martes, 6 de febrero de 2018

SpaceX Successfully Launches the Falcon Heavy—And Elon Musk's Roadster

Florida's space coast roared to life on Tuesday as SpaceX fired off its long-in-development Falcon Heavy rocket from Kennedy Space Center. Tens of thousands of spectators made the pilgrimage from across the country to experience the immense heat and thunderous roar of the rocket's 5 million pounds …

http://flip.it/so7oNT

Conferencia Proyectos Espaciales Españoles: El Satélite Paz, por la Sociedad Aeronáutica Española (SAE)

Orientada a los más jóvenes, tendrá lugar el próximo sábado 10 de febrero “ Proyectos Espaciales Españoles: El Satélite Paz”, a las 12:00 horas, en las instalaciones de B The Travel Brand Xperience de Madrid (Calle Miguel Ángel, 33). En el cual los asistentes podrán descubrir todo lo relacionado con los cohetes y los viajes espaciales de la mano de Isaac Domínguez Santos, Director de la Dirección de Programas y Sistemas Espaciales de ISDEFE.

SINGAPORE: VTOL business aircraft concept unveiled



Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault and Gulfstream may not be watching their backs just yet, but a UK start-up has unveiled plans at the show for the world’s first vertical take-off and landing business aircraft. continue reading: https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/singapore-vtol-business-aircraft-concept-unveiled-445591/

More info:


First Press Release: Introducing the Starling Jet

Samad Aerospace is developing an electric VTOL business jet that has the range of 1500 miles and can carry 5 people (and a further 80 kg of baggage) with one person being the pilot. The Starling Jet has the speed of 450 miles per hour and is going to be developed with fly by wire and full autonomous capability. Less than 20 hours of training would be enough to fly the Starling Jet. The aircraft is capable to take off and land from an area as small as a helipad.

The Starling Jet is designed to have the high power to weight ratio electric fans similar to that of gas turbine engines. In addition, it features the power electronics and battery technology that can operate at a very low temperature and extreme environment of 30,000 ft altitude. The company is taking advantage of current developments in battery and power electronics and low cost gas turbine engine for charging the batteries at cruise.


The Future is Upwards and Green
The CEO and Founder of Samad Aerospace, Dr. Seyed Mohseni, has had a brief meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr. Teo Chee Hean during the Welcome Ceremony of the Singapore Airshow 2018 at Marina Bay Sands on the evening of 5th February 2018.

The Chief Technology Officer of Rolls Royce, Paul Stein was also present and has expressed that "The future of aircraft is indeed going towards electrification and aircraft with VTOL capability".

Samad Aerospace will be showcasing its one-of-a-kind vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) business jet at the biggest airshow in Asia on 6th February 2018. The Starling Jet, will be the world's first hybrid-electric VTOL business jet that is designed for performance, speed, comfort, and green with the added flexibility to take-off and land from just anywhere.

Mr. Teo who was also the keynote speaker of the Welcome Reception, has expressed his interest in getting Singapore's participation in Starling Jet project and be part of the technology development and supply chain of this unique aircraft. Talks will continue with EDB of Singapore to join the UK company in thus exciting journey.

The first official release of the Starling Jet concept is planned to be held at the Singapore Airshow on Tuesday 6th February 2018, at 12 pm (GMT +8) at the UK Pavilion Lounge. Media members are welcome to find out about this unique feature of the electric business jet.

Facts:

The first hybrid-electric business jet

  • Fully electric during take-off/landing and flights over urban areas.
  • Conventional diesel turbofan engine propulsion during high altitude and outside cities cruise.
VTOL
  • Door-to-door air travel, independent of airport.
  • Time saved/gained: 2.5 hours per trip.


Fast, comfortable and luxurious
  • High speed: up to 460 miles per hour.
  • Comfortable and luxurious cabin.

 Low CO2 emission, fuel economic

  • Less CO2 emission due to hybrid electric propulsion and hybrid turbofan diesel engine.
  • Refuel at fuel stations.
Safe transition to cruise and landing mode

  • Smooth and safe transition from vertical to horizontal flight and vice versa.
  • Cruise engines act independently from vertical engines below stall speed.









Oferta de empleo de Iberia en Barcelona



Nota de prensa




Para cubrir puestos de agentes administrativos y servicios auxiliares en El Prat.



