Dassault launches Falcon 6X after cancelling 5X

Dassault's press release

Dassault Aviation Launches Falcon 6X, Setting New Standard In Long-Range Large-Cabin Segment

Dassault Aviation today unveiled the Falcon 6X, the most spacious, advanced and versatile twinjet in business aviation. This new 5,500 nm aircraft will make its first flight in early 2021 and begin deliveries in 2022.

Pratt & Whitney Canada’s Pure®Power PW800 engines have been selected to power the Falcon 6X that offers the largest, quietest and most comfortable cabin of any aircraft in its class and more cabin volume than any other Falcon ever designed. It comes equipped with the industry’s most advanced digital flight control and cockpit technologies, drawing on heritage from other recent Falcon models and fighter jet programs.

The 6X is largely based on the Falcon 5X aerodynamics and system features which were validated during the 5X preliminary flight test program. It has been optimized to take advantage of the new engine, offering a greater range and a longer cabin.

“We wanted to further push the boundaries with this new aircraft, to provide the best flight experience possible using today’s aviation know-how,” said Eric Trappier, Chairman & CEO of Dassault Aviation. “The Falcon 6X will offer a mix of range, comfort and capability no other large cabin business jet can match while guaranteeing fully mature systems and a proven powerplant.”

Falcon 6X—Industry Leading Cabin Space

The Falcon 6X cabin is six feet, six inches (1.98 m) high and 8 feet 6 inches (2.58 m) wide -- the highest and widest cross section in a purpose built business jet – and is nearly 40 feet 8 inches (12.3 m) long. The cabin can accommodate 16 passengers in three distinct lounge areas, affording room for multiple configurations including a large entry way/crew rest area and a spacious rear lounge. 

Every element of cabin style and design has been totally rethought, the result of an extensive survey of customer tastes and inputs from Dassault Aviation’s own in-house Design Studio. Flowing uninterrupted lines enhance the feeling of space and declutter the cabin. 

Significantly more natural light floods into the cabin thanks to 29 extra-large windows including a unique galley skylight – the first in business aviation – designed to provide additional brightness in an area usually devoid of natural light.

 

“The industry has been moving towards ever wider and higher interiors, and customers told us what they wanted most in our new Falcons was more space,” continued Trappier. “So we designed the Falcon 6X from the cabin out, making it as passenger-centric as we could while still delivering the high performance and other flying qualities that customers value in Falcons.” 

Proven PurePower PW800 engines, next generation aircraft systems

The Falcon 6X has a top speed of Mach 0.90 and a maximum range of 5,500 nautical miles (10,186 km), longer than any other jet in its category. It can fly directly from Los Angeles to Geneva, Beijing to San Francisco or Moscow to Singapore at long range cruise speed. It can also connect New York to Moscow, Paris to Beijing or Los Angeles to London at a cruise of Mach 0.85. 

The Pratt & Whitney Canada Pure Power PW812D engine rated at 13,000-14,000 lbs thrust has been selected to power the Falcon 6X. The PurePower PW800 engines feature the common core technology of the Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan, which is shared by 16 different engine applications and have amassed over 585,000 flight hours.

Equipped with a low maintenance single piece fan and emission reducing Talon combustor, the PurePower PW800 engines offer the highest efficiency, reliability and maintainability in the 10,000-20,000 lb class and have accumulated over 20,000 hours of testing to date. 

The Falcon 6X is equipped with an ultra-efficient wing that minimizes the impact of turbulence and a next generation digital flight control system that controls all moving surfaces, including a novel control surface called a flaperon. The 6X is the first business jet to use a flaperon, which considerably improves control during approach, especially on steep descents. 

The aircraft also comes with industry leading noise suppression systems, based heavily on experience with the new Falcon 8X – the current benchmark in noise comfort – and an all-new cockpit and third generation EASy III all digital flight deck.

It will be delivered with a full package of equipment, including Dassault’s FalconSphere II electronic flight bag and the revolutionary FalconEye Combined Vision System – the first head up display to combine enhanced and synthetic vision capabilities.

All Falcon 6X systems and critical equipment will be extensively validated on the ground through new Highly Accelerated Life Tests and Highly Accelerated Stress Screening endurance campaigns intended to enhance reliability and ensure that the aircraft is fully mature from the day of first delivery. 

“There is still today a strong market need for a brand new long range aircraft with a very large cabin. The Falcon 6X will be best value for money in the 5,000 nm segment, a class all its own.” concluded Trappier.

To learn more, read our Falcon 6X backgrounder.

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First Ultra Long Range A350 XWB makes its debut

Press Release







Singapore Airlines prepares to resume world’s longest commercial flights

The first Ultra Long Range version of the A350 XWB has rolled out of the Airbus final assembly line in Toulouse. The latest variant of the best-selling A350 XWB Family will be able to fly further than any other commercial airliner and will enter service with launch operator Singapore Airlines later this year.

Altogether, Singapore Airlines has ordered seven A350-900 Ultra Long Range aircraft, which it will use on non-stop flights between Singapore and the US, including the world’s longest commercial service between Singapore and New York.

Following completion of the airframe assembly, the first aircraft has now moved to an outdoor station where it will undergo extensive ground tests, prior to installation of its Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

The aircraft will then embark on a short flight test programme to certify the changes over the standard A350-900 that will bring the additional range capability. These include a modified fuel system that increases fuel carrying capacity by 24,000 litres, without the need for additional fuel tanks. The test phase will also measure enhanced performance derived from aerodynamic improvements, including extended winglets.

With a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 280 tonnes, the A350 XWB Ultra Long Range is capable of flying up to 9,700 nautical miles or over 20 hours non-stop, combining the highest levels of passenger and crew comfort with unbeatable economics for such distances.

The A350 XWB is an all new family of widebody long-haul airliners shaping the future of air travel. The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. The A350 XWB features an Airspace by Airbus cabin offering absolute well-being on board with the quietest twin-aisle cabin and new air systems.

To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 854 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 45 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

Singapore Airlines is one of the largest customers for the A350 XWB Family, having ordered a total of 67 A350-900s, including the seven Ultra Long Range models. The carrier has already taken delivery of 21 A350-900s.

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China speeds up research, commercialization of space shuttles

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/China_speeds_up_research_commercialization_of_space_shuttles_999.html

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Report: Large UAVs could bring explosive growth to US

http://www.uasmagazine.com/articles/1823/report-large-uavs-could-bring-explosive-growth-to-us

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IAG’s LEVEL shopping for future fleet

https://leehamnews.com/2018/02/28/iags-level-shopping-future-fleet/

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A320neo? Big Fan! First Ride with Frontier Airlines’ New Engines

https://www.airlinereporter.com/2018/02/a320neo-big-fan-first-ride-frontier-airlines-new-engines/

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Vodafone and Nokia to set up the first 4G network on the Moon

PR

• PTScientists will lead Mission to the Moon in 2019.
• Vodafone Germany appoints Nokia as technology partner to develop space-grade network weighing less than a bag of sugar.
• Vodafone 4G network will enable first live-streaming of HD video from the Moon’s surface to a global audience.

The Moon will get 4G coverage next year, 50 years after the first NASA astronauts walked on its surface. Vodafone plans to create the first 4G network on the Moon to support a mission by PTScientists in 2019 and has today appointed Nokia as its technology partner.

Berlin-based company, PTScientists is working with Vodafone Germany and Audi to achieve the first privately-funded Moon landing. Mission to the Moon is due to launch in 2019 from Cape Canaveral on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Vodafone’s network expertise will be used to set up the Moon’s first 4G network, connecting two Audi lunar quattro rovers to a base station in the Autonomous Landing and Navigation Module (ALINA). Nokia, through Nokia Bell Labs, will create a space-grade Ultra Compact Network that will be the lightest ever developed - weighing less than one kilo, the same as a bag of sugar.

