delivering the next level of performance by, for example, further streamlining our corporate structures and establishing a simpler and leaner organization overall with less bureaucracy, closer collaboration and faster processes,” explained Tom Enders.
The details of the merger and its resulting impacts are now subject to discussions with the social partners on Group, national and divisional level.
The merger provides the opportunity to introduce a single Airbus brand for the Groupand all its entities, effective January 2017.
These latest efforts are the continuation of a number of integration and normalisation steps, which Airbus has taken in recent years: In 2012, the company combined the Human Resources and Finance departments of both Airbus Group (then EADS) andAirbus. The Group also relocated its headquarters to Toulouse. In 2013, the Groupfundamentally reshaped its corporate governance and shareholder structure, moving away from a Franco-German joint venture to a fully independent Board of Directorsand a free-float of more than 70 percent. Subsequent steps brought the company’s rebranding (EADS became Airbus Group) and the Group-wide integration and streamlining of additional functions.
About Airbus Group
Airbus Group is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2015, the Group – comprising Airbus, Airbus Defence and Space and Airbus Helicopters – generated revenues of € 64.5 billion and employed a workforce of around 136,600.
Airbus Group (stock exchange symbol: AIR) further integrates by merging its Group structure with its largest division Airbus Commercial Aircraft into a new entity. Last night, the Board of Directors of Airbus Group approved a respective proposal by the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tom Enders.
“Already in July, we launched a transformation programme that is heavily focused on digitalisation of the company’s core processes and tools,” Tom Enders said. “It will impact the way the company and its employees will work and the way we organiseAirbus in the future. Lean structures and speedy decision-making are prerequisites for the success of digital transformation. The merger of Airbus Group and Airbus paves the way for an overhaul of our corporate set-up, simplifies our company’s governance, eliminates redundancies and supports further efficiencies, while at the same time driving further integration of the entire Group. The other two divisions, Defence and Space led by Dirk Hoke and Helicopters led by Guillaume Faury, remain integral parts of the Group and will derive considerable benefit from the merger through more focused business support and reduced costs.”
The new entity will be led by CEO Tom Enders. Fabrice Brégier will become Chief Operating Officer (COO) and President Airbus Commercial Aircraft. As COO, Brégier will have group-wide responsibilities, inter alia for reshaping digital operations – the core part of the group’s transformation programme – as well as for global supply chain and quality.
“We are bringing Team Airbus closer together, recognizing that our Commercial Aircraft Division is by far the largest contributor to our company’s revenues and financials. We are committed to delivering the next level of performance by, for example, further streamlining our corporate structures and establishing a simpler and leaner organization overall with less bureaucracy, closer collaboration and faster processes,” explained Tom Enders.
The details of the merger and its resulting impacts are now subject to discussions with the social partners on Group, national and divisional level.
The merger provides the opportunity to introduce a single Airbus brand for the Groupand all its entities, effective January 2017.
These latest efforts are the continuation of a number of integration and normalisation steps, which Airbus has taken in recent years: In 2012, the company combined the Human Resources and Finance departments of both Airbus Group (then EADS) andAirbus. The Group also relocated its headquarters to Toulouse. In 2013, the Groupfundamentally reshaped its corporate governance and shareholder structure, moving away from a Franco-German joint venture to a fully independent Board of Directorsand a free-float of more than 70 percent. Subsequent steps brought the company’s rebranding (EADS became Airbus Group) and the Group-wide integration and streamlining of additional functions.
About Airbus Group
Airbus Group is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2015, the Group – comprising Airbus, Airbus Defence and Space and Airbus Helicopters – generated revenues of € 64.5 billion and employed a workforce of around 136,600.
jueves, 29 de septiembre de 2016
Morocco and Boeing sign major deal to attract suppliers - Deutsche Welle
http://www.dw.com/en/morocco-and-boeing-sign-major-deal-to-attract-suppliers/av-35913773
Morocco and Boeing sign major deal to attract suppliers
Deutsche Welle
Morocco's aerospace sector is hoping for a major boost from a new deal with Boeing. The US aeronautics firm has agreed to set up an industrial ecosystem and bring 120 suppliers to the country. The deal could lead to the creations of thousands of new ...
HAL approaches Tatas to make Sukhoi floor beams again - Times of India
HAL approaches Tatas to make Sukhoi floor beams again
Times of India
Nagpur: Tata Group's TAL Manufacturing Solutions, which has a unit at Mihan-SEZ, was recently approached by Bangalore-based defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), for making floor beams and other similar components for Sukhoi fighter ..
Antonov gets US flight exemptions - Heavy Lift
Antonov gets US flight exemptions
Heavy Lift
September 28 - Ukrainian operator Antonov Company (Antonov Airlines) has been granted broad air charter exemptions for flights to and from the USA by the US Department of Transportation (US DOT).
http://www.heavyliftpfi.com/news/antonov-gets-us-flight-exemptions.html
From Under the Sea to Up in the Air: Lockheed Martin Conducts First Underwater Unmanned Aircraft Launch from Unmanned Underwater Vehicle
NEWPORT, R.I., Sept. 28, 2016 – In a testament to the versatility and adaptability that its unmanned systems bring to complex missions, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) successfully launched Vector Hawk, a small, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), on command from the Marlin MK2 autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) during a cross-domain command and control event hosted by the U.S. Navy. In addition to Marlin and Vector Hawk, the Submaran, an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) developed by Ocean Aero, provided surface reconnaissance and surveillance.
"This effort marks a milestone in showing that an unmanned aircraft, surface vessel and undersea vehicle can communicate and complete a mission cooperatively and completely autonomously," said Kevin Schlosser, chief architect, unmanned systems technology, Lockheed Martin.
During the Annual Navy Technology Exercise (ANTX) activities in August, the Submaran relayed instructions to Marlin from a ground control station via underwater acoustic communications. Following these instructions, the Marlin launched the Vector Hawk using a specially-designed canister from the surface of the Narragansett Bay. Following launch, Vector Hawk successfully assumed a mission flight track. All three autonomous vehicles—Marlin, Submaran and Vector Hawk—communicated operational status to the ground control station to maintain situational awareness and provide a means to command and control all assets.