· Los interesados podrán optar al puesto hasta el 7 de febrero. Toda la información en https://portal.iberia.es/iberiaEmpleo/#



Barcelona, 6 de febrero de 2018



Iberia ha publicado una nueva oferta de empleo para trabajar en el aeropuerto de El Prat.



En concreto, necesita cubrir puestos de agentes administrativos y servicios auxiliares para realizar tareas de handling, tanto de pasajeros –facturación y embarque- como de rampa –asistencia al avión-.



Los interesados pueden presentar su candidatura hasta el 7 de febrero a través de la web de Iberia https://portal.iberia.es/iberiaEmpleo/# donde encontrarán también los requisitos para ambos puestos.

Bombardier Presence at Singapore Airshow Underscores its Significant Momentum in the Asia-Pacific Region



PR





Bombardier Commercial Aircraft will be displaying a Philippine Airlines dual-class 86-seat Q400 regional turboprop, as well as an airBaltic CS300 aircraft at the 2018 Singapore Airshow, which runs from February 6 to 11.

“Asia-Pacific is a region of unmatched opportunities where Bombardier has recently gained significant momentum. The CS300 aircraft’s recent Asian commercial debut with Korean Air Lines highlights our breakthrough into the region’s fast-growing market,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Passenger demand in the region is increasing fast, driving demand for more short-haul aircraft, more flight frequencies and more city pairs to increase connectivity. We are confident our product line-up will continue to be instrumental in supporting intra-regional growth, as well as further protecting passenger yields in the region.”

The Asia-Pacific region is Bombardier Commercial Aircraft’s fastest growing market with strong demand for small single-aisle aircraft like the C Series, as well as larger regional turboprops and jets.

“The high-performing Q400 aircraft has proven to serve the Asia-Pacific region very well. Bombardier acted well ahead of the market trend toward larger turboprops when it introduced the 90-seat Q400 turboprop at the Singapore Airshow two years ago. The Q400 aircraft ushered in a new era of turboprops, and the recent SpiceJet reorder for up to 50 new 90-seat Q400 turboprops is another great example of our strong market penetration.”

Singapore is the headquarters for Bombardier’s operations in the Asia-Pacific region. Bombardier has been steadily growing its after-sales support in Asia-Pacific to keep pace with the ever-increasing fleet of its aircraft. The company’s Customer Services network for commercial aircraft in the region includes five Regional Support Offices in Shanghai, Tokyo, Delhi, Singapore and Sydney, and Bombardier-authorized Service Facilities operated by STAECO in Jinan, China, Hawker Pacific in Cairns, Australia and GMR Aero Technic in Hyderabad, India.

Bombardier’s exhibit at the airshow will also showcase a Challenger 350 and Global 6000 corporate aircraft. Bombardier’s chalet is located at CD 55-59. The company will hold a series of media briefings and events during the show. Members of the media are invited to check the briefing schedule daily at the Media Centre for details and latest updates.

Cessna Citation Latitude touches down in Asia-Pacific with China and Australia certifications

PR

SINGAPORE (Feb. 6, 2018) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced it has been granted certification for the midsize Cessna Citation Latitude by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia (CASA), with the region’s first deliveries underway.



“We are pleased to offer the Citation Latitude, the best-selling midsize business jet in the industry, to the Asia-Pacific market,” said Jessica Pruss, president, Asia Pacific Sales and Marketing. “The Latitude is especially appealing to individual owners and charter operators in the region due to its unprecedented cabin comfort and best-in-class operating costs, combined with the range and performance required for regional missions.”



With the addition of these two new certifications, the Latitude is now certified in 43 countries around the world. The global fleet has surpassed 100 aircraft and 60,000 flight hours since entering service in August 2015.



The Latitude is the first in a series of three new large-cabin business jets, including the super-midsize Citation Longitude, expected to enter into service in early 2018, and large-cabin Citation Hemisphere, under development. These aircraft are designed to bring additional capabilities to the Asia-Pacific region, offering impressive packages of performance, technology and comfort at the lowest operating costs in their respective segments.



“As our customers’ missions and needs grow, they appreciate that our evolving product line combines proven performance, precision design, production quality and lifecycle customer support that Citations are known for,” Pruss said.