The 4G network will enable the Audi lunar quattro rovers to communicate and transfer scientific data and HD video while they carefully approach and study NASA’s Apollo 17 lunar roving vehicle that was used by the last astronauts to walk on the Moon (Commander Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt) to explore the Taurus-Littrow valley in December 1972.

Vodafone testing indicates that the base station should be able to broadcast 4G using the 1800 MHz frequency band and send back the first ever live HD video feed of the Moon’s surface, which will be broadcast to a global audience via a deep space link that interconnects with the PTScientists server in the Mission Control Centre in Berlin.

A 4G network is highly energy efficient compared to analogue radio and that will be crucial to Mission to the Moon and is the first step to building communications infrastructure for future missions.

Vodafone Germany CEO, Dr Hannes Ametsreiter, commented: “This project involves a radically innovative approach to the development of mobile network infrastructure. It is also a great example of an independent, multi-skilled team achieving an objective of immense significance through their courage, pioneering spirit and inventiveness.”

Robert Böhme, CEO and Founder of PTScientists, said: “This is a crucial first step for sustainable exploration of the solar system. In order for humanity to leave the cradle of Earth, we need to develop infrastructures beyond our home planet. With Mission to the Moon we will establish and test the first elements of a dedicated communications network on the Moon. The great thing about this LTE solution is that it saves so much power, and the less energy we use sending data, the more we have to do science!”

Nokia Chief Technology Officer and Bell Labs President, Marcus Weldon, said: “We are very pleased to have been selected by Vodafone to be their technology partner. This important mission is supporting, among other things, the development of new space-grade technologies for future data networking, processing and storage, and will help advance the communications infrastructure required for academics, industry and educational institutions in conducting lunar research. These aims have potentially wide-ranging implications for many stakeholders and humanity as a whole, and we look forward to working closely with Vodafone and the other partners in the coming months, prior to the launch in 2019.”

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Hyperloop shows its capsule prototype at Dubai

Dubai to Abu Dhabi commute in 15 minutes? Time to believe the hype

Prototype of Virgin Hyperloop One, which will propel passengers between the two cities in 15 minutes on display at City Walk

continue reading
https://www.thenational.ae/uae/transport/dubai-to-abu-dhabi-commute-in-15-minutes-time-to-believe-the-hype-1.707188#2

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European ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter completes 11months aerobraking

In ESA's web page: http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Operations/Surfing_complete

Video: https://youtu.be/Wfvs9mvRzqA
 

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Chinese space lab to fall back to Earth in April

Press Release



WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Chinese space laboratory Tiangong-1 is predicted to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in late April, but where or when it will reach the surface is hard to say.

“Debris comes into Earth’s atmosphere all the time,” said Jay Melosh, a professor of earth, atmospheric and planetary sciences at Purdue University. “With a spacecraft like this, most of the material burns up high in the atmosphere, but a few denser things might come down.”

Tiangong-1 was the first operational component of the Tiangong program, a larger, modular space station intended to be in space by 2023. It was originally planned to be deorbited in 2013, but never came down. In March 2016, the China National Space Administration announced it had lost contact with the lab.

Tiangong-1 was launched from China’s main launch facility at 43 degrees north, which means its orbit spans from 43 degrees north to 43 degrees south, or from the central United States down to the southern tip of Australia. It could come down anywhere between the two points but is more likely to land at either extreme because the station spends more time there.

“It’s like a pendulum – it spends more time at the limits of its swing than when it’s moving fast,” Melosh said.

Pieces of an American space station called Skylab crashed into the Indian Ocean and areas of western Australia in 1979. Due to significant uncertainty about where it would land, there wasn’t any real preparation or cautionary behavior. No one was injured.

Researchers likely won’t know when or where Tiangong-1 is coming down until a few days ahead of time.

“In terms of where it will land, a few hours of uncertainty spans a lot of territory,” Melosh said. “That could be the difference between landing in Chile and the middle of the Pacific.”

It’s highly unlikely that debris from the crash will hit a person or significantly damage property, according to Aerospace, a research center for the United States Air Force.

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Deep space communications goes commercial

In New Atlas
https://newatlas.com/goonhilly-deep-space-communications/53532/

In ESA's webpage
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Operations/Estrack/Goonhilly_goes_deep_space

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Iberia e Iberia Express reciben el premio a las más puntuales del mundo

PR

• Según el ranking de FlightGlobal, la consultora líder en información de vuelos, servicios y aplicaciones de la industria de los viajes. 
• Por segundo año consecutivo, Iberia fue la aerolínea internacional de red más puntual del mundo, con un índice con el 88,97 por ciento de sus vuelos en hora.
• En 2017, Iberia Express alcanzó una con una puntualidad media del 91,77 por ciento, lo que la convierte en la low cost más puntual del mundo por cuarto año consecutivo

 

Iberia e Iberia Express recibieron el 27 de febrero de manos de FlightGlobal el premio a las más puntuales del mundo en 2017, en las categorías de aerolínea internacional de red y compañía de bajo coste respectivamente.



Steve Ritchie, vicepresidente de FlightGobal, ha explicado durante el evento de entrega de los galardones que el ranking elaborado por esta consultora, líder en información de vuelos, servicios y aplicaciones de la industria de los viajes, que “ser la compañía aérea más puntual del mundo es una cosa, pero conseguirlo varias veces de forma consecutiva, como es el caso de Iberia Express e Iberia, es algo impresionante”



En 2017 Iberia fue la aerolínea internacional de red más puntual del mundo (Global Airline Network) con el 88,97 por ciento de los vuelos en hora.



Iberia también ha sido reconocida como la aerolínea más puntual de Europa (European Major Airline), con una puntualidad media en los vuelos a esta región del 89,54 por ciento.



La aerolínea repite en ambos casos la primera posición por segundo año consecutivo: https://www.flightstats.com/company/media/on-time-performance-awards/



Luis Gallego, presidente de Iberia, se refería a los empleados de la aerolínea durante la entrega del premio “Este año habéis vuelto a demostrar que tenéis la actitud para conseguir ser los más puntuales del mundo. Esa actitud que representa el perfecto equilibrio entre la humildad de comenzar cada día como si fuera el primero, y el empuje suficiente para volver a dar y conseguir lo mejor de vosotros”





El año pasado Iberia Express también fue, por cuarto año consecutivo, la aerolínea de bajo coste más puntual del mundo, con el 91,77 por ciento de los vuelos en hora.



“Recibir por cuarto año consecutivo este premio es una enorme satisfacción y un claro reconocimiento a la dedicación, compromiso y trabajo diario de toda la organización, que día a día se esfuerza por alcanzar los más altos estándares de calidad y servicio para nuestros clientes. Este premio revalida nuestro compromiso con la excelencia operativa, con nuestros clientes y con nuestros empleados” comentaba Fernando Candela, Consejero Delegado de la aerolínea durante el evento.



Sobre Iberia: Iberia es la primera compañía de España y líder en las rutas entre Europa y Latinoamérica. Junto con su filial Iberia Express y su franquiciada Iberia Regional Air Nostrum, ofrece alrededor de 600 vuelos al día a medio centenar de países de Europa, América, África, Oriente Medio y Asia, con una flota de 135 aviones. En 2016 y 2017, Iberia e Iberia Express han sido las más puntuales del mundo en sus categorías, según FlightStats. Iberia es miembro de la alianza oneworld, que ofrece más de 14.000 vuelos diarios a cerca de 1.000 aeropuertos en más de 150 países.

Sobre Iberia Express: Iberia Express, filial de Iberia, opera rutas de corto y medio radio y aporta tráfico directo, además de alimentar la red de largo radio de Iberia. Es miembro de oneworld, una alianza de quince compañías aéreas que ofrece a sus pasajeros 14.000 vuelos diarios a cerca de 1.000 aeropuertos de 150 países. Desde su creación, hace ya cinco años, la compañía ha transportado a más de 22 millones de pasajeros. En 2017, Iberia Express ha sido la aerolínea low cost más puntual del mundo por cuarto año consecutivo, según los informes de la consultora FlightStats.