"Lockheed Martin has heard loud and clear the U.S. Navy's call to get faster, be more agile, and to be continually creative," said Frank Drennan, director, mission and unmanned systems business development. "We have clearly illustrated that we have the necessary agility and quickness combined with innovative technology to increase the range, reach, and effectiveness of undersea forces."
Lockheed Martin's Vector Hawk is designed for canister or hand-launch in all-weather, maritime environments to provide customers with an organic, tailored intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability at the moment they need it.
"This signifies the versatility of Lockheed Martin's unmanned systems to communicate seamlessly across domains to conduct a diverse set of missions in all environments. The capability is quickly reconfigured in the field," said Schlosser. "In a short time, we enabled these systems to work together by rapidly changing sensor packages."
In addition to its configuration versatility, Vector Hawk is capable of fully autonomous flight and landing, which enables operators' to shift their focus from flying the aircraft to managing the mission.
The four-pound Vector Hawk can fly for 70-plus minutes, at line-of-sight ranges up to 15 kilometers. Operators can recover and re-launch the Vector Hawk in a matter of minutes (including changing the system's battery). Vector Hawk is built on an open architecture to enable rapid technology insertion and payload integration.
Marlin MK2 is a battery powered, fully autonomous underwater vehicle that is 10 feet long with a 250 pound payload capacity, 18-24 hour endurance, depth rating of 1000 feet and weighs approximately 2,000 pounds. Its open architecture design and modularity allow new mission packages to be quickly integrated into Marlin to meet emerging customer needs.
Also during the three-day event, Marlin surveyed a sunken barge with its 3D imaging sonar. Teams on the ground used that data to create a 3D printed model of the barge. Marlin can quickly generate accurate, hi-resolution, 3D, geo-referenced models, giving users a clear view of subsea structures.
Lockheed Martin has five decades of experience in unmanned and robotic systems for air, land and sea. From the depths of the ocean to the rarified air of the stratosphere, Lockheed Martin's unmanned systems help our military, civil and commercial customers accomplish their most difficult challenges.
For additional information, visit our website:www.lockheedmartin.com/unmanned
Clean Sky BLADE: Laminar-Flow Wings En Route To A340 Demonstrator
http://aviationweek.com/awincommercial/laminar-flow-wings-en-route-a340-demonstrator
Major components for Europe's laminar-flow flight demonstrator have been shipped to Airbus for installation on a modified A340-300, which is scheduled to begin flight tests in 2017.
Lockheed Martin conducts UAV launch from UUV - IHS Jane's 360
http://www.janes.com/article/64188/lockheed-martin-conducts-uav-launch-from-uuv
Lockheed Martin conducts UAV launch from UUV
IHS Jane's 360
Lockheed Martin deployed its maritime, canister-launched Vector Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from the Marlin MK2 unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) during a US Navy exercise in August, the company announced on 28 September. Lockheed ...
From Under the Sea to Up in the Air: Lockheed Martin Conducts First ...Robotics Tomorrow (press release)
First A330neo starts its final assembly in Toulouse
Newest member of the world’s most popular wide-body family takes shape
PRESS RELEASE
Airbus has commenced the final assembly of its first A330neo, an A330-900, at its Final Assembly Line in Toulouse with the joining of the wings to the centre fuselage at station 40.
As the newest member of the world’s most popular A330 wide-body family the A330neo builds on the Family’s proven economics, versatility and reliability, set to reduce fuel consumption by a further 14 per cent per seat. Both the A330-800 and A330-900 feature a new A350-inspired wing with Sharklet wingtip devices for state-of-the-art aerodynamics, incorporating latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, and the new AirSpace by Airbus cabin for the latest experience in cabin comfort.
“We have started with a very tight development schedule and are today right on time,” says Odile Jubécourt, Airbus Head of the A330neo programme. “I am happy to say we are in good shape to meet the high standards of maturity and reliability our customers expect from us and I want to thank the teams for this outstanding achievement.”
Thanks to its low, new generation fuel-burn, the A330neo expands its operators’ market opportunities by offering an additional 400 nautical miles range, leading to a 6,550 nautical miles range on the A330-900 and 7,500 nautical miles on the A330-800. To date, 10 customers have ordered a total of 186 A330neo.
The A330-800 and the A330-900 are 99 per cent common, sharing a 95 per cent commonality across the entire A330 fleet, set to optimize costs and flexibility for all its operators. Airlines will also benefit from the Family’s market-leading reliability and reduced maintenance costs.
The A330 is the most popular mid-size wide-body aircraft ever, having won over 1,600 orders to date. Today, over 1,250 aircraft are flying with over 120 airlines worldwide on a wide range of routes, from domestic and regional flights to long range intercontinental services.
Offering the lowest operating costs in its category, and due to continuous investments in latest innovations, the new generation A330neo is the most profitable and best performing aircraft in its size category.
Airbus Expands its German Satellite Building Facility / METimage: New Weather Data Every 1.7 seconds / Airbus DS Invests in Very High-Resolution Satellite Imagery from 2020 Onwards
- Airbus Defence and Space invests €43 million to expand and optimise its Friedrichshafen space installations complex
- Integrated Technology Centre is a building block for future site developmenta
- DLR and Airbus Defence and Space sign 291 million euro contract for innovative meteorological instruments
- Launched on Metop-SG-A polar-orbiting weather satellites from 2021
https://airbusdefenceandspace.com/newsroom/news-and-features/metimage-new-weather-data-every-1-7-seconds/
- Four very high-resolution (VHR) optical Earth observation satellites to be launched in 2020 and 2021 will ensure continuity of Pléiades misión
- Highly responsive dual VHR constellation will offer state-of-the art service to the Airbus Defence and Space imagery user’s community for the next decade
- Recognised operational Pléiades system features will be improved to match the market requirements expected to be the norm at the time of launch, and will deliver new applications such as business intelligence and analytics
Airbus Defence and Space Secures Europe’s First DOA (Design Organisation Approval) for UAS
EASA recognition lays the ground for civil certification of large UAS
After more than two years’ work Airbus Defence and Space has become the world’s first company to be approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for the design and development of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) intended for civil type certification.
The company’s existing Design Organisation Approval (DOA) for conventional manned aircraft has been extended to cover UAS – the critical step in allowing it to achieve type certification for that class of aircraft.
The milestone was reached two years after its Atlante UAS became the first UAS to be submitted to EASA for civil certification.
