martes, 21 de junio de 2016

Bezos: Government Should Sponsor 'Very Large Prize' To Spur Space Technology [feedly]

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Bezos: Government Should Sponsor 'Very Large Prize' To Spur Space Technology
// Aero-News Network

Says 'Horse Race' Would Create A Lot Of Attention For Space Exploration There should be a major financial incentive for a modern-day space race, and the government should foot the bill, according to Amazon and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos.
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New Agreement For Leonardo-Finmeccanica’s Helicopters In Russia [feedly]

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New Agreement For Leonardo-Finmeccanica's Helicopters In Russia
// Aero-News Network

RN-Aircraft Plans To Acquire Additional Twenty AgustaWestland AW189 Aircraft An agreement has been signed between Leonardo-Finmeccanica, Rostec and Rosneft for the future sale of additional twenty AgustaWestland AW189 commercial helicopters to RN-Aircraft, a subsidiary of the oil company Rosneft. The new helicopters will be used for transportation purposes.
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ST Aerospace establishes Airbus components business | MRO Network

http://mro-network.com/news/2016/06/st-aerospace-establishes-airbus-components-business/12321

ST Aerospace has announced the formation of a new business that will produce components, mainly comprising floor panels and cargo linings, for narrowbody Airbus aircraft.

Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), ST Aerospace's Germany-based joint venture with Airbus, will expand its component production with a new 30,000m2 facility in Kodersdorf, supplementing its existing centre in Dresden.

Sikorsky to build 109 T70 helicopters for Turkey - Shephard Media

https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/rotorhub/sikorsky-build-109-t70-helicopters-turkey/


Shephard Media

Sikorsky to build 109 T70 helicopters for Turkey
Shephard Media
Sikorsky, together with the government of Turkey and members of the Turkish aerospace industry, has entered into contractual agreements under the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program (TUHP) to produce T70 utility helicopter based on Sikorsky'sBlack Hawk ...

Portugal amplia investimentos no Embraer KC-390 - Airway

http://airway.uol.com.br/portugal-amplia-investimentos-no-embraer-kc-390/


Airway

Portugal amplia investimentos noEmbraer KC-390
Airway
O governo de Portugal anunciou o investimento de 20,8 milhões de euros no projeto de desenvolvimento e construção, em Évora, de componentes da aeronave de transporte militar Embraer KC-390, como noticiou o jornal português Diário de Notícias.
Estado investe 21 milhões em aviões militares novosDiário de Notícias - Lisboa

los 2 artículos informativos »

Developing engine for Sino-Russian airliner: Deputy PM Rogozin - The BRICS Post

http://thebricspost.com/developing-engine-for-sino-russian-airliner-deputy-pm-rogozin/


The BRICS Post

Developing engine for Sino-Russian airliner: Deputy PM Rogozin
The BRICS Post
In early 2015, Russian media reports said Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd (COMAC) began preliminary design of the proposed joint 250-280-seat wide-body airliner. Russian Deputy Prime Minister ...

y más »

Viking Air Limited Acquires Worldwide CL-415 Waterbomber Program from Bombardier | Viking Air

http://www.vikingair.com/viking-news/media-centre/viking-air-limited-acquires-worldwide-cl-415-waterbomber-program-bombardier

Jun 20, 2016
Continues Canadian Heritage of an iconic Canadian-designed aircraft
World's leading firefighting aircraft to be supported and serviced from Calgary

Victoria, British Columbia, June 20th, 2016: Viking Air Limited ("Viking"), a global leader of utility aircraft, support and services and manufacturer of the world-renowned Twin Otter, today announced the acquisition of the worldwide amphibious aircraft program from Bombardier (TSX: BBD.A) (TSX: BBD.B) (OTCQX: BDRBF). The amphibious aircraft program includes the Bombardier CL-415 waterbomber and its variants, as well as the earlier CL-215 and CL-215T versions. The Bombardier 415 is the aviation industry's benchmark amphibious aircraft and the backbone of firefighting missions around the globe. Designed and built in Canada with a heritage that dates back almost 50 years, it is the only western aircraft purpose-built for firefighting.