Related:
http://txtav.com/en/newsroom/2018/02/flagship-cessna-citation-longitude-lands-at-singapore-airshow-makes-asia-pacific-debut

http://txtav.com/en/newsroom/2018/02/textron-aviation-invests-in-support-and-service-for-apac-operators-elevates-customer-experience

E190-E2 Flight Test Results Confirm E2 as Most Efficient Single Aisle Jet



PR




As the E190-E2 new generation narrow-body jet approaches certification, Embraer announces some final results from flight tests confirming that the aircraft is better than its original specification and even more efficient than other single aisle aircraft. In fuel consumption, the E190-E2 proved to be 1,3% better than originally expected, which represents a 17,3% improvement when compared to the current generation E190, and nearly 10% better than its direct competitor.


The E190-E2 also becomes the most environmentally friendly aircraft in the segment, with the lowest level of external noise and emissions. The cumulative margin to ICAO Stage IV noise limit increases from 17 to 20 EPNdB, which results in 2 EPNdB better than its direct competitor. Rodrigo Silva e Souza, Marketing VP, Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, “this means that when our first operator , Widerøe, operates its inaugural E190-E2 flight on April 24th from Bergen to Tromsø, it will be the first in-service flight of the world’s most efficient and eco-friendly narrow-body jet. This is an immense achievement for our team and means additional value delivered to our customers.” Flight test results also confirmed the E190-E2 to be better than its original specification in takeoff performance.


The aircraft’s range from airports with hot-and-high conditions, such as Denver and Mexico City, increases by 600 nm compared to current generation aircraft. Its range from airports with short runways, such as London City also increases by more than 1,000 nm allowing the aircraft to reach destinations like Moscow and the north of Africa. E190-E2 also becomes the aircraft with the longest maintenance intervals in the single aisle market with 10,000 flight hours for basic checks and no calendar limit in typical E-Jets utilization. This means additional 15 days of aircraft utilization in a period of ten years compared to current generation E-Jets. Another key program target where the E190-E2 obtained better results than initial expectations is in pilots transition training time. Pilots of Current generation E-Jets will need only 2.5 days of training and no full flight simulator to fly an E2.


“Decreasing the training burden for pilots transitioning from E1 is another huge reduction in both time and cost for our operators. This coupled with the E2 family’s world leading fuel efficiency and lowest noise footprint, make the E2 the most cost effective aircraft in its segment by every measure”, explained Silva. Embraer is the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats. The Company has 100 customers from all over the world operating the ERJ and the E-Jet families of aircraft. For the E-Jets program alone, Embraer has logged more than 1,800 orders and 1,400 deliveries, redefining the traditional concept of regional aircraft by operating across a range of business applications.

Embraer and SkyTech sign letter of intent for up to six KC-390 multi-mission aircraft

PR



Singapore, February 6, 2018 – Embraer Defense & Security announced today, at the Singapore Airshow, the signing of a Letter of Intent with aviation services company SkyTech for up to six new KC-390 multi-mission transport aircraft. The aircraft are earmarked for multiple defense projects and both companies have also agreed on a potential strategic collaboration to jointly explore new business opportunities in training and services.

SkyTech is the result of a partnership between two long-standing players in the field of defense services: aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) company HiFly, from Portugal, and Australian aviation services and charter provider Adagold Aviation. “We have been following the KC-390 program since its inception and believe that it will be a game-changer in the medium-sized airlift category as well as a multi-role platform”, said Paulo Mirpuri, president of SkyTech. The company has also stated that this is the first of a wide variety of platforms that will fulfil various niche roles and projects that SkyTech is undertaking worldwide. “Embraer is keen to have SkyTech as a strategic partner for some of our own planned projects, where we see them adding value and enhancements by providing various ongoing solutions to our own defense customer base”, said Jackson Schneider, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.

The KC-390 is a tactical transport aircraft developed to establish new standards in its category while presenting the lowest life cycle cost on the market. It is capable of carrying out various missions, such as transporting cargo, troops or paratroopers, aerial refueling, in addition to supporting humanitarian missions, search and rescue missions, medical evacuation and aerial firefighting. The KC-390 can transport up to 26 metric tons of cargo at a maximum speed of 470 knots (870 km/h), as well as operating in hostile environments, including unprepared or damaged runways.