EASA and Airbus Defence and Space have been working closely together to develop certification processes based on the existing system for manned aircraft and to agree new practice where no procedures were previously in place.
Jana Rosenmann, Head of UAS, Airbus Defence and Space said: “Establishing the UAS category in DOAs will be a key element in the regulatory regime needed to foster UAS development in Europe. As a company we are determined to maintain a leading industrial position in the civil UAS sector, but all players stand to benefit from the establishment of the optimum regulatory framework.”
European MALE RPAS (Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) Programme takes off
September 28th 2016 - Manching, Germany. Since beginning of September the development of a common European drone has entered a new phase. The contract for the Definition Study of the European MALE RPAS (Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) Programme, assigned to Airbus, Dassault Aviation and Leonardo-Finmeccanica has been launched by a kick-off meeting chaired by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) with the attendance of the programme participating States France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
MALE RPAS will be a new generation remotely piloted air system for armed Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. Air traffic integration and certification for European densely populated environment are part of the key distinctive objectives of the programme.
The two-year definition study starts from September 2016. It will be jointly executed by Airbus Defence and Space, Dassault Aviation and Leonardo-Finmeccanica Aircraft Division with an equal work allocation. The three companies are co-contractors to perform the definition study.
Following the study, the start of the development phase is planned for 2018, with a prototype first flight in early 2023 and a first delivery of the system in the 2025 timeframe.
Operational requirements of the nations will be defined in close cooperation with the Armed Forces.
"Successfully teaming European nations, industries and defense ministries to improve sovereignty and independence is an outstanding mission, and today marks a new milestone in this innovative partnership" said Dirk Hoke, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Defence and Space.
"This cooperative programme will contribute to European Industry leadership and autonomy in the strategic field of surveillance drones and will provide Armed Forces with high performance and sovereign operational systems" emphasized Eric Trappier, Dassault Aviation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
"The European Male RPAS programme is a unique opportunity to promote the development of high technologies expertise, capabilities and jobs, of fundamental importance within Europe. Technological and operational sovereignty will be delivered to Nations, relying on the experience of decades of European cooperation in military programmes," said Mr. Filippo Bagnato, Leonardo-Finmeccanica Aircraft Division Managing Director.
About European MALE RPAS - Previously known as MALE 2020 Project, the European MALE RPAS Project foresees the development of an European Unmanned Aerial System for long-range missions at medium flight altitudes (MALE). Besides being an answer to the European armed forces’ requirements, it will take into account the need to optimize budgetary resources through pooling of research and development funding. With a European development, critical requirements around the certification of drones and sovereignty of operations by Armed Forces are inherently built into the programme from the onset. The European MALE RPAS is orientated to foster the development of high technologies and will contribute to sustaining key competencies and jobs within Europe.
Airbus Defence and Space, a division of Airbus Group, is Europe’s number one defence and space enterprise and the second largest space business worldwide. Its activities include space, military aircraft and related systems and services. It employs more than 38,000 people and in 2015 generated revenues of over 13 billion Euros.
About Dassault Aviation: With more than 8,000 military and civil aircraft delivered to more than 90 countries over the past 60 years, and having logged nearly 28 million flight hours to date, Dassault Aviation can offer recognized know-how and experience in the design, development, sale and support of all types of aircraft, from the Rafale fighter to the Falcon range of high-end business jets, as well as military unmanned air systems. In 2015, Dassault Aviation reported revenues of €4.20 billion. The company has almost 12,000 employees. In 2016, Dassault Aviation is celebrating the first centennial of its history, which started in 1916 with Marcel Dassault and the Éclair propeller.
Leonardo-Finmeccanica Aircraft Division is one of the Leonardo-Finmeccanica’s business divisions. Leonardo-Finmeccanica is among the top ten global players in Aerospace, Defence and Security and Italy’s main industrial company. As a single entity from January 2016, organised into business divisions (Helicopters; Aircraft; Aero-structures; Airborne & Space Systems; Land & Naval Defence Electronics; Defence Systems; Security & Information Systems), Leonardo-Finmeccanica operates in the most competitive international markets by leveraging its areas of technology and product leadership. Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (LDO), at 31 December 2015 Finmeccanica recorded consolidated revenues of 13 billion Euros and has a significant industrial presence in Italy, the UK and the U.S.
Airbus Defence and Space and Australia’s Neumann Space Sign First Payload Agreement for the New Bartolomeo Platform on ISS
Airbus Defence and Space, the world’s second largest space company, and Neumann Space, an Australian Space technology company, have signed the very first agreement for a hosted payload aboard the new Bartolomeo platform of the International Space Station (ISS) during this week’s IAC Conference in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The Bartolomeo platform will provide an end-to-end service for fast, cost-efficient and reliable access to the ISS for private and institutional users on commercial terms. Its all-in-one payload mission service will attract customers from areas including Earth observation, technology demonstrators, astro- and heliophysics, material science and new space flight applications.
Named after the younger brother of Christopher Columbus, the Bartolomeo platform will be attached to the European Columbus Module and operated by Airbus Defence and Space starting in 2018. With its All-in-One Mission Service, Airbus Defence and Space provides all mission-related elements and can even assist when it comes to building the actual payload.
“Our 'ISS balcony' provides a highly cost- and time-efficient means to perform a space mission in LEO or to test and validate new technology in orbit,” said Bart Reijnen, Head of On-Orbit Services and Exploration at Airbus Defence and Space. “Customers can benefit from our extensive experience in integrating and operating payloads on the ISS and are hence free to fully concentrate on their individual Space mission, without needing to develop a complex space system or a deep understanding of the ISS.”
Neumann Space will use their 50+ litres of payload space on Bartolomeo for their FAST - Facility for Australian Space Testing programme: “The FAST programme provides a unique opportunity for the in-orbit demonstration of technology for small and medium enterprises, schools and universities filling a gap in the current market,” said Patrick Neumann, Chief Scientist and co-founder of Neumann Space. “With FAST, a collection of payloads starting at just 1 kg mass will be sent together with our Neumann Drive to be operated in space for up to twelve months. We are glad to rely on Airbus Defence and Space to handle launch, power, in-orbit installation, communications down from the ISS and all the other bits and pieces needed to make this programme a success.”