The transaction will see Viking acquire the Type Certificates (manufacturing rights) for all variants of Bombardier's amphibious aircraft, and assume responsibility for product support, parts and service for the fleet of some 170 waterbombers in service with 21 operations in 11 countries around the world. This follows Viking's successful model of acquiring, supporting and sustaining utility aircraft programs, including manufacturing the world-renowned Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft. Viking will support the worldwide amphibious aircraft program from a newly acquired and specially repurposed 50,000 square foot facility in Calgary. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"This acquisition expands Viking's capabilities in product support and parts into another vital niche aviation segment, and ensures that a unique and important Canadian innovation stays in Canada," said David Curtis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viking. "We are proud to add another iconic Canadian aircraft program to Viking's stable - our aim is to take the 415 to its highest potential and keep these aircraft in service for decades to come. This transaction builds on our presence in British Columbia and Alberta and expands on the existing strengths of the western Canadian aerospace industry. At the same time, we will continue to rely on an extensive supply chain in Quebec and Ontario to support both the amphibious aircraft and Twin Otter programs."

Today, Viking employs approximately 88 people in Calgary and more than 330 at its headquarters and facilities in Victoria. With this new program Viking expects to add up to 40 people to its workforce in Victoria and Calgary.

Viking's new facility located near Calgary International Airport (CYYC) is in addition to the company's existing 70,000 square foot facility at CYYC. Viking's existing facilities in Calgary will be repurposed to accommodate existing Twin Otter activities, as well as the addition of the amphibious aircraft program.

Western Canada is today home to a number of Canadian aerospace companies and Viking is proud to support and participate in the growth of the industry in the region. Viking sells its products and services internationally, making an important contribution to Canadian exports and contributing Canadian innovation to the world.

The Bombardier 415 Amphibious Waterbomber

The world-renowned Bombardier 415 waterbomber is a key part of Canada's rich aerospace heritage. The amphibious waterbomber was originally developed by Canadair in the 1960s, and has its origins in flying boats used in World War II. The original version, the CL-215, had its maiden flight in 1967 and went into production in 1969. The aircraft was later advanced by Bombardier into the 415 which was introduced in 1994.

Recognized as the best aerial firefighting aircraft in the world, the Bombardier 415 - also known as the SuperScooper - needs only 12 seconds to scoop its 6,137-litre load while skimming at high speed over water. The aircraft is a key strategic asset for government and community firefighting efforts in Canada and around the world. While primarily a firefighting aircraft, these have multi-mission capabilities, including for uses like maritime patrol, and search and rescue.

The Bombardier 415 is a dependable aircraft, capable of remaining in service for decades with proper maintenance and support. As with Viking's successful business supporting, servicing, and manufacturing the Twin Otter and other utility aircraft, there is a long-term opportunity to manufacture parts and provide ongoing support to the in-service fleet.

Viking is part of the portfolio of a prominent Canadian family office investment firm which maintains a long-term investment horizon and is one of the leading investors in the Canadian aviation industry.

Additional Background

Viking's acquisition of the amphibious aircraft program from Bombardier builds on a long history between the two companies. Viking's collaborative relationship with Bombardier began with spare parts manufacturing for the Beaver and Otter aircraft, growing until Viking became a key supplier of structural sheet metal parts and assemblies for the Twin Otter as well. Bombardier's Customer Service Centre for out-of-production de Havilland aircraft was transferred to Viking in 2005, allowing Viking to work directly with operators for supply of new parts and technical support, and in 2006 Viking acquired the Type Certificates (manufacturing rights) from Bombardier for the Twin Otter and all out-of-production de Havilland aircraft. In 2007, Viking brought the Twin Otter Series 400 into production. Viking has booked sales of more than 150 new aircraft, and its 100th aircraft is scheduled for delivery in July 2016.

The acquisition of the amphibious aircraft program is subject to customary regulatory approval by Transport Canada and the Competition Bureau.

Viking's legal advisor is Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP. Viking was also advised by KPMG, which provided transaction and financial advice.

Headquartered in Victoria, BC, Viking is the global leader of utility aircraft, support and services, and manufacturer of the world-renowned Twin Otter. Incorporated in 1970, Viking initially focused on flying boats before developing a repair and modification business in 1983 when de Havilland Inc. selected Viking as its exclusive spare part manufacturer and distributor for the de Havilland DHC-2 Mk I Beaver, Mk III Turbo Beaver, and DHC-3 Single Otter aircraft. This transformation culminated in 2006, when Viking acquired the Original Type Certificates (manufacturing rights) for all out-of-production de Havilland aircraft from the DHC-1 Chipmunk through the DASH-7 50 passenger STOL regional airliner.

In 2007 Viking launched the Twin Otter Series 400 production program, and to date over 150 new aircraft have been sold to 29 countries worldwide. With a current production rate averaging one new aircraft delivered every 15 business days, the Twin Otter Series 400 is the best-selling next generation 19-passenger aircraft available today.