Boeing Announces Nearly $1 Billion in Services Orders at Singapore Airshow

PR

Orders demonstrate strong Asia Pacific interest in Boeing services
Orders stretch across each portfolio representing parts, modifications, training and Boeing AnalytX

SINGAPORE, Feb. 6, 2018 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced services orders valued at more than $900 million that will enable carriers and partners to excel in today’s competitive airline environment.

“Boeing is serious about helping customers optimize the performance of their fleets and reduce operational costs throughout the lifecycle,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Global Services. “Predicted growth for aerospace services in the Asia Pacific brings opportunities to partner with local industry to understand the region’s greatest needs, invest in new capabilities to meet those needs, and then bring them to market quickly.”

Today’s agreements stretch across Global Services’ four capability areas, including parts; engineering, modifications and maintenance; digital aviation and analytics; and training and professional services.

Regional agreements announced today include in part:
  • All Nippon Airways signed a contract for 36 landing gear exchanges for the 787.
  • China Southern Airlines and Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited (GAMECO) signed an agreement to develop service capabilities for the Boeing Global Fleet Care portfolio, as well as enhanced component and composite repair capabilities.
  • Malaysia Airlines signed an agreement for 48 landing gear exchanges for the Next-Generation 737. Through the program, operators receive an overhauled and certified landing gear from an exchange pool maintained by Boeing, with stocked components and supporting parts shipping within 24 hours.
  • Nippon Cargo Airlines signed a five-year agreement to renew Jeppesen charting and electronic flight bag services to optimize navigation and flight operations across their 747 fleet.
  • Royal Brunei Airlines signed an agreement for five 787-8 overhead flight crew rest retrofits. The modifications, to be completed at Boeing Shanghai, will allow the carrier to fly the 787-8 airplanes on long-haul routes, providing increased operations flexibility to the fleet and operator.
  • SilkAir signed an agreement to receive fleet material services for 54 of its 737 MAX and Next-Generation aircraft. Fleet material services include Component Services Program, Integrated Material Management and Customer Furnished Parts, providing the customer with a centralized supplier of parts.
  • Singapore Airlines signed a contract to use Electronic Logbook on its 777 and 787 fleet. As a Boeing electronic flight bag app, the Electronic Logbook replaces paper logbooks with digital records that improve operational efficiency and reliability, reducing schedule interruptions.
  • Singapore’s Defense Science and Technology Agency signed an agreement to engage in collaborative research and experimentation activities, powered by Boeing AnalytX.
Worldwide agreements announced today include:
  • Alaska Airlines signed an agreement to renew Jeppesen Flight Planning for its 737 fleet.
  • Biman Bangladesh Airlines has expanded its use of Boeing’s Component Services Program by adding the service to support induction of new 787 aircraft that will enter its fleet in August this year, in addition to expanding and extending current component service coverage of its existing 737 and 777 fleets. With this service extension, Biman is on CSP support for all three of its airplane models.
  • DHL has ordered one 767-300ER Boeing converted freighter. Boeing converted freighters carry high-density cargo on long-range routes, as well as e-commerce cargo on domestic and regional routes. Honeywell Aerospace signed a contract extending Aviall’s product support agreement as the exclusive distributor for Honeywell Aerospace through 2022, covering interior and exterior lighting equipment for all commercial aftermarket product sales. Products covered include indicators, annunciators and other components used on commercial aircraft.
  • Lufthansa Group signed an agreement for 25 landing gear exchange and overhauls across its 777-200F and 777-300ER fleets for AeroLogic, Lufthansa Cargo and Swiss International Airlines. The service eliminates the need for operators to contract, schedule and manage the overhaul process.
  • Parker Aerospace’s Aircraft Wheel & Brake Division signed a five-year master distributor agreement with Aviall for its Cleveland Wheels & Brakes product line. Aviall will forecast, warehouse and market through its network, including Parker AWB’s former network of direct distributors.
  • Tianjin Air Capital signed a contract with AerData for Secure Technical Records for Electronic Asset Management, a tool that transforms operations by replacing paper documents with digital ones, for a fleet of more than 50 aircraft.
  • Tunisair signed a contract to integrate Jeppesen Aviator services on iPad into its flight operations, reducing pilot time spent on data entry and accessing individual apps.