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Citation Latitude extends reign as most delivered midsize business jet

PR




WICHITA, Kan. (Feb. 27, 2018) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron, Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced that, for the second consecutive year, the Cessna Citation Latitude earned the title as the category’s most delivered business jet. Citation Latitude 2017 deliveries increased by 30 percent from 2016, to 54 deliveries, further cementing its position as one of the world’s best-selling business jets since its entry into service in 2015.

“We are thrilled to see the Latitude continue its reign as the most delivered business jet in its class, a clear testament that our product development strategy is both resonating with customers and helping to invigorate the market,” said Scott Ernest, president and CEO. “In less than two and a half years, the Latitude is on track to become a billion-dollar business, making it one of the most successful and sought after aircraft on the market. As the Latitude continues to gain traction with customers across the globe, its success is paving the way for the super midsize Citation Longitude.”

Since its entry into service in 2015, the Citation Latitude has redefined the expectations of a midsize business jet, delivering large-cabin comfort and best-in-class operating costs. Today, the aircraft is certified in 43 countries, and the global fleet of 112 aircraft has surpassed 65,000 flight hours.

Throughout 2017 the Citation Latitude program reached multiple milestones, including increased operational capability with steep approach certification, delivery of the platform’s first medevac configuration and delivery of the 100th aircraft.

The Latitude, with a four-passenger range of 2,700 nautical miles (5,000 km) at high-speed cruise, is set apart from the competition by its combination of comfort and efficiency. The aircraft’s class-leading take-off field length of 3,580 feet provides operators with greater range out of short fields. Inside, the Latitude offers an unrivaled cabin experience featuring the most open, spacious, bright and refined cabin environment in its category. With a flat floor and six feet of cabin height, innovation abounds with exceptional features designed throughout the aircraft.

Textron Aviation’s wireless cabin management system provides productive connectivity and entertainment to each passenger through their personal electronic devices. Improving cabin comfort for passengers and crew alike, the Latitude features a new cabin cooling system and a new pressurization system which provides a 5,950-foot cabin altitude at the aircraft’s maximum operating altitude of 45,000 feet. With standard seating configurations, the Latitude can comfortably accommodate up to nine passengers. Extended maintenance intervals provide owners with the lowest direct operating costs in the midsize segment.

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About Textron Aviation Inc.

Textron Aviation Inc. is the leading general aviation authority and home to the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands, which account for more than half of all general aviation aircraft flying. For more than 90 years, the Textron Aviation brands have represented unrivaled innovation, performance and leadership in the industry, offering an unmatched value proposition rooted in the total ownership experience. Leveraging unparalleled speed-to-market, Textron Aviation provides the most versatile and comprehensive business and general aviation product portfolio in the world through five principal lines of business: business jets, general aviation and special mission turboprop aircraft, high performance piston aircraft, military trainer and defense aircraft and a complete global customer service organization. Textron Aviation has delivered more than 250,000 aircraft in over 143 countries. Its broad range of products include such best-selling aircraft as Citation business jets, King Air and Caravan turboprops and T-6 military trainer aircraft, all of which are backed by the industry’s most capable global service network. For more information, visit www.txtav.com.

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Honeywell Forecasts 4,000 To 4,200 New Civil Helicopter Deliveries Over Next Five Years

PR



- 2018 findings show purchase-plan rates consistent with 2017 survey; light single-engine models are most-desired product class
- Stable purchase-plan rates in North America, Europe and Asia



With a better long-term global economic outlook this year, customers are holding firm in their intentions to invest in new helicopter purchases over the next five years. In its 20th annual "Turbine-Powered Civil Helicopter Purchase Outlook," Honeywell (NYSE: HON) forecasts 4,000 to 4,200 new civilian-use helicopters will be delivered from 2018 to 2022, aligning with the five-year forecast from 2017.


"In addition to better global economic conditions expected in the coming years, potential positive impacts of U.S. tax reform on new helicopter demand and lower volatility in oil and gas-related markets have helped fleet managers confirm what they told us last year," said Ben Driggs, president, Americas, Honeywell Aerospace. "With the expectation of stable purchase plans for new helicopters over the next five years, Honeywell is focused on bringing increased value to operators' current and new fleets by offering Connected Helicopter engine, Health and Usage Monitoring Systems, and avionics solutions that help boost a platform's efficiency and availability."



Key survey findings this year include:

• Over the next 12 months, helicopter fleet utilization is expected to increase significantly in North America and modestly in Europe and Latin America.
• When choosing their make and model, operators purchasing new aircraft are largely considering factors like brand experience and performance, with cabin size and range factors declining from last year's survey.
• The outlook showed stable new purchase-plan rates for the next five years for North America, Europe and Asia. Latin America showed higher growth rates for the next five years with lower rates in the Middle East and Africa.

Regional Overview
North America: Purchase plans were stable in this year's survey with 13 percent of respondents saying they would either replace or expand their fleet with a new helicopter over the next five years, consistent with 2017. North America is home to more than 40 percent of the world helicopter fleet.

• More than 50 percent of planned North American purchases were identified as light single-engine models, while roughly 20 percent of new planned purchases were for both light and medium-twin product classes.

Europe: Compared with 2017 results, purchase plans were stable in this year's survey. Nearly 22 percent of respondents said they would either replace or expand their fleet with a new helicopter over the next five years.

• Both light single-engine and medium twin-engine classes captured roughly 35 percent of total mentions for new helicopters. Twelve percent of respondents indicated plans to purchase heavy-twin helicopters, up by 10 percentage points from last year.
• The sample of Russian operators responding in the 2018 survey remains small, which continues to add some uncertainty to the overall European results.

Latin America: Results for 2018 show higher fleet replacement and growth expectations than 2017. Above the world average, the region's purchase plans increased by more than 12 percentage points from last year.

• Latin America had the leading rate of new aircraft purchase plans globally, with 35 percent of respondents saying they would either replace or expand their fleet with a new helicopter over the next five years.
• Brazilian purchase plans increased to 35 percent, reflecting better expectations for economic growth.
• Latin American respondents favored light single-engine models, which represent more than 50 percent of their planned purchases, followed by intermediate and medium twin-engine product classes.

Middle East and Africa: This region had the lowest new purchase rate globally, with only 10 percent of respondents' fleets expected to get a new helicopter replacement or addition. Purchase plans were 12 percentage points lower compared with 2017 survey results.

• Close to 75 percent of planned new helicopter purchases were light single-engine models.
• Medium twin-engine models were the second-highest mentioned product class in the survey by operators.

Asia Pacific: Overall buying plans were up 1 percentage point when compared with 2017. More than 18 percent of respondents said they would either replace or expand their fleet with a new helicopter over the next five years. 

• Light single-engine and medium twin-engine helicopters were the most popular classes, both capturing about 35 percent of mentions for new helicopters.
• Despite limited inputs, new helicopter purchase plans were up by 9 percentage points in China, increasing to more than 21 percent compared with last year's results. Plans were down by more than 40 percentage points in India.

Methodology
The 2018 outlook presents a snapshot of the helicopter business at a given point in time and reflects the current business and political environment. This year's data comes from a survey of more than 1,000 chief pilots and flight department managers of companies operating 3,489 turbine and 334 piston helicopters worldwide. The survey excluded large fleet or "mega" operators, which were addressed separately. Input received from large oil and gas support and emergency medical service fleet operators is factored into the overall outlook in addition to the individual flight department responses. The survey detailed the types of aircraft operated and assessed specific plans to replace aircraft or add new helicopters to the fleet.

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Predictive Maintenance From Anywhere: Honeywell Enables The Connected Helicopter

PR



RECON takes condition-based maintenance to the next level with increased performance and faster data transfer via satellite communications systems



Whether it's for a military mission or a supply delivery to an oil rig, Honeywell's (NYSE: HON) latest Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) technology will help civil and defense helicopter operators ensure aircraft availability while increasing safety and reducing operational and maintenance costs. RECONTM is a new solution built on the legacy of Honeywell's Health and Usage Monitoring Systems, and uses connectivity to share critical aircraft health data in real time. This allows maintenance crews on the ground to track the health of a rotorcraft no matter its location. Combined with other solutions like the Sky Connect® tracking systems and Aspire 200 Satellite Communications System, Honeywell is enabling operators to benefit from the Connected Helicopter.