Europe's Push for Regionwide Drone Regulations Faces Headwinds - Wall Street Journal

http://www.wsj.com/articles/europes-push-for-regionwide-drone-regulations-faces-headwinds-1466456234


Wall Street Journal

Europe's Push for Regionwide DroneRegulations Faces Headwinds
Wall Street Journal
European air-safety regulators are scrambling to adopt regionwide rules for flyingunmanned aircraft, but the effort is whipsawed between political limits on their power and escalating industry demands for swift but lenient regulation. Those ...

Airbus DS closes in on European MALE RPAS contract - IHS Jane's 360

http://www.janes.com/article/61641/airbus-ds-closes-in-on-european-male-rpas-contract

Airbus DS closes in on European MALE RPAS contract
IHS Jane's 360
Speaking at the company's Ottobrunn facility near Munich, Jana Rosenmann, head ofUnmanned Aerial Systems, said the definition phase of the programme that will follow the contract signature would focus on common operational capabilities, top-level ..

NASA Maxwell X-57: the electric aircraft based on Tecnam P2006T | Tecnam

http://www.tecnam.com/slider-home-en/nasa-maxwell-x-57-the-electric-aircraft-from-nasa-based-on-tecnam-p2006t/

With 14 electric motors turning propellers and all of them integrated into a uniquely-designed wing, NASA will test new propulsion technology using an experimental airplane now designated the X-57 and nicknamed "Maxwell."

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden highlighted the agency's first X-plane designation in a decade during his keynote speech Friday in Washington at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) annual Aviation and Aeronautics Forum and Exposition, commonly called Aviation 2016.

"With the return of piloted X-planes to NASA's research capabilities – which is a key part of our 10-year-long New Aviation Horizons initiative – the general aviation-sized X-57 will take the first step in opening a new era of aviation," Bolden said.

As many as five larger transport-scale X-planes also are planned as part of the initiative. Its goals – like the X-57 – include demonstrating advanced technologies to reduce fuel use, emissions and noise, and thus accelerate their introduction to the marketplace.

The X-57 number designation was assigned by the U.S. Air Force, which manages the history-making process, following a request from NASA. The first X-plane was the X-1, which in 1947 became the first airplane to fly faster than the speed of sound.

"Dozens of X-planes of all shapes, sizes and purposes have since followed – all of them contributing to our stature as the world's leader in aviation and space technology," said Jaiwon Shin, associate administrator for NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. "Planes like the X-57, and the others to come, will help us maintain that role."
artist's concept of NASA's X-57 Maxwell aircraft
This artist's concept of NASA's X-57 Maxwell aircraft shows the plane's specially designed wing and 14 electric motors. NASA Aeronautics researchers will use the Maxwell to demonstrate that electric propulsion can make planes quieter, more efficient and more environmentally friendly.
Credits: NASA Langley/Advanced Concepts Lab, AMA, Inc.

NASA researchers working directly with the electric airplane also chose to name the aircraft "Maxwell" to honor James Clerk Maxwell, the 19th century Scottish physicist who did groundbreaking work in electromagnetism. His importance in contributing to the understanding of physics is rivaled only by Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton part of a four-year flight demonstrator plan, NASA's Scalable Convergent Electric Propulsion Technology Operations Research project will build the X-57 by modifying a recently procured, Italian-designed Tecnam P2006T twin-engine light aircraft.

Its original wing and two gas-fueled piston engines will be replaced with a long, skinny wing embedded with 14 electric motors – 12 on the leading edge for take offs and landings, and one larger motor on each wing tip for use while at cruise altitude.

NASA's aeronautical innovators hope to validate the idea that distributing electric power across a number of motors integrated with an aircraft in this way will result in a five-time reduction in the energy required for a private plane to cruise at 175 mph.

Several other benefits would result as well. "Maxwell" will be powered only by batteries, eliminating carbon emissions and demonstrating how demand would shrink for lead-based aviation fuel still in use by general aviation.

Energy efficiency at cruise altitude using X-57 technology could benefit travelers by reducing flight times, fuel usage, as well as reducing overall operational costs for small aircraft by as much as 40 percent. Typically, to get the best fuel efficiency an airplane has to fly slower than it is able. Electric propulsion essentially eliminates the penalty for cruising at higher speeds.

Finally, as most drivers of hybrid electric cars know, electric motors are more quiet than conventional piston engines. The X-57's electric propulsion technology is expected to significantly decrease aircraft noise, making it less annoying to the public.

The X-57 research started as part of the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate's Transformative Aeronautics Program's Convergent Aeronautics Solutions project, with the flight demonstrations being performed as part of the Flight Demonstration Concepts project in the Integrated Aviation Systems Program.

For more information about NASA's electric propulsion research, go to:

http://go.nasa.gov/1S55SPP