New A330-800 rolls-out of paintshop




PR
http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/02/new-a330-800-rolls-out-of-paintshop.html



One step closer to joining the A330neo test fleet

The newest member of the A330neo Family, the A330-800, has rolled out of the paintshop, on track for its first flight in mid-2018.

The A330-800 is the new generation 250-seater from Airbus’ leading twin-aisle family. With its 242-tonne Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) as the base variant, the A330-800 can operate routes of up to 7,500nm and with the recently launched 251-tonne MTOW variant, the aircraft can operate ultra-long-range routes of up to 8,150nm. The A330-800 will leverage the A330-200’s proven versatility, popularity and reasons for success, offering new-generation economics.

Building on the success of the A330-200 with over 600 aircraft in operation, the A330-800 brings new-generation economics and comfort in addition to unprecedented range to the 250-seat aircraft market. Together with the larger 300-seat A330-900, they share 99 percent commonality, having the same airframe, engines and cross-crew training. This gives operators great flexibility to use either aircraft in their fleet according to network needs in size and range. Both of these widebody aircraft incorporate new Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, zero-splice nacelles, titanium pylons, new wings and new Airspace by Airbus cabins. The most visible new features of the A330neo wings are the specially developed curved wingtip Sharklets – which draw on A350 XWB technology, extending the wingspan to 64 metres, providing state-of-the art aerodynamic characteristics.

Airlines will benefit from 25 percent less fuel burn per seat compared to previous-generation competitors, reduced maintenance costs and the A330’s market-leading 99.5 percent operational reliability. Passengers will enjoy the award-winning all new Airspace cabin inspired by the A350 XWB. On top of latest generation in-flight entertainment and connectivity, passengers can look forward to a new welcoming entrance area, spacious overhead bins, mood lighting and exceptionally quiet flights. With over 1,700 orders, the A330 is the most popular widebody aircraft ever, having flown nearly one million annual flights. Today, close to 1,400 aircraft have been delivered to 118 customers worldwide on a wide range of routes, from domestic and regional flights to long-range intercontinental services. Offering the lowest operating costs in its category, and thanks to continuous investments in latest innovations, the new-generation A330neo will be the most profitable and best performing aircraft in its size category

Airbus: at the heart of Asia’s largest airshow



http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/news/en/2018/02/airbus--at-the-heart-of-asia-s-largest-airshow.html




Airbus’ strong presence at Singapore Airshow 2018 reflects its commitment to the Asia-Pacific region

Asia’s biggest aviation show opened today at the Changi Exhibition Centre, and Airbus is at the heart of it. The Singapore Airshow, held every two years, is where partnerships are forged and deals are sealed in the Asia-Pacific region. Airbus is the largest international exhibitor at the show, reflecting the company’s commitment to this part of the world.

Airbus boasts a strong industrial presence in the region and relies upon some 600 Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers across 15 countries. Asia-Pacific nations are also an increasingly rich source of partnerships for innovation, new technologies and digitalisation.

The Asia-Pacific region accounts for a third of Airbus’ new business and an equal third of the company’s order book. The region is, in fact, the fastest growing market for each Airbus business – commercial aircraft, defence, space, helicopters and innovation – and the range of Airbus products at the Singapore Airshow reflects this.

All Airbus divisions showing their strengths in the region

With the company’s newest jetliner, the A350-1000, on display at Singapore – joined by its largest military transporter, helicopters, satellites, an autonomous parcel delivery drone and more – Airbus is well positioned to showcase its aerospace leadership and demonstrate that ‘We Make it Fly.’ In addition to aircraft on display, Airbus has an area dedicated to the company’s growing services business, as well as video presentations of key innovative projects.

Airbus commercial aircraft have been especially successful in Asia and the Pacific, where the company offers a modern and extensive range of jetliners that combine unrivalled operational efficiency with the highest levels of passenger comfort. Highlighting the company’s strong presence in the widebody market is the all-new A350-1000 on display as it makes an extended stopover at the Singapore Airshow amid a 12-city demonstration tour across the region. Also on display is a full-scale mock-up section of the Airspace interior for the new A330neo jetliner, which elevates the feeling of cabin space and comfort to another level.