"RECON's ability to transfer data in real time is enabling the new age of the Connected Helicopter," said Ben Driggs, president of aftermarket sales, Americas, Honeywell Aerospace. "Using this new system with other connected technologies like Sky Connect and Aspire 200, operators can remain connected wherever they go. This can reduce in-flight cancellations by up to 30 percent, reduce test flights by 20 percent and cut down on scheduled maintenance by up to 10 percent."

Honeywell's HUMS technology enables predictive, condition-based maintenance using sensors on rotating parts, such as the main rotor, tail rotor and drivetrain, to measure the health and performance of these critical components on an aircraft. The systems collect, analyze and manage this data, helping operators and maintenance crews detect and fix potential mechanical issues before they ground a helicopter.

RECON is the next evolution of Honeywell's HUMS and will be able to acquire and process data eight times faster compared with Honeywell's previous systems, reducing flight-test time and increasing data collection. It also enables in-flight rapid data processing and assessment with alerts that can be transmitted via satellite communication systems. Maintenance crews can stay connected and track the health of a rotorcraft anywhere, at any time. Honeywell's HUMS product family provides a common hardware and software environment, so customers can easily upgrade to the new RECON system.

An eight-year study by the University of South Carolina with the South Carolina Army National Guard found that Honeywell's HUMS saved $2.1 million in parts cost and operation support. In addition, the study found a 75 percent reduction in unscheduled maintenance, a key indicator of mission readiness. According to the study, unscheduled replacements were reduced to less than 4 percent of total maintenance actions.

"RECON is built on Honeywell's successful and field-proven HUMS technologies, which have helped our customers with maintenance needs for more than 30 years," said Driggs. "This next generation of HUMS will help operators in industries like oil and gas, emergency medical services, forestry, and defense be connected and ready for takeoff at any moment."

Honeywell's HUMS technology has a strong track record in commercial and defense markets with more than 2,000 onboard systems and over 20,000 portable systems fielded. In addition to serving the U.S. Department of Defense and militaries around the world, Honeywell's HUMS has been selected by world-class organizations like Sikorsky, Boeing and Bell Helicopter, and has Supplemental Type Certificates for more than 20 platforms. RECON is the latest advancement in a full suite of Honeywell's Connected Helicopter technologies, extending from nose to tail and from the ground to the sky, increasing the safety, efficiency and operational effectiveness for customers worldwide.

Supporting Resources

• Learn more about RECON
• Read more about Honeywell Aerospace on the Follow The Aero blog
• Like Honeywell Aerospace on Facebook
• Follow @Honeywell_Aero on Twitter

Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on virtually every commercial, defense and space aircraft, and its turbochargers are used by nearly every automaker and truck manufacturer around the world. The Aerospace business unit develops innovative solutions for more fuel-efficient automobiles and airplanes, more direct and on-time flights, safer flying and runway traffic, along with aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity services, logistics, and more. The business delivers safer, faster, and more efficient and comfortable transportation-related experiences worldwide. For more information, visit www.honeywell.com or follow us at @Honeywell_Aero and @Honeywell_Turbo.

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 software-industrial company that delivers industry specific solutions that include aerospace and automotive products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes, and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help everything from aircraft, cars, homes and buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.

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Global Flight Simulators Market 2018-2022 - High Flying Players Include CAE, FlightSafety, Boeing, Thales, FAAC, ECA, and Lockheed Martin

PR



The "Simulators Market by Type (Full Mission, Containerized, Fixed-Based, Desktop, Console), Technology (Virtual, Constructive, Integrated), Application (Military, Commercial), Vehicle (Airborne, Land, Naval), Component, Region - Global Forecast to 2022" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.


The simulators market is projected to grow from USD 16.62 Billion in 2017 and is projected to reach USD 20.99 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 4.78% during the forecast period.

This growth can be attributed to the growing need to train new pilots across the globe, increasing adoption of virtual training to ensure safety and rising demand for unmanned military vehicles.

Based on application, the military segment is estimated to lead the simulators market in 2017. The growth of this segment can be attributed to increased use of simulators for pilot training and military crew training.

Based on technology, the integrated training environment segment is projected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period. Currently, most military training centers are implementing integrated training platforms for army, navy, and air force trainees.

Based on component, the hardware segment of the simulators market is estimated to lead the simulators market in 2017. The increasing adoption of LED and OLED display systems for virtual training purposes is one of the most significant factors projected to drive the growth of the hardware segment.

Based on type, the containerized simulators segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The use of containerized simulators for land-based commercial applications is expected to drive the growth of the containerized simulators segment.

Based on vehicle class, the land vehicle class segment is projected to register the highest growth during the forecast period, owing to the introduction of new and advanced simulators for battlefield training.

North America is estimated to lead the simulators market in 2017 and is projected to continue its dominance during the forecast period, owing to the largest military and commercial aircraft fleets in this region and increasing demand for new pilots. The simulators market in Asia Pacific is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to the growth in the aviation industry and increase in aircraft deliveries in the region.

Major companies across the globe that provide simulators are CAE (Canada), FlightSafety (US), Boeing (US), Thales (France), FAAC (US), ECA (France), and Lockheed Martin (US). New product development, acquisitions, and contracts are main strategies adopted by these players to retain their position in the market.
Market Dynamics
Drivers

• Growing Need to Train New Pilots Across the Globe
• Increasing Adoption of Virtual Training to Ensure Safety
• Need for Cost-Cutting in Pilot Training
• Rising Demand for Unmanned Military Vehicles

Opportunities

• Technological Advancements in the Field of Flight Simulators

Challenges

• Lack of Interoperability
• High Complexity of Simulator Systems

Key Topics Covered:
1 Introduction

2 Research Methodology

3 Executive Summary

4 Premium Insights

5 Market Overview

6 Industry Trends

7 Simulators Market, By Application

8 Simulators Market, By Component

9 Simulators Market, By Type

10 Simulators Market, By Technology

11 Simulators Market, By Vehicle Class

12 Regional Analysis

13 Competitive Landscape

14 Company Profiles

• ARI Simulation
• Boeing
• CAE
• ECA Group
• Faac Incorporated
• Flightsafety International
• Kongsberg Maritime
• L3 Technologies
• Lockheed Martin
• Meggitt
• Nautical Simulation
• Oktal
• Saab
• Tecknotrove Systems
• Thales
• Transas
• Vstep Simulation

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/w8gtbz/global_flight?w=5

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Hyperloop Transportation Technologies and NOACA Expand Cleveland to Chicago Project with Top Regional Organizations

PR




Hyperloop Transportation Technologies and NOACA sign official public private partnership agreement, receive bipartisan congressional support, and reveal the growing Great Lakes Hyperloop consortium to begin $1.2 million feasibility study in the megaregion.



PLAYA VISTA, Calif. and CLEVELAND, Feb. 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- At an event held today at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT - HyperloopTT) and the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) revealed plans for the Great Lakes Hyperloop, including the signing of an official public private partnership agreement. These developments follow the recent announcement of a signed letter of intent and a memorandum of understanding reached between NOACA and the Illinois Department of Transportation announced on February 15, 2018.



A large and growing body of regional stakeholders has formed to help HTT and NOACA move the project forward. This consortium includes: Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems, Corp., Ohio State University and The Neil Armstrong Chair, ZIN Technologies, Ohio Aerospace Institute, Jobs Ohio, America Makes – National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, Ohio Aerospace and Aviation Council, Ohio Aerospace and Aviation Technology Committee, Wright State Research Institute, The Gateway Group, Additive Engineering Solutions, Eureka Ranch International, The University of Akron, The University of Akron Research Foundation, University of Cincinnati SpaceX Hyperloop Competition Team, The Greater Akron Chamber, and the City of Akron.