The payload launch is envisioned for late 2018, and Neumann Space is already working on following up the first payload with others, including the possibility of returning payload elements back to Earth at the end of the mission.
About Neumann Space
Neumann Space is a space start-up dedicated to making a bigger world by helping humanity to the stars. Our patented solar-electric ion drive is more efficient than anything else on the market. We are uniquely suited to delivering affordable, efficient drives that can greatly prolong the lifespan of satellites, as well as lowering the fuel and mass costs for long missions, such as space exploration and mining. We are dedicated to building the Australian space industry, and fostering a spirit of community and discovery.
About Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus Defence and Space, a division of Airbus Group, is Europe’s number one defence and space enterprise and the second largest space business worldwide. Its activities include space, military aircraft and related systems and services. It employs more than 38,000 people and in 2015 generated revenues of over 13 billion Euros.
Despega el programa europeo MALE RPAS (Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System)
Manching (Alemania), 28 de septiembre de 2016 – Desde principios de septiembre el proyecto para el desarrollo de un dron europeo común ha entrado en una nueva fase. El contrato relativo al estudio de definición del programa europeo MALE RPAS (Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System), adjudicado a las compañías Airbus, Dassault Aviation y Leonardo-Finmeccanica, se ha puesto en marcha en una reunión de lanzamiento presidida por la Organización Conjunta de Cooperación en Materia de Armamento (OCCAR), en presencia de representantes de las naciones que integran el programa: Francia, Alemania, Italia y España.
MALE RPAS será una nueva generación de sistemas aéreos pilotados remotamente para misiones armadas de Inteligencia, Vigilancia, Adquisición de Blancos y Reconocimiento (ISTAR). La integración y la certificación del tráfico aéreo en el densamente poblado entorno europeo son solo dos de los objetivos clave del programa.
El estudio de definición, de dos años de duración, comienza a partir de septiembre de 2016. Lo desarrollarán conjuntamente Airbus Defence and Space, Dassault Aviation y Leonardo-Finmeccanica con una asignación de trabajo equitativa. Las tres compañías llevarán a cabo el estudio en calidad de co-contratistas.
Una vez finalizado el estudio, está previsto que la fase de desarrollo comience en 2018, con el vuelo inaugural de un prototipo programado para principios de 2023 y la primera entrega del sistema para 2025, respectivamente.
Los requerimientos operativos de las distintas naciones se definirán en estrecha cooperación con las Fuerzas Armadas.
"Conseguir que naciones, compañías y ministerios de defensa europeos colaboren con éxito para mejorar la soberanía y la independencia supone una misión extraordinaria que hoy marca un nuevo hito en esta asociación innovadora", dijo Dirk Hoke, consejero delegado (CEO) de Airbus Defence and Space.
"Este programa colaborativo impulsará el liderazgo y la autonomía de la industria europea en el campo estratégico de sistemas aéreos no tripulados para vigilancia, y suministrará a las Fuerzas Armadas sistemas operativos soberanos y de alto rendimiento", subrayó Eric Trappier, presidente y CEO de Dassault Aviation.
"El programa europeo MALE RPAS es una oportunidad única para promover el desarrollo de conocimientos, capacidades y empleos en el ámbito de tecnologías avanzadas que revisten una importancia fundamental en Europa. Se proporcionará soberanía tecnológica y operativa a las naciones participantes, basada en las décadas de experiencia acumuladas por la cooperación europea en programas militares", comentó Filippo Bagnato, director general de la división de Aeronaves en Leonardo-Finmeccanica.
Acerca de European MALE RPAS: Conocido previamente como proyecto MALE 2020, el programa europeo MALE RPAS prevé el desarrollo de un sistema aéreo no tripulado europeo para misiones de media altitud y largo alcance (MALE, por sus siglas en inglés). Además de responder a los requerimientos de las Fuerzas Armadas europeas, tendrá en cuenta la necesidad de optimizar los
recursos presupuestarios mediante una financiación conjunta de la investigación y el desarrollo. Con un desarrollo europeo, tanto los requisitos críticos en torno a la certificación de sistemas aéreos no tripulados como las operaciones soberanas por parte de las Fuerzas Armadas estarán integrados en el programa desde un principio. El programa europeo MALE RPAS pretende fomentar el desarrollo de tecnologías avanzadas y contribuirá a mantener competencias y empleos clave en Europa.
Acerca de Airbus Defence and Space: Airbus Defence and Space, una división de Airbus Group, es líder europea en la industria aeroespacial y de defensa y número dos mundial de la industria espacial. Sus actividades incluyen espacio, aviones de transporte militar y sistemas y servicios relacionados. Emplea a más de 38.000 personas y en 2015 obtuvo unos ingresos de más de 13 mil millones de euros.
Acerca de Dassault Aviation: Con más de 8.000 aviones civiles y militares suministrados a más de 90 países a lo largo de las últimas seis décadas, y tras acumular casi 28 millones de horas de vuelo hasta la fecha, Dassault Aviation cuenta con know-how y experiencia reconocidos en el diseño, desarrollo, venta y soporte técnico de todo tipo de aeronaves, desde el caza Rafale y los aviones de negocios de gama alta Falcon hasta sistemas aéreos militares no tripulados. En 2015, Dassault Aviation obtuvo unos ingresos de 4.200 millones de euros con una plantilla de casi 12.000 personas. En 2016 se celebra el primer centenario de Dassault Aviation, cuya historia comenzó en 1916 con Marcel Dassault y la hélice Éclair.
Leonardo-Finmeccanica se ubica entre las diez mayores compañías de aeroespacio, defensa y seguridad a escala mundial y es la principal empresa industrial de Italia. Leonardo-Finmeccanica es
desde enero de 2016 una entidad única organizada en divisiones comerciales (helicópteros;aeronaves; aeroestructuras; sistemas aerotransportados y espaciales; electrónica para la defensa terrestre y naval; sistemas de defensa; sistemas de seguridad y de información) y opera en los mercados internacionales más competitivos aprovechando sus áreas de liderazgo tecnológico y de producto. Finmeccanica –cotiza en Bolsa de Milán (LDO)– reportó a 31 de diciembre de 2015 unos ingresos consolidados de 13.000 millones de euros y cuenta con una sólida presencia industrial en Italia, el Reino Unido y los Estados Unidos.
martes, 27 de septiembre de 2016
The U.S. Air Force’s First ‘Raider’ Was a Funky Transport Plane [feedly]
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The U.S. Air Force's First 'Raider' Was a Funky Transport Plane
// War Is Boring - Medium
The military should have named the new B-21 the Raider II
Continue reading on War Is Boring »
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Axial stack battery design could unlock the era of supersonic electric airliners [feedly]
Axial stack battery design could unlock the era of supersonic electric airliners
// Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine

Luke Workman is a complete maniac. He's also one of the world's leading lithium battery pack designers for electric vehicles, and he's come up with a revolutionary battery design that he says could bring on clean, quiet, long-distance, commercial-scale supersonic airliners.