With a wide range of helicopter products meeting the needs of both civil and military operators, Airbus is the leading supplier of rotary-wing aircraft to the region. Offering the most extensive customer support network of any helicopter manufacturer, Airbus supports more than 40 percent of the civil and para-public fleet in Asia and the Pacific. On static display at the Singapore Airshow are the single-engine H130 and twin-engine H135 helicopters. The Project Skyways drone is also being displayed for the first time, spotlighting the innovative unmanned air delivery system intended for use in dense urban environments. The project is at an advanced stage of development in collaboration with partners in Singapore.

From military airlifters to Earth-orbiting satellites

The Asia-Pacific region is one of biggest growth markets for Airbus’ defence and space portfolio. Showcasing the company’s comprehensive range of military transport aircraft is a Royal Malaysian Air Force A400M Atlas, the most advanced, proven and certified airlifter available. Airbus’ Earth-observation and telecommunication satellite system capabilities are represented with a scale model of the AstroBus-XS satellite platform.

Demonstrating Airbus’ commitment to innovation is the Hangar of the Future, a project to digitise and automate maintenance activities to increase overall efficiency. The project, undertaken with the Temasek Polytechnic education institution in Singapore, is co-funded by Airbus and the Singapore Economic Development Board. Trials are ongoing at a testbed hangar at Temasek Polytechnic.

The 2018 Singapore Airshow runs through 11 February 2018 at the Changi Exhibition Centre.



http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/02/airbus-reinforces-its-market-lead-in-asia-pacific-region.html



Forecast demand for more than 14,000 new aircraft over the next 20 years

Airbus further consolidated its market lead in Asia-Pacific in 2017, delivering 367 new aircraft to 50 operators across the region, either directly to airlines or via lessors. This accounted for over half of Airbus’ total deliveries worldwide (718 aircraft) during the year, reflecting the importance of the region for the manufacturer. Deliveries to the region included almost 100 new widebody aircraft and marked the arrival of the long-rage A350 XWB with three new Asian operators.

In 2017, Airbus also won the lion’s share of new business in the region, gaining 65% of the market with 100 new aircraft orders from 7 customers. This brings the Airbus backlog in the region to more than 2,000 aircraft, corresponding to a third of the total backlog for the company.


The regional results and market forecast were presented by Eric Schulz, Airbus Executive Vice President, Chief of Sales, Marketing & Contracts, at a Media Briefing at the opening of the Singapore Air Show 2018.


“Accounting for one third of Airbus total backlog, one third of Airbus total orders and one third of the overall Airbus in-service fleet, there is no doubt that Asia-Pacific is a core market for Airbus” said Eric Schulz. “With traffic tripling over the next 20 years, and some of the highest growth rates, the Asia-Pacific region will by far be the world’s largest aviation market.”


“Airbus had an excellent year in Asia-Pacific in 2017 and we see more potential in the coming years, in particular in the widebody market, where the region will account for 46% of total worldwide demand. Airbus is perfectly placed to meet this need, already holding 60% of the widebody backlog in the region and offering the most modern and complete widebody product line, with the A330neo, A350 XWB and of course the A380”.

According to the Airbus forecast, the Asia-Pacific region will see an annual increase in passenger traffic of 5.6% and will require some 14,450 new aircraft over the forecast period. This represents more than 40% of global demand for almost 35,000 aircraft over the next 20 years.


Airbus maintains a leading share in the Asia-Pacific region in both the single aisle and widebody markets. Today more than half of all single aisle aircraft flying in the region are A320 Family aircraft. The Airbus widebody family is especially successful in region, with almost 800 flying today and another 350 on order for future delivery, representing 60% of total widebody backlog in the region.


The A350 XWB is the new long-range leader in the Asia-Pacific region, where 14 airlines have placed orders for 287 aircraft. Eight carriers from the region are already flying the modern widebody on long range routes to Europe and the US. The A350-1000, nearing its first customer delivery in the coming weeks, will further consolidate the A350 XWB position. In 2018 Airbus will deliver the first A350-1000 for the region to Cathay Pacific, as well as the first A350 Ultra Long Range to Singapore Airlines.                                                                                                                                                                                                         * * *
Asia-Pacific 20 Year Market Forecast - Headline Figures

•       5.6% annual growth in passenger traffic (global average 4.4%)

•       Traffic will triple in the next 20 years
•       Asia-Pacific fleet will grow from 6,100 today to almost 17,000
•       Demand for 14,450 new aircraft valued at USD 2.3 trillion
•       40% of total world demand for almost 35,000 aircraft over next 20 years
•       4,000 widebodies and 650 very large aircraft = 46% of global widebody demand (10,100)
•       9,800 single aisle aircraft = 40% of global single-aisle demand (24,800)

Rolls-Royce launches IntelligentEngine







PR

Video: https://youtu.be/9CcbYQ5QA70

Al featured pics are from RR, and come from their flickr account


Rolls-Royce today launched its pioneering IntelligentEngine vision at the Singapore Airshow.