As part of the partnership, HTT and NOACA will produce a regional feasibility study which will take approximately six to nine months to complete. Together, HTT and NOACA have raised $1.2 million to finance the study.

Members of the US Congress were in attendance at the event, including representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), and Tim Ryan (D-OH). Republican Ohio State Senators Matt Dolan and Frank LaRose were also in attendance. A growing number of elected officials have provided written support for the Great Lakes Hyperloop initiative which can be found here. In January, HTT worked alongside a bipartisan group of congressional representatives from several states including, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin who sent a formal letter to President Donald Trump requesting infrastructure funding support to further develop the technology.

Ohio Governor John Kasich voiced his support for the project, "Ohio is defined by its history of innovation and adventure. A hyperloop in Ohio would build upon that heritage."

"We have said from the beginning that the Hyperloop will take a movement. The Great Lakes Hyperloop is by far the largest movement of private and public organizations working with a Hyperloop company to develop a system in the United States," said Dirk Ahlborn, CEO of HTT. "We are inviting other cities and organizations throughout the region to join us in bringing the next mode of transportation to reality."

"The Great Lakes megaregion represents a $15 billion transportation market with tens of millions of tons of cargo and millions of passengers connecting to the cities within the region every year," said Grace Gallucci, Executive Director of NOACA. "Technologies like the Hyperloop can take our over-stressed infrastructure into the 21st century and beyond."

More information can be found at www.GreatLakesHyperloop.com

Please see the video here: VIDEO

About HTT
Hyperloop Transportation Technologies Inc. (HTT, HyperloopTT) is an innovative transportation and technology company focused on realizing the Hyperloop, a system that moves people and goods at unprecedented speeds safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Through the use of unique, patented technology and an advanced business model of lean collaboration, open innovation and integrated partnership, HTT is creating and licensing technologies.

Founded in 2013, HTT is a global team comprised of more than 800 engineers, creatives and technologists in 52 multidisciplinary teams, with 40 corporate and university partners. Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, HTT has offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE; Bratislava, Slovakia; Toulouse, France; and Barcelona, Spain. HTT has signed agreements in Slovakia, the UAE, the Czech Republic, France, Indonesia, Korea, India and the United States.

HTT is led by co-founders Dirk Ahlborn (CEO) and Bibop Gresta (Chairman) and a senior management team of experienced entrepreneurs and professionals. For more information or media inquiries, contact press@hyperloop.global or visit http://hyperloop.global/.

Hyperloop Transportation Technologies' images and assets can be found here.

About NOACA
The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) is a transportation and environmental planning agency that represents state, county, city, village, and township officials in Greater Cleveland. NOACA addresses the transportation, air quality, and water quality needs of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties. The agency and its partners cooperatively develop and implement plans to ensure that travel throughout the region is safe, cost-effective and environmentally sound. NOACA's vision is to STRENGTHEN regional cohesion, PRESERVE existing infrastructure, and BUILD a sustainable multimodal transportation system to SUPPORT economic development and ENHANCE quality of life in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit www.noaca.org.

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Sikorsky Advances iFly Sikorsky™

PR




Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), today unveiled the latest version of its iPad flight calculator application for S-92® and S-76D™ helicopters. In addition to replicating common performance calculations and performing as weight-and-balance calculator, iFly Sikorsky v2.0 now connects to internet based weather data (METAR) and offers an entirely new graphical interface.

The iFly Sikorsky suite of applications was launched in 2014. As part of Sikorsky’s Electronic Flight Bag solutions, these applications provide operators readily accessible information in the cockpit and allow Sikorsky to push notifications to operators electronically. The iFly set of tools allows for preflight planning and performance predictions based on ambient conditions and aircraft configuration. It also includes standard information such as normal operating procedures, checklists, emergency procedures, aircraft supplements and other manuals.

"Sikorsky is focused on working with our customers to help improve the efficiency of their operations. This collaboration has resulted in tools such as the iFly suite, which is designed to provide both productivity and safety benefits,” said Simon Gharibian, Sikorsky’s director for fleet management, supportability and training. “Sikorsky continues to innovate and create new functionality to enhance pilot situational awareness and improve the safe operation of our helicopters.”

The newest version of iFly Sikorsky radically streamlines the workflow of preflight calculations and focuses on reducing and automating the number of discrete pilot actions required to conduct typical performance predictions. Location based weather data can instantly be incorporated into the calculation pages, as well as data directly from the aircraft sent via the optional pilot interface module. Innovative tools such as a two-stage climb calculator and multi-chart interpolation are carried over from the previous version, but with a simpler, user-influenced interface. All of these improvements result in a tool that is faster and more intuitive.

iFly Sikorsky 2.0 and Sikorsky’s NextGen HELOTRAC® Maintenance Management System are both available for demonstration at Sikorsky’s HAI Heli-Expo booth number: N5315. HELOTRAC is now more user-friendly and integrates with Sikorsky's offerings such as Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals, maintenance planning, parts ordering and Health and Usage Monitoring. The improved system also offers additional fleet analytics and fleet management functionalities that can improve helicopter operators’ efficiency.

For more information visit Sikorsky Commercial Systems & Services.

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Lockheed Martin Completes Foundation for Satellite Factory of the Future

PR




DENVER, Feb. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The foundation for Lockheed Martin's (NYSE: LMT) satellite production factory of the future has been completed. The Gateway Center construction is making rapid progress and is on track for its completion in 2020. The project recently reached a significant milestone, when the construction team began installing vertical structural steel.


The $350 million, 266,000 square foot building will incorporate multiple features under one roof, and is designed to streamline satellite production and increase cost savings for both government and commercial customers. The building will house an ISO Class 8 high bay cleanroom, an anechoic chamber, and a large thermal vacuum chamber to conduct dynamic endurance tests on the satellites.

"The transformation of this site in just a few short months has been remarkable," said Bill Breeden, vice president of Assembly, Test, Launch and Operations at Lockheed Martin Space. "The basement level has been excavated, the concrete foundation is laid, and we're already raising the steel beams that make up the backbone of the structure. We're well on our way to a 2020 grand opening, when this new facility will be primed and ready to manufacture a wide range of state-of-the-art satellites with agility, precision and efficiency," noted Breeden.

The Gateway Center will be capable of producing multiple satellites at the same time. Embedded functions of the building will reduce satellite production processes from days to mere hours. The building is value engineered and will integrate industry best practices for satellite manufacturing.

In the months since the groundbreaking, over 100,000 cubic yards of soil have been moved to make way for the project. This equals enough dirt to cover an entire football field with a mound 60 feet high. To prepare for the foundation construction, over 500 caissons and support beams have been drilled and installed in holes up to 30 feet deep. Upon completion, the Gateway Center project will have used hundreds of structural steel beams weighing nearly 2,200 tons.

Lockheed Martin has undertaken considerable initiatives to maximize the energy efficiency of the building, and conserve the native landscape. The project is also producing jobs for the local economy. Over 1500 skilled contractors are expected to work on the Gateway Center during the construction phase.

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British ESA astronaut Tim Peake visits Airbus Portsmouth to see revolutionary Eutelsat Quantum satellite

PR




Portsmouth, 26/02/2018 - Airbus’s Portsmouth site played host to British ESA astronaut Tim Peake today to see the latest revolutionary telecommunications satellite being built at the factory.

The Eutelsat Quantum satellite, being manufactured by Airbus and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), is the world’s first geostationary telecommunications satellite that will be fully reconfigurable in orbit. The satellite is being built under a public, private partnership between the European Space Agency (ESA), the satellite operator Eutelsat and Airbus.


The Eutelsat Quantum, due to be launched in 2019, will be able to adapt to new demands in coverage, bandwidth, power, frequency configurability and even change its orbital position.