.. Continue Reading Axial stack battery design could unlock the era of supersonic electric airliners
Category: Aircraft
Tags: Electric VehiclesAircraftElectric AircraftLuke WorkmanBatteries Related Articles: Can Boom bring back supersonic flight without the astronomical price tag? e-Go aeroplanes seeks cash to stay in the air NASA backs X-plane development of twin-hull Aurora D8 airliner Advanced winglet on show as Boeing 737 MAX heads to final assembly Airbus patents design for Mach 4-plus supersonic jet Boeing creates self-cleaning, germ-zapping lavatory for airliners
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lunes, 26 de septiembre de 2016
Watch two F-117 stealth jets fly over Nevada together….8 years after “retirement” [feedly]
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Watch two F-117 stealth jets fly over Nevada together….8 years after "retirement"
// The Aviationist
It's not a secret that some F-117s are still in airworthy conditions at the Tonopah Test Range, in Nevada. Still, it's pretty unusual and cool to see two Black Jets flying together 8 years after their retirement. And look at photographs… In the last couple of years we have documented the flights of some F-117 […]
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Lockheed Martin and Boeing score contracts for unmanned Navy tanker [feedly]
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Lockheed Martin and Boeing score contracts for unmanned Navy tanker
// Flight Global HEADLINES
The US Navy awarded both Lockheed Martin and Boeing $43 million risk reduction contracts for the services carrier-based unmanned MQ-25 Stingray.
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Lockheed wins $395m GPS III Space Vehicle contract modification [feedly]
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Lockheed wins $395m GPS III Space Vehicle contract modification
// Air Force Technology News Press Releases
Lockheed Martin Space Systems has received a $395m US Air Force (USAF) contract modification from the Space and Missile Systems Center for work on the GPS III Space Vehicle programme.
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SpaceX fingers helium as cause of Falcon 9 rocket explosion [feedly]
SpaceX fingers helium as cause of Falcon 9 rocket explosion
// Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine

SpaceX has released the preliminary findings into the Falcon 9 accident on September 1 that destroyed the unmanned rocket and the Amos-6 satellite on Launch Complex 40 (LC-40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. According to the company, the "anomaly" that caused the explosion is still uncertain, but it has narrowed things down to the cryogenic helium system used to feed the second stage engine.
.. Continue Reading SpaceX fingers helium as cause of Falcon 9 rocket explosion
Category: Space
Tags: FalconSpaceX Related Articles: SpaceX nails high-speed ocean landing SpaceX nails historic first space rocket landing Latest Falcon 9 sea landing fails SpaceX refires Falcon 9 used in historic first landing SpaceX to try another Falcon 9 sea-barge landing SpaceX raises prices to lower them
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Atmospheric acidity almost back down to preindustrial levels [feedly]
Atmospheric acidity almost back down to preindustrial levels
// Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine

After increased industrialization in the 1930s, atmospheric acidity levels rose up sharply to a peak in the 1970s, but 40 years after the US and Europe introduced legislation to combat air pollution, acidity in the air has now dropped back down to pre-1930 levels. These figures come out of research by the University of Copenhagen, which used a new technique to measure the pH balance of ice core samples from the Greenland ice sheet, and how it's changed year to year.
.. Continue Reading Atmospheric acidity almost back down to preindustrial levels
Category: Environment
Tags: IcePollutionUniversity of CopenhagenAtmosphere Related Articles: Greenland shark the world's longest-living vertebrate at 392 years young Glued-together virus-like particles make for simple and effective vaccines Copenhagen Suborbitals dreams big with Spica rocket University of Copenhagen opens Center for Disaster Research Grasp telepresence robot puts a remote teacher on your shoulder Homebuilt $70,000 single-person spacecraft tested
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viernes, 23 de septiembre de 2016
Unmanned Wingmen For Japan’s Piloted Force Planned For 2030s
Japan lays out a plan for pilotless combat aircraft to help fightersAir-combat maneuvers will be far more challenging than strike missions for artificial intelligence, so countries planning autonomous warplanes are generally looking at trying air-to-ground first. But to many Japanese ears, unmanned strike sounds too offensive—in both senses of the word. Probably for that reason, the country’s defense planners are proposing to leap directly into air-to-air automation. Limiting the challenge, they propose high-performance robotic aircraft that ... http://aviationweek.com/combat-aircraft/unmanned-wingmen-japan-s-piloted-force-planned-2030s
related:2018: The Year U.S. Fighter Pilots Could Get Drone Wingmen https://warisboring.com/2018-the-year-u-s-fighter-pilots-could-get-drone-wingmen-8dcd884e66ba#.1priioml7
Safran, Urban Aeronautics sign deal for Cormorant drone [feedly]
Safran, Urban Aeronautics sign deal for Cormorant drone
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Safran_Urban_Aeronautics_sign_deal_for_Cormorant_drone_999.html
Bordes, France (UPI) Sep 21, 2016
Safran Helicopter Engines and Urban Aeronautics have signed a memo of understanding that will support development of the Cormorant drone, among other initiatives, Safran announced Wednesday. Under the agreement, Safran will bring its technical and industrial expertise to bear in the development of the drone, which is being developed by Urban Aeronautics subsidiary Tactical Robotics and
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Safran_Urban_Aeronautics_sign_deal_for_Cormorant_drone_999.html
Bordes, France (UPI) Sep 21, 2016
Safran Helicopter Engines and Urban Aeronautics have signed a memo of understanding that will support development of the Cormorant drone, among other initiatives, Safran announced Wednesday. Under the agreement, Safran will bring its technical and industrial expertise to bear in the development of the drone, which is being developed by Urban Aeronautics subsidiary Tactical Robotics and
Boeing, Korean Air join up for unmanned MD500 gunship [feedly]
Boeing, Korean Air join up for unmanned MD500 gunship
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-korean-air-join-up-for-unmanned-md500-gunsh-429600/
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-korean-air-join-up-for-unmanned-md500-gunsh-429600/
Leonardo (former Finmeccanica) Receives Italy's National Award For Innovation [feedly]
Leonardo Receives Italy's National Award For Innovation
http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=ee8508e0-fa32-4259-99f2-fe30665c528d
Recognized For Technology That Will Help Ensure The In-Flight Safety Of Unmanned Aircraft Leonardo-Finmeccanica has been awarded the most prestigious Italian award dedicated to domestic 'made in Italy' innovation. The National Award for Innovation was awarded during a ceremony at the Quirinal Palace, overseen by the President of the Italian Republic.