With more people flying than ever before and an increasing demand for more efficient travel, Rolls-Royce has defined a vision for the future of aircraft power that will help deliver passengers more reliably and more efficiently than ever before.

The IntelligentEngine vision is based on a belief that the worlds of product and service have become so closely connected that they are now inseparable. This trend was first identified when Rolls-Royce introduced the market-defining TotalCare® service in the 1990s and, since then, advancements in digital capability have accelerated this change and further blurred the boundary between the two.

The coming together of product and service, supercharged by digital technology, offers Rolls-Royce a wealth of opportunities to improve the way it provides power to its customers.

In addition to designing, testing, and maintaining engines in the digital realm, the IntelligentEngine vision sets out a future where an engine will be increasingly connected, contextually aware and comprehending, helping to deliver greater reliability and efficiency:
  • Connected – with other engines, its support ecosystem, and with its customer, allowing for regular, two-way flow of information between many parties
  • Contextually aware – of its operating context, constraints and the needs of the customer, allowing it to respond to the environment around it without human intervention
  • Comprehending – learning from its own experiences and from its network of peers to adjust its behaviour and achieve best performance


Dominic Horwood, Rolls-Royce, Director, Customer and Services – Civil Aerospace, said: “We are determined to pioneer the power that matters for our customers and our IntelligentEngine vision will allow us to do this.

“We have the right people, the right skills and the right infrastructure to grasp this opportunity and deliver world-beating digital insight, helping us to deliver even greater value for our customers.”

The IntelligentEngine vision enables Rolls-Royce to find new ways of pioneering power, whether that is through its engines installed today, through its future UltraFan® engine design, or even through the hybrid-electric concepts of the future.

Rolls-Royce’s R2 Data Labs, an acceleration hub for data innovation launched in December 2017, will play a key role in achieving the aims of the IntelligentEngine. Using advanced data analytics, industrial Artificial Intelligence and machine learning techniques, R2 Data Labs develops data applications that unlock design, manufacturing and operational efficiencies within Rolls-Royce, and creates new service propositions for customers.

Rolls-Royce will set out further details of the IntelligentEngine vision over the coming year. Updates will be available via a dedicated webpage: www.rolls-royce.com/intelligentengine.

Evidence for a continuous decline in lower stratospheric ozone offsetting ozone layer recovery



Abstract. Ozone forms in the Earth's atmosphere from the photodissociation of molecular oxygen, primarily in the tropical stratosphere. It is then transported to the extratropics by the Brewer–Dobson circulation (BDC), forming a protective ozone layer around the globe. Human emissions of halogen-containing ozone-depleting substances (hODSs) led to a decline in stratospheric ozone until they were banned by the Montreal Protocol, and since 1998 ozone in the upper stratosphere is rising again, likely the recovery from halogen-induced losses. Total column measurements of ozone between the Earth's surface and the top of the atmosphere indicate that the ozone layer has stopped declining across the globe, but no clear increase has been observed at latitudes between 60° S and 60° N outside the polar regions (60–90°). Here we report evidence from multiple satellite measurements that ozone in the lower stratosphere between 60° S and 60° N has indeed continued to decline since 1998. We find that, even though upper stratospheric ozone is recovering, the continuing downward trend in the lower stratosphere prevails, resulting in a downward trend in stratospheric column ozone between 60° S and 60° N. We find that total column ozone between 60° S and 60° N appears not to have decreased only because of increases in tropospheric column ozone that compensate for the stratospheric decreases. The reasons for the continued reduction of lower stratospheric ozone are not clear; models do not reproduce these trends, and thus the causes now urgently need to be established.

continue reading: https://www.atmos-chem-phys.net/18/1379/2018/

ESA plans improving space weather forecasting



Living near a star is risky business, and positioning a spacecraft near the Sun is a very good way to observe rapidly changing solar activity and deliver early warning of possibly harmful space weather. ESA is now looking at doing just that.