Eutelsat Quantum will be the first generation of universal satellites able to serve any region of the world and adjust to new business without the user needing to procure and launch an entirely new satellite. Featuring phased array antennas and flexible connectivity, which is fully reconfigurable in orbit, Eutelsat Quantum will be able to adjust its coverage and capacity to suit customers’ needs as and when they change.


It builds on the payload technology developed by Airbus in the UK under the ESA Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems programme (ARTES) and supported by the UK Space Agency.


As well as visiting the cleanroom to see the satellite, Tim Peake also spoke to apprentices and graduates at Airbus as well as meeting other employees.


Airbus’ Colin Paynter, Head of Space in the UK, said: “It was great to welcome Tim to Portsmouth where we build world leading telecommunication payloads for satellites. Quantum is a truly disruptive technology with the ability to be fully flexible and reconfigurable at any stage in its lifetime in orbit.”


Dr Graham Turnock, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “We’re working together with industry to grow the UK’s share of the global space market, as part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy. It was fantastic to visit Airbus alongside Tim Peake and meet the team behind this world-first satellite. The UK invests more than any other country in ESA’s telecommunications research programme and the work going on in Portsmouth is a great example of the benefits this brings.”


Yohann Leroy, Deputy CEO and CTO at Eutelsat: “Eutelsat Quantum is the 24th satellite to be manufactured by Airbus for Eutelsat, building on a long-standing and innovative collaboration spanning more than 40 years between our two Groups. Combining flexibility and performance, the Eutelsat Quantum will bring a truly revolutionary shift to the commercial telecommunications satellite sector to meet the multiple and evolving needs of our customers.”
The Eutelsat Quantum satellite is primed and manufactured by Airbus in the UK and includes a new small geostationary satellite platform called GMPT from SSTL.

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Airbus is developing the CIMON astronaut assistance system for the DLR Space Administration

PR




Airbus is developing the CIMON astronaut assistance system for the DLR Space Administration

Alexander Gerst will test the technology demonstrator aboard the ISS Watson AI (IBM’s artificial intelligence technology) is designed to support space flight crews
Friedrichshafen / Bremen, 26/02/2018 – Airbus, in cooperation with IBM, is developing CIMON (Crew Interactive MObile CompanioN), an AI-based assistant for astronauts for the DLR Space Administration. The technology demonstrator, which is the size of a medicine ball and weighs around 5 kg, will be tested on the ISS by Alexander Gerst during the European Space Agency’s Horizons mission between June and October 2018.

“In short, CIMON will be the first AI-based mission and flight assistance system,” said Manfred Jaumann, Head of Microgravity Payloads from Airbus. “We are the first company in Europe to carry a free flyer, a kind of flying brain, to the ISS and to develop artificial intelligence for the crew on board the space station.” Pioneering work was also being done in the area of manufacturing, Jaumann continued, with the entire structure of CIMON, which is made up of plastic and metal, created using 3D printing.

CIMON is designed to support astronauts in performing routine work, for example by displaying procedures or – thanks to its ‘neural’ AI network and its ability to learn – offering solutions to problems. It uses Watson AI technology from the IBM cloud and, with its face, voice and artificial intelligence, becomes a genuine ‘colleague’ on board. With CIMON, crew members can do more than just work through a schematic view of prescribed checklists and procedures; they can also engage with their assistant. In this way, CIMON makes work easier for the astronauts when carrying out every day routine tasks, helps to increase efficiency, facilitates mission success and improves security, as it can also serve as an early warning system for technical problems.

Airbus initially examined the concept for the assistance system as part of a self-financed study. Then, in August 2016, the Bonn-based DLR Space Administration commissioned Airbus’ aerospace experts to carry out the project. Since then, a 50-strong project team comprising members from Airbus, DLR, IBM and the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU) has been working to ensure that CIMON takes shape and is brought to life: the system is learning to orientate itself and move around, it accumulates knowledge with the help of Watson AI technology and is training to recognise its human partners.

Amongst other things, the Watson AI was trained using voice samples and photos of Alexander Gerst, and procedures and plans of the Columbus module of the International Space Station were loaded into the database. Alexander Gerst also had a say in the selection of CIMON’s screen face and computer voice so that he, too, could ‘make friends’ with his electronic colleague.

Once the functional testing of the system has been completed, Gerst will work in Space with CIMON a total of three times: They will experiment with crystals, work together to solve the Rubik’s cube and perform a complex medical experiment using CIMON as an ‘intelligent’ flying camera.

In its first Space mission, CIMON will only be equipped with a selected range of capabilities. In the medium term, aerospace researchers also plan to use the CIMON project to examine group effects that can develop over a long period of time in small teams and that may arise during long-term missions to the Moon or Mars. Social interaction between people and machines, between astronauts and assistance systems equipped with emotional intelligence, could play an important role in the success of long-term missions. Airbus’ developers are convinced that, here on Earth, developments of the assistance system could also find future use in hospitals and social care.

CIMON will get its first ‘taste of space’ as early as March 2018: the 31st DLR parabolic flight campaign will focus in particular on testing and optimising GNC algorithms (Guidance, Navigation and Control) under zero G conditions.

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Metro Aviation places order for 25 Airbus EC145e helicopters

PR




Development of IFR capabilities has enhanced aircraft’s appeal to operators

Las Vegas, 27 February 2018 – Airbus Helicopters Inc. announced Tuesday that Metro Aviation Inc. had ordered an unprecedented 25 EC145e helicopters that it will place into service providing air medical transport and other aerial services. It is one of the larger commercial helicopter orders ever booked by the U.S. based company.

Metro was the first customer in the world for the lighter weight and lower cost version of the EC145 when it was launched by Airbus Helicopters in 2015, placing an initial order for six aircraft. The helicopter was launched initially only for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) use and Metro put it to work in air medical transport and utility markets.


Since that time Metro, working with Genesis Aerosystems has developed and received Federal Aviation Administration Supplemental Type Certificates for a VFR electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) and an autopilot and stability augmentation system for the EC145e. Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) certification is expected this year.


“This order is the result of the years our company has invested in building and nurturing a great business relationship with the leadership of Metro Aviation and providing them with world-class aircraft and customer support,” said Christopher Emerson, President of Airbus Helicopters Inc. “We look forward to working closely with Metro as they expand their business.”


Metro has identified a sizeable, untapped market for the EC145e helicopter. “The versatility and price point made it an attractive addition to a large number of rotary wing fleets, and we have put seven in service since committing to our first purchase in 2015,” said Metro Aviation President Mike Stanberry. “The EC145e model has proven to be a workhouse across various mission profiles, and we are excited about putting these new aircraft into service within our family of customers.”


Having developed STCs for the EFIS and autopilot systems, Metro has found significant interest for the lower cost EC145e from a diverse group of customers, including air medical, law enforcement, utility and other missions.


Airbus Helicopters will produce the EC145e at its final assembly plant in Columbus, Miss. where it also produces the UH-72A Lakota for the U.S. Army and the H125 commercial helicopter for the North American market. Metro will customize the aircraft for individual customers at its completion center in Shreveport, La.


The EC145e is a powerful, reliable and affordable light twin helicopter boasting a short delivery lead-time, excellent cost competitiveness, and increased useful payload. It retains the power, performance, and reliability of the EC145 and the same large cabin with clam-shell rear doors for easy and safe loading and unloading. The standard EC145e includes a single pilot VFR glass cockpit featuring the Garmin G500H and GTN 650 GPS and communication system. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 7,903 lbs.


Combining the well-known features of the EC145 with the benefits of a predefined configuration - complete with a dedicated equipment list – the EC145e is perfectly suited for law enforcement missions, air medical, utility, aerial work, firefighting, and passenger transport.