http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=ee8508e0-fa32-4259-99f2-fe30665c528d
Recognized For Technology That Will Help Ensure The In-Flight Safety Of Unmanned Aircraft Leonardo-Finmeccanica has been awarded the most prestigious Italian award dedicated to domestic 'made in Italy' innovation. The National Award for Innovation was awarded during a ceremony at the Quirinal Palace, overseen by the President of the Italian Republic.
Pentagon Drops Cost Estimate For B-21 Raider [feedly]
Pentagon Drops Cost Estimate For B-21 Raider
http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=a52b15d4-1a2f-40ef-9c76-0126c0f0a313
Airplane Will Cost Nearly $40 Million Less Per Copy The cost estimate for the new B-21 Raider long range bomber has been cut by some $39 million each, according to the Pentagon's office of Cost Estimate and Program Analysis (CAPE). The new cost estimate is now $511 million per airplane.
http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=a52b15d4-1a2f-40ef-9c76-0126c0f0a313
Airplane Will Cost Nearly $40 Million Less Per Copy The cost estimate for the new B-21 Raider long range bomber has been cut by some $39 million each, according to the Pentagon's office of Cost Estimate and Program Analysis (CAPE). The new cost estimate is now $511 million per airplane.
Bell Helicopter Introduces Bell V-247 “Vigilant” Tiltrotor Unmanned Aerial System in Ship-Borne Configuration
(click on picture to enlarge)
FORT WORTH, Texas (Sept. 22, 2016) – Speaking before an audience of aviation and military experts assembled at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today unveiled the Bell V-247 Vigilant tiltrotor.
The Bell V-247 tiltrotor is an unmanned aerial system (UAS) that will combine the vertical lift capability of a helicopter with the speed and range of a conventional fixed-wing aircraft. The revolutionary UAS is designed to provide unmatched long-endurance persistent expeditionary and surveillance capability and lethal reach, as well as runway independence to operate successfully in maritime environments and locations without secure runway availability.
The Bell V-247 Vigilant satisfies the comprehensive spectrum of capabilities outlined in the 2016 Marine Corps Aviation Plan, and could be available for production as early as 2023. The Bell V-247 Vigilant is a solution designed to address the evolving demands of the military and transportation sectors for unmanned aircraft for a shipborne UAS platform, including:
The ability to operate successfully without a runway, such as in maritime environments
Seamless performance in locations without secure runway availability, such as at shrinking land bases in contested areas
Significant reduction of the logistical footprint while retaining the superior operational performance by combining the vertical lift capability of a helicopter with the speed and range of a conventional fixed-wing aircraft
The capacity to control the battle space effectively with 24-hour intelligence provided by unmatched long-endurance persistent expeditionary and surveillance capability
A Group 5 UAS, the Bell V-247 Vigilant is designed to combine unparalleled capability with unprecedented flexibility to execute a wide array of mission sets, including electronic warfare, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance), escort, C4 (Command, Control, Communications, and Computers), persistent fire missions and tactical distribution. The UAS is expected to accomplish all of this with the benefits of extended endurance through plug-and-play mission packages.
“The Bell V-247 Vigilant is the next leap in innovation making the future of aviation a reality today – it’s a testament to the power and versatility of tiltrotor flight,” said Mitch Snyder, president and CEO at Bell Helicopter. “At Bell Helicopter, we are constantly challenging the traditional notion of what it means to fly by staying on the leading edge of aviation and technological development. The unmanned tiltrotor is the latest example of how we are changing the way the world flies, taking our customers into the dynamic world of next-generation aircraft.”
The Bell V-247 Vigilant’s design boasts a number of unrivaled capabilities and transformational features, including:
- A sea-based platform, which can be sized for compatibility with DDG guided missile destroyers shipboard applications
- Single engine tiltrotor unmanned aerial system
- 24-hour persistent ISR with a two aircraft system
- Speed: 250 knots cruise speed; 180 knots endurance speed; >300 knots at maximum continuous power
- Combat range: 450 nautical miles mission radius
- Time on station: 11 hours
- Size: 16,000 pounds empty weight / 29,500 pounds max gross weight; 65-feet wing span; 30-feet rotor diameter
- As it sits on the deck, the V-247 Vigilant can hold a combination of fuel, armament, and sensors, up to 13,000 pounds
- Blade Fold Wing Stow makes V-247 Vigilant DDG hangar compatible
- Expeditionary capability with small logistical footprint
- Open architecture and interfaces
- Air-to-air refueling
- Modular payload system to provide maximum flexibility
- Power distribution system to provide maximum mission capability
- Redundant flight control system
- Electro Optical System and Targeting System
The Bell V-247 Vigilant offers a dynamic profile that is uniquely suited to complete highly versatile operations and support missions. It is designed to provide extended range flying from land or ship, matchless expeditionary capabilities and to remain on-station with heightened loiter times for extended periods. With its signature blade fold wing stow design, it will fit inside a DDG hangar space, and two can be loaded on a C-17 aircraft. The open architecture of the modular payload system enhances flexibility for aircraft customization by mission type. The bays on the Bell V-247 Vigilant are designed to carry high definition sensors, fuel, sonar buoys, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) modules, 360-degree surface radar modules, an MK-50 torpedo or Hellfire or JAGM missiles optimally. Regardless of the need, the Bell V-247 Vigilant easily integrates into priority mission sets to complete multiple airborne requirements.