On most days, our normally calm Sun goes about its business, delivering a steady and predictable amount of heat and light that keeps planet Earth and its humans ticking.

But just as the Sun drives weather on Earth, solar activity is responsible for disturbances in our space environment, dubbed ‘space weather’.

Besides emitting a continuous stream of electrically charged atomic particles, the Sun periodically sneezes out billions of tonnes of material threaded with magnetic fields in colossal-scale ‘coronal mass ejections’.Continue reading in ESA's webpage
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Operations/Space_Situational_Awareness/Where_no_mission_has_gone_before

[video] Ehang flying taxi shown lifting passengers into the air for the first time




 EHANG 184 AAV Manned Flight Test by EHANG CEO Mr. Hu Huazhi


In new Atlas:
https://newatlas.com/ehang-taxi-drone-manned-flight-tests/53270/

Press Release
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-test-footage-revealed-of-ehang-184-manned-passenger-drone-300593516.html

In Youtube https://youtu.be/Mr1V-r2YxME

GUANGZHOU, China, Feb. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- EHANG, a global leader in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies, has unveiled footage of the latest test flights of their self-flying passenger aircraft or Autonomous Aerial Vehicle (AAV). The EHANG 184 series is the world's first passenger drone capable of carrying a single person at up to 130 km/h and in force 7 typhoon conditions. These manned test flights are just the latest in a series of tests to ensure that the EHANG 184 AAV will be safe and ready for public use in the near future.



Among the 40 or so passengers who helped in this crucial testing phase were WANG Dong, deputy mayor of Guangzhou, and EHANG founder and CEO, Huazhi Hu. "Performing manned test flights enables us to demonstrate the safety and stability of our vehicles," Hu said. "What we're doing isn't an extreme sport, so the safety of each passenger always comes first. Now that we've successfully tested the EHANG 184, I'm really excited to see what the future holds for us in terms of air mobility."

Hu founded EHANG in 2014 and since then more than 150 technical engineers have conducted thousands of test flights, including a vertical climbing test reaching up to 300 m, a loaded test flight carrying approximately 230 kg, a routed test flight covering 15 km, and a high-speed cruising test that reached 130 km/h.

"We've been developing and testing aerial vehicle technology for some time now, and we're finally at the test flight stage for the AAV. It's been a huge success," said Hu.

Despite this success, the EHANG 184 AAV will still see further improvements. More emphasis will be placed on improving passenger experience and on adding an optional manual control, giving passengers with piloting experience the choice to operate the vehicle manually. In addition, the company has already developed and tested a 2-seat AAV with a payload of up to 280 kg.

But when will these passenger drones be ready available for public use? "This is a step-by-step process," commented Hu, "and at EHANG, we have our own road map. When it comes to the development and application of any transformative technology, first the technological innovation makes an impact, then the relevant policies are created and developed. This goes on to push further development of the industry."

In 2017, EHANG was granted the AS9100C certification, a quality management system widely adopted and standardized by international aerospace industry, and its AAV obtained the Special Flight Permit for civil aerial vehicles issued by CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China). In addition, EHANG is working closely with CAAC to jointly establish relevant airworthiness standards for the transformative AAVs as a major industry representative of the CAAC UAV Technical Experts Committee, making for improved and systematic industry polices and standards and pushing forward industry development.



About EHANG

Founded in 2014 in Guangzhou, EHANG is a high-tech company that develops, manufactures and sells intelligent UAVs and provides related services. Driven by its continuous technology and product innovation, "AI + network" methodology and its "user experience comes first" philosophy, EHANG provides both consumer-level and commercial end-users with simple, smart and efficient aerial products and solutions. EHANG is a pioneer and leading advocate of the global civilian UAV industry having created multiple innovative ideas, such as smart software-based control, smartphone tilt control, autonomous UAV formation flight technology, 3D air mobility and more. Dedicated to giving people the chance to fly, EHANG has developed a wide range of aerial products, including the EHANG 184 autonomous aerial vehicle, a command & control center for smart UAVs, EHANG Egret UAV formation flight technology, the EHANG Falcon commercial UAV, and the GHOSTDRONE series consumer UAV. For more details, please go to www.ehang.com.