Airbus Helicopters Inc. is the leading provider of civil and commercial helicopters in the U.S. The company is based in Grand Prairie, Texas where it operates helicopter completion, paint, and MRO facilities, performs flight test and engineering support, and flight and maintenance training for customers. The Columbus, Miss. plant produces UH-72A Lakota helicopters for the U.S. Army and the H125 for the civil market.
Be sure to follow Airbus Helicopters for all the news and events throughout the show:
http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/events/HAI-2018.html

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Heliflite China orders 10 Airbus light helicopters and becomes official distributor in China

PR



Seven H125 and three H130 on order will support emerging commercial and HEMS markets


Las Vegas, Airbus Helicopters has signed with Heliflite China for an order of seven H125 and three H130 aircraft. The company, based in Xian, China, has also been accredited as an official Airbus Helicopters distributor in the region, supporting Airbus’ growth in this rapidly developing market.

The light helicopters will be used for utility and helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) missions throughout China.

“Given the sheer size of the market and its potential in China, we are preparing for future growth by ensuring we will have the necessary resources available to support all of our operations in the country,” says Marie-Agnes Veve, Head of Airbus Helicopters in China. “Heliflite already has an established reputation for professionalism and integrity, and Airbus Helicopters is very happy to have them on board helping us promote and sell our products to customers.”

Heliflite is a well-known figure in the helicopter market in China, having begun their distribution operations in 2002. They will now become part of the global Airbus Helicopters network, supporting Airbus to prepare for future growth by helping address new customers operating small helicopter fleets in remote regions.

“We are proud to be an official distributer of Airbus products in China, where we expect to see a large increase in orders in the coming years,” said Du Li, Head of Heliflite China. “Airbus’ wide range of helicopters offers the right choice for any mission for customers in this emerging market. We are happy to be able to support this growth.”

The H125/H130 is the single-engine best-seller in the Chinese general aviation community, and represents the largest turbine helicopter fleet in China – making up nearly 50% of all light single engines in the country - with more than 125 aircraft from this family currently in operation.

Airbus Helicopters is the leader in the Chinese helicopter market with a market share of close to 40%. The helicopter industry has experienced approximately 20% annual growth in the country over the past five years and Airbus expects this trend to continue. Airbus supports its customers through 7 local offices and a Regional Customer Service Center, and is the first Western helicopter manufacturer to set up a final assembly line (FAL) in the country.

Be sure to follow Airbus Helicopters for all the news and events throughout the show:

http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/events/HAI-2018.html.

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Rollout of Elite GlobalEye Surveillance Solution Solidifies the Bombardier Global 6000 Aircraft as the Platform of Choice for Special Missions

 PR

• The versatile, ultra-long-range Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft is the ideal platform for specialized missions, with an advanced wing design for a smooth ride that can minimize crew fatigue and extend the life of mission equipment
• Swedish defense supplier Saab chose the sophisticated Global 6000 aircraft for its next-generation GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control system, which was unveiled on February 23, 2018
• Governments worldwide depend on Bombardier’s diverse fleet of aircraft to fly some of their most demanding and critical missions

The latest missionized incarnation of Bombardier’s versatile Global 6000 aircraft has been unveiled in Sweden by Saab, a world-class supplier of complex systems for national defense and security. Saab’s GlobalEye, a multi-role Airborne Early Warning and Control system, mounts next-generation surveillance technology on this sophisticated aircraft.

Bombardier business jets are ideal for critical special missions. Modern-day intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems are lighter and more compact, no longer requiring commercial aircraft proportions. The Global 6000 aircraft is a better fit, delivering performance and leading-edge technology in a more efficient package.

“The next-generation GlobalEye program demonstrates the versatility of the Global 6000 aircraft, a sophisticated platform that can be outfitted into an elite surveillance tool,” said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Its advanced and flexible wing, for example, features leading-edge slats for excellent handling, and delivers a smooth ride that can minimize crew fatigue and extend the life of mission equipment.”

Missionized versions of Bombardier Global aircraft are already in service with elite military clientele, having completed thousands of missions over the last decade, and demonstrating excellent dispatch reliability. Global aircraft are especially attractive for military use because of their speed, agility, endurance and low operating costs compared to other aircraft in their class.

The Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft offers the most available electrical power in its category in its standard configuration via four variable frequency generators and an auxiliary power unit for ultimate reliability on long missions. The Bombardier Vision flight deck offers a head-up display with both Enhanced and Synthetic Vision.

“We carefully selected the robust and sophisticated Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft for our airborne surveillance solutions. It brings a perfect balance of technology, operational performance and cost, and is ideally suited to demanding, multi-level operations,” said Lars Tossman, Vice President and Head of Surveillance Systems, Saab.

The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defense has ordered three GlobalEye aircraft from Saab.

Bombardier boasts more than 1,000 specialized aircraft in service around the world. From its Learjet, Challenger and Global fleet of business aircraft to its versatile Q400 multi-role aircraft, Bombardier offers a wide variety of platforms for government missions, from surveillance and reconnaissance to medical evacuations and VIP transport.

About Saab
Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions within military defence and civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents around the world. Through innovative, collaborative and pragmatic thinking, Saab develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.

About Bombardier

With over 69,500 employees across four business segments, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 28 countries across the segments of Transportation, Business Aircraft, Commercial Aircraft and Aerostructures and Engineering Services. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, Bombardier posted revenues of $16.2 billion US. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

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GAJSC Safety Enhancement Topic: Enhanced Vision Systems

The General Aviation Joint Steering Committee (GAJSC) believes Enhanced and Synthetic Vision technology can significantly improve general aviation utility and reduce the chance of accidents during night and IMC operations. We’ll take a look at available technologies and GA options.

https://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2018/media/SE_Topic_18-01.pdf

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Aerion’s supersonic engine presented

https://leehamnews.com/2018/02/26/aerions-supersonic-engine-presented/

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AHRLAC variant Bronco II unveiled for US light attack bid

Photo via: http://www.ahrlac.com


Read in
Flight Global
The Avionist

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Bigelow Aerospace spinoff company to oversee private space station operations

In new Atlas:
https://newatlas.com/bigelow-space-operations/53509/

Bigelow Press Release
http://www.bigelowspaceops.com/press/press_021418.php

Las Vegas, NV (February 20, 2018) - Bigelow Aerospace is excited to introduce Bigelow Space Operations (BSO), a new commercial space company that is the sales, operational and customer service company that manages and operates space stations developed by Bigelow Aerospace.

With the two launches of B330-1 and B330-2 expected in 2021, the time is now in 2018 to begin BSO activity. These single structures that house humans on a permanent basis will be the largest, most complex structures ever known as stations for human use in space.

The customers that B330 will seek to accommodate will be very diverse.

Bigelow Space Operations has a mission to market and operate these and other space stations including future generations developed by Bigelow Aerospace that are so capable, so diverse and so large that they can accommodate virtually unlimited use almost anywhere.

Over time, Bigelow Aerospace will manufacture a single station, launched on a single rocket that will contain over 2.4 times the pressurized volume of the entire International Space Station, and we intend for BSO to market and operate these also. A new manufacturing facility for these giant stations would have to be built in Florida, Alabama or other suitable location.

But first, there is something very important that BSO must do this year. The time is now to quantify in detail the global, national and corporate commercial space market for orbiting stations. This subject has had ambiguity for many years. BSO will be spending millions of dollars this year to establish concrete answers.

BSO is hiring now to fill many diverse positions. Many of you need to be willing to travel.




###
For more information on Bigelow Space Operations visit www.bigelowspaceops.com. Interact with Bigelow Space Operations at www.facebook.com/bigelowspaceops, www.twitter.com/bigelowspaceops, and www.instagram.com/bigelowspaceops.

For more information on Bigelow Aerospace visit www.bigelowaerospace.com. Connect with Bigelow Aerospace at www.facebook.com/bigelowaerospace, www.twitter.com/BigelowSpace and www.instagram.com/bigelowspace.

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Bombardier teaming with Siemens on new opportunities to optimize its product development processes

PR





Bombardier, the world’s leading manufacturer of trains and aircraft, is working with Siemens to further explore and extend the Teamcenter® portfolio for product lifecycle management (PLM) to optimize its engineering processes to develop, produce and support its products.