“Leveraging lessons learned from our extensive history and experience with tiltrotors, we have found the best available solution to fulfill the Marine Corps need for a Group 5 UAS,” said Vince Tobin, vice president, advanced tiltrotor systems at Bell Helicopter. “The Bell V-247 Vigilant will give military customers the capabilities needed to reduce the complexity of deployment, increase speed of employment, reduce mission times and increase response time – all critical elements to completing missions to save lives and protect our freedom.”
Bell Helicopter utilized its decades of applied tiltrotor experience to develop this next generation UAS. The Bell V-247 Vigilant design and capabilities bring to bear experience from the V-22 tiltrotor program and UH-1Y/AH-1Z programs, capturing the V-280 Valor’s unmatched design and performance standards in order to provide unparalleled competency to support ship-board compatibility.
Crash-friendly Lego drones teach the benefits of failure [feedly]
It's hard to imagine a scenario in which parents would be happy for kids to slam their brand-new drones into a wall, but one new startup is aiming to encourage budding robotics enthusiasts to do exactly that. Announced today, Flybrix's drones come in the form of Lego kits that kids build themselves, crash and build again, all for the thrill of bringing high-flying creations to life and developing engineering skills and creativity in the process.
.. Continue Reading
http://newatlas.com/lego-drones-flybrix-failure/45567/
.. Continue Reading
http://newatlas.com/lego-drones-flybrix-failure/45567/
Dassault Rafale en Inde: Le contrat sera bien signé le 23 septembre
Le montant de la transaction est estimée à 7,87 milliards d'euros, pour les 36 appareils livrés « sur étagère » (soit construits en France), équipés de leurs armements. Notons cependant qu'un volet « offset » (compensations économiques) est prévu et qui s'élèverait, selon la presse indienne, à 3 milliards d'euros. Les premières livraisons interviendraient dès 2019. Le volet armement incluerait le missile air-air de nouvelle génération Meteor, la bombes autopropulsée de Safran AASM "Hammer" (lire ici), voir le missile de croisière Black Shaeen (dérivé du Scalp) ou l'Exocet de MBDA.
India Clears Dassault’s Rafale Fighter Jet Deal
India will purchase 36 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation to replace its dwindling fleet of Soviet-era fighters
The approval was given by India’s Cabinet Committee on Security, which is headed by the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said two senior government officials.
The officials didn’t want to be named or disclose the exact value of the deal which analysts estimate to be in the billions of dollars.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/india-clears-dassaults-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-1474475774
Indian cabinet approves Rafale fighter purchase
India and France to sign fighter jet deal
The approval was given by India’s Cabinet Committee on Security, which is headed by the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said two senior government officials.
The officials didn’t want to be named or disclose the exact value of the deal which analysts estimate to be in the billions of dollars.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/india-clears-dassaults-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-1474475774
Indian cabinet approves Rafale fighter purchase
The acquisition is part of a $150B military overhaul India has launched, drawing global arms makers into one of the world's most promising markets.
India and France to sign fighter jet deal
In 2012, Dassault won an Indian contract for 126 Rafale fighters that was followed by protracted negotiations on the cost and assembly of the planes.
Three years later, both sides scaled down the original plan, with New Delhi agreeing to buy 36 Rafale jets in ready-to-fly condition to meet the urgent needs of the its air force
Three years later, both sides scaled down the original plan, with New Delhi agreeing to buy 36 Rafale jets in ready-to-fly condition to meet the urgent needs of the its air force
Obama allows sale of aircraft to Iran as nuclear deal nears implementation
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/01/15/obama-order-iran-nuclear-agreement-implementation-day/78884068/
"They have nearly completed their major nuclear steps, and that's nothing to gloss over," Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes said at a luncheon hosted by Bloomberg News Friday. "It's a significant rollback in the Iranian program."
Rhodes said that the IAEA certification will trigger what's known as "Implementation Day."
"That should happen relatively soon, certainly in the coming days. That is when sanctions relief is initiated," he said.
"They have nearly completed their major nuclear steps, and that's nothing to gloss over," Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes said at a luncheon hosted by Bloomberg News Friday. "It's a significant rollback in the Iranian program."
Rhodes said that the IAEA certification will trigger what's known as "Implementation Day."
"That should happen relatively soon, certainly in the coming days. That is when sanctions relief is initiated," he said.
WTO says EU failed to eliminate illegal aid to Airbus
- Press
The EU has failed to eliminate billions of dollars in illegal aid to Airbus, according to the World Trade Organisation, in the latest chapter of a 12 year battle between the European aircraft maker and its US rival Boeing.However, the WTO rejected US claims that support from France Germany, the UK and Spain for Airbus’s newest long haul passenger jet, the A350XWB, constituted illegal export subsidies, reports Peggy Hollinger in London.
USTR says WTO finds $22 billion in illegal Airbus subsidies
WTO slams EU, Airbus
https://leehamnews.com/2016/09/22/wto-slams-eu-airbus/
EU Risks Billions in Sanctions as WTO Faults Airbus Support
www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-09-22/wto-finds-airbus-a380-other-jets-bolstered-by-illegal-aid
Airbus scoffs, Boeing crows as WTO slams EU for failing to address illegal subsidies
www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/wto-slams-eu-for-failing-to-remedy-harm-to-boeing-from-illegal-airbus-subsidies/
- WTO
Key facts
| Short title: | EC and certain member States — Large Civil Aircraft |
| Complainant: | United States |
| Respondent: | European Communities; France; Germany; Spain; United Kingdom |
| Third Parties: | Australia; Brazil; Canada; China; Japan; Korea, Republic of |
| Agreements cited: (as cited in request for consultations) | GATT 1994: Art. III:4, XVI:1, XXIII:1 Subsidies and Countervailing Measures: Art.1, 2, 3.1, 3.2, 5, 6.3, 6.4 |
| Request for Consultationsreceived: | 6 October 2004 |
| Panel Report circulated: | 30 June 2010 |
| Appellate Body Reportcirculated: | 18 May 2011 |
| Article 21.5 Panel Reportcirculated: | 22 September 2016 |
The WTO’s synopsis.