“Using Teamcenter to establish an integrated solution spanning across engineering disciplines and downstream users could facilitate the use of consistent processes and leverage collaboration across the enterprise. Bombardier looks forward to what we can achieve from these capabilities,” said Brigitte Larivière, head of Value chain and Functional experience, Bombardier Information Solutions.

Teamcenter provides an integrated single source of information and data for programs spanning across mechanical, electrical, systems, software and wire harnesses, for visibility and traceability throughout each stage of the development process. Combined with the use of a digital twin and a globally common process, once implemented Teamcenter can provide Bombardier improved quality of information within an integrated execution strategy.

“Implementing Teamcenter can help provide Bombardier with greater flexibility in their product development cycles, which is critical in today’s competitive production environment,” said Bob Jones, executive vice president, Siemens PLM Software.

“Insight from the digital twin at each stage of the development cycle will inform and enable better products, ultimately benefiting their customers.”

Siemens helps global manufacturers facing today’s challenge of delivering products that meet technical and performance requirements, at cost and on schedule. Supply chains are continually being transformed to optimize productivity while maintaining a highly dynamic and virtual workforce. Solutions from Siemens PLM Software take advantage of industry-leading practices to enable aerospace companies to manage entire product lifecycles. For further information on our solutions for the aerospace industry, please see https://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/global/en/industries/aerospace-defense/index.html.




Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of efficient power generation and power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2016, which ended on September 30, 2016, Siemens generated revenue of €79.6 billion and net income of €5.6 billion. At the end of September 2016, the company had around 351,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.

Siemens Industry Software Ltd., a business unit of the Siemens Digital Factory Division, is a leading global provider of software solutions to drive the digital transformation of industry, creating new opportunities for manufacturers to realize innovation. With headquarters in Plano, Texas, and over 140,000 customers worldwide, Siemens PLM Software works with companies of all sizes to transform the way ideas come to life, the way products are realized, and the way products and assets in operation are used and understood. For more information on Siemens PLM Software products and services, visit www.siemens.com/plm.

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Oerlikon and Boeing to Collaborate in Additive Manufacturing Work

• Oerlikon and Boeing to create standard processes for 3D-printed structural titanium aerospace
• Five-year agreement supports creation of standard titanium additive manufacturing processes
• Boeing has 50,000+ 3D-printed parts on commercial, space and defense products flying today

Pfäffikon Schwyz,Switzerland & Chicago, Feb. 20, 2018— Boeing [NYSE: BA], the world's largest aerospace company, and Oerlikon [SWX: OERL], a leading technology and engineering group, signed a five-year collaboration agreement to develop standard materials and processes for metal-based additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing, popularly known as 3D printing, is a controlled process in which material is joined or solidified to create a three-dimensional part.

“This agreement is an important step toward fully unlocking the value of powder bed titanium additive manufacturing for the aerospace industry,” said Leo Christodoulou, Chief Technologist for Boeing Additive Manufacturing. “Boeing and Oerlikon will work together to standardize additive manufacturing operations from powder management to finished product and thus enable the development of a wide range of safe, reliable and cost-effective structural titanium aerospace components.”

Dr. Roland Fischer, CEO Oerlikon Group said: “This program will drive the faster adoption of additive manufacturing in the rapidly growing aerospace, space and defense markets. Working together with Boeing will define the path in producing airworthy additive manufacturing components for serial manufacturing. We see collaboration as a key enabler to unlocking the value that additive manufacturing can bring to aircraft platforms and look forward to partnering with Boeing.”

Boeing and Oerlikon will use the data from this collaboration to support the qualification of additive manufacturing suppliers to produce metallic components using a variety of machines and materials. The research will initially focus on industrializing titanium powder bed fusion additive manufacturing and ensuring parts made with this process meet the flight requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Defense. The strong collaboration between Boeing and Oerlikon will enable the companies to meet the current challenges to qualify materials and processes for aerospace and provide a route for the adoption of additive manufacturing with a qualified supply chain that achieves quality and cost targets.

Since 1997, Boeing has been a leader in researching and implementing additive manufacturing in the aerospace industry and currently has about 50,000 3D-printed parts flying on commercial, space and defense programs. In 2017, Boeing became the first aerospace manufacturer to design and install a Federal Aviation Administration-qualified 3D-printed structural titanium part on a commercial airplane, the 787 Dreamliner. With the creation of the Boeing Additive Manufacturing organization in 2017, Boeing is focused on using additive manufacturing to generate value for customers by enabling greater affordability, quality, customization and speed-to-market innovation.

Oerlikon is a leading service provider in additive manufacturing, offering a full-range of integrated additive manufacturing services along the entire value chain – from metal powder production to component design, manufacturing, post-processing and quality inspection.

To find out more about both companies, visit: www.oerlikon.com/am and http://www.boeing.com/

About Oerlikon

Oerlikon is a leading global technology group, with a clear strategy to become a global powerhouse in surface solutions, advanced materials and materials processing. Backed by the key ability to intelligently engineer and process surface solutions and advanced materials, the Group is committed to invest in value-bringing technologies that provide customers with lighter, more durable, more efficient and environmentally sustainable products. A Swiss company with over 100 years of tradition, Oerlikon operates its business in three Segments (Surface Solutions, Manmade Fibers and Drive Systems) with a global footprint of over 13,500 employees at more than 180 locations in 37 countries and sales of CHF 2.3 billion in 2016. The company invested CHF 94 million in R&D in 2016 and has over 1,000 specialists developing innovative and customer-oriented products and services.

About Boeing

Chicago-based 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.

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Airbus-built PAZ radar satellite successfully launched

Space X press release
http://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/paz_press_kit_2.21.pdf



Airbus Press Release:

• Spain’s first radar satellite will start operations in May 2018 
• Airbus engineers to support LEOP and IOT phases 
• PAZ will join the Airbus high resolution SAR satellite constellation

Madrid, 22/02/2018 – The Airbus-built PAZ radar satellite has been successfully launched today from Vandenberg Air Force Base, in California, USA. Ten minutes after launch, the satellite separated from the launcher and will soon be positioned at its 514 km orbit.


First contact with the satellite was established from the DLR Ground Control Centre in Germany, where Airbus engineers are supporting the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) to check out and configure the satellite, ensuring that all satellite critical systems and communications are functioning as planned. These activities will take around five days, then the satellite will be handed over to the Ground Control Centre located at INTA (Instituto Nacional de Técnicas Aeroespaciales) in Torrejón de Ardóz, near Madrid. The satellite will be operated by INTA and Hisdesat (owner of the satellite) technical teams.

During the next three months all In-Orbit Testing (IOT) activities will be carried out from Madrid, and will serve to validate the correct functioning of the spacecraft and its radar performance. The verification of the two secondary payloads, the sophisticated Automatic Identification System (AIS) for global control of the maritime scenario and the Radio Occultation and Heavy Precipitation experiment (ROHP), will be carried out.

As prime contractor, Airbus Spain built the PAZ satellite, leading a team of 15 European companies and three universities. “PAZ is the first Spanish radar satellite and has now joined the TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X satellites. Operating on the same orbit, the three satellites form a very high-resolution SAR constellation providing reduced revisit time and increased acquisition capacity,” said Nicolas Chamussy, Head of Space Systems within Airbus. “PAZ is another good example of the advanced technologies that Airbus has to offer to improve our everyday lives. Environment monitoring, management of natural resources, urban and agricultural planning and crisis evaluation are just a few examples of the numerous applications this satellite will be used for.”

PAZ is equipped with advanced active SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) technology designed for high flexibility and the capability to operate in multiple modes with different image sizes and resolutions. It will take images 24/7 and in all weather conditions. PAZ is designed for a mission life time of five and a half years, serving both Spanish government and commercial needs. The initial investment made in the project was 160 million euros.

The new constellation will be jointly exploited by Hisdesat and Airbus. PAZ data will also be used as part of Copernicus, the European Union’s Earth monitoring programme.

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