- Airbus & Boeing Statements
Boeing statement:
WTO Confirms EU Failed to Comply with Historic Rulings Against European Subsidies to Airbus, Condemns Additional Launch Aid to A350
- Sept. 22 WTO ruling confirms the EU failed to comply with its obligation to remedy $17 billion in illegal launch aid and other subsidies
- WTO also finds that Airbus received new illegal subsidies for the A350, which are reported to be almost $5 billion
- Ruling sets the stage for the United States to seek up to $10 billion in annual retaliatory tariffs on EU imports
CHICAGO, Sept. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — A World Trade Organization compliance panel today ruled that the European Union has failed to comply with its obligation to remedy the massive subsidies European governments have provided to create and sustain Airbus for more than 40 years.
Rather than comply with their WTO obligations to remedy the $17 billion in past subsidies provided to Airbus, the WTO found that EU Member States provided Airbus with new illegal launch aid – reportedly almost $5 billion – so they could launch the new A350. The WTO was explicit: “[I]t is apparent that the A350 XWB could not have been launched and brought to market in the absence of LA/MSF [Launch Aid].” The WTO previously found that essentially no model of the entire Airbus fleet would exist today – including the A300, A310, A320, A330, A340 and A380 – were it not for the illegal subsidies provided by the European governments.
“Today’s historic ruling finally holds the EU and Airbus to account for their flouting of global trade rules,” said Dennis A. Muilenburg, Boeing chairman, president and CEO. “This long-awaited decision is a victory for fair trade worldwide and for U.S. aerospace workers, in particular. We commend the administration, specifically the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the U.S. Congress for their unwavering commitment to this matter and to enforcing global trade rules,” he said.
“The World Trade Organization has now found that Airbus is and always has been a creature of government and of illegal government subsidy,” said Boeing Executive Vice President and General Counsel J. Michael Luttig. “The day of reckoning for launch aid has finally arrived. Prior WTO rulings found that Airbus itself likely would not even exist without illegal launch aid, equity infusions, and infrastructure support. Today the WTO went further and found that Airbus’ existence continues to depend upon illegal, trade-distorting government subsidies in the form of launch aid, most recently for the A350 XWB – which reportedly totals almost $5 billion,” he said.
Luttig explained that under prior WTO rulings the EU had an obligation to remedy the subsidies for its past airplanes, including the A380. “Instead, the EU compounded the illegal practice by giving Airbus additional launch aid for the A350 XWB. After any appeal of today’s compliance ruling, the next step for the U.S. government is to obtain WTO authorization to impose billions in retaliatory duties. The U.S. government has previously calculated those to be up to $10 billion annually.”
Today’s ruling confirms that Airbus both failed to withdraw old subsidies and instead put in place new subsidies for a grand total of almost $22 billion (principal amounts only). That includes $15 billion in launch aid for each Airbus commercial aircraft program from the A300 through the A380, and $2 billion in non-launch aid subsidies. The WTO also ruled for the first time that Airbus received illegal launch aid for the A350 XWB. News reports put the total for that program at almost $5 billion. Echoing prior rulings, the WTO panel also found that Airbus and its current product line likely would not even exist without launch aid.
“No form of government support compares to launch aid – in terms of amount, nature, or effects,” Luttig said. “Launch aid created entire aircraft programs – indeed, an entire aircraft company – as the WTO found today. This is a type of government support that the WTO has found, over and over again, to be unequaled both in nature and amount, unfair to Boeing and United States workers, and flatly illegal under global trade rules. Today’s ruling confirms that these illegal subsidies will now end.”
Luttig stressed that the final stages of the case against Airbus subsidies are independent of the European cases against the United States and that the EU needs to act now. “The cases are separate and distinct,” he said. “The EU lost this compliance case for the simple reason that it did nothing to remedy its massive subsidies which have had profound effects on the commercial airplane market. Whatever happens in the European cases against the United States, launch aid and other illegal government support for Airbus will now come to an end.”
Airbus statement:
WTO reconfirms European reimbursable loan system is legal and European compliance close to finalisation
“Once again the WTO has confirmed that Europe’s chosen method of partnering with its large civil aircraft industry is acceptable under international trade law. The public-private partnership model is a winner: a win for state investors who reap rewards in addition to full repayment of loans, and a winner on compliance at the WTO. The US started this dispute claiming Airbus was receiving illegal subsidies, but the WTO decided otherwise. Airbus Reimbursable Launch Investment (RLI) is a legal instrument. The US grants and tax breaks are not.”
“We only needed to make limited changes in European policies and practices to comply with the Appellate Body’s report. We did what we needed to do and did it in the agreed timeframe. We will address the few still remaining points indicated by the report in our appeal. As a point of fact Airbus and its European partners met their obligations to withdraw any subsidy elements or eliminate adverse effects. The only open point is final ruling on the interest rate benchmark for the government loans. We are confident that we will win that point on appeal.”
“The Panel recognises that, not only is the Airbus instrument totally legal, but terms of the A350 agreements are very close to perfect – only tiny tweaks required. What a contrast to Boeing which has laid the biggest egg in subsidy history with what is expected to be the very first finding in any of our cases of a prohibited subsidy for 777x.”
“We congratulate the European Commission on these excellent results and their continued and unwavering support to our industry during this long dispute”.
“This case should not be seen in isolation. There are already decisions condemning Boeing’s abusive and illegal subsidies. So it appears that Boeing and the US continue to litigate mainly to try to justify their own grab for state cash. Even after the ruling in the 787 subsidy case which clearly stated that state grants are illegal, Boeing doubled-down on the same practice with record sums of subsidies, showing a complete disrespect for international trade law. This is not new, the export support received under the Foreign Sales Cooperation (FSC) has been ruled illegal three times by the WTO and the practice continues. So much for the US track record on compliance…”
“And watch this space… before year-end the record subsidies for the 777X will almost certainly be condemned as illegal, in the same way they were already for the 787. But this time around we expect it to be condemned as “prohibited subsidies” where the only option available for Washington State will be to withdraw the measures. Obviously, the US will continue to cynically ignore the WTO.”
“Airbus wants common sense to prevail: these disputes can only end in a balanced, mutual agreement as we have said from the start. It is vital to create a level playing field for all players in this industry with an agreed global set of rules for government support. Whatever Boeing will say, nobody will have to go to the bank. There have never been any repayments and there never will be, it is not in the spirit of WTO.”