Belgium participation expands Multinational MRTT Fleet to eight aircraft

PR




Airbus Defence and Space has received a firm order for an Airbus A330 MRTT Multi Role Tanker Transport from Europe’s organisation for the management of cooperative armament programmes – OCCAR – on behalf of NATO Support & Procurement Agency (NSPA).

The order follows the announcement on 14 February of Belgium’s official accession to the European/NATO Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF) programme, which already consists of Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway and Germany.


An amendment to the original MMF contract adds the aircraft to the seven previously ordered for the MMF programme. The contract also includes three additional options to enable other nations to join the programme and provides for two years of initial support.

The programme is funded by the five nations who will have the exclusive right to operate these NATO–owned aircraft in a pooling arrangement. The aircraft will be configured for in-flight refuelling, the transport of passengers and cargo, and medical evacuation flights.

Airbus Defence and Space will deliver the eight aircraft from its tanker conversion line at Getafe near Madrid between 2020 and 2024.

The European Defence Agency (EDA) initiated the MMF programme in 2012. OCCAR manages the MMF acquisition phase as Contract Executing Agent on behalf of NSPA. Following the acquisition phase, NSPA will be responsible for the complete life-cycle management of the fleet.

Head of Sales and Marketing Bernhard Brenner said: “The selection of the A330 MRTT for MMF, along with the earlier similar decisions by the United Kingdom and France, will ensure that Europe has the world’s most operationally capable tanker fleet for many years to come. We encourage other European nations to contribute to MMF in order to maximise the operating and financial advantages of a large fleet based on a common type.”

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Airbus' BLADE demonstrator programme wins the Aviation Week Laureates Award for Technology

PR

• The most extensive wing laminar flow demonstrator programme ever undertaken for commercial aviation.
• Improving aviation’s ecological footprint, with a 50% reduction of wing friction and up to five percent lower CO₂ emissions.

At a ceremony in Washington DC, Airbus’ BLADE demonstrator programme received the prestigious 2018 Aviation Week Laureates Award for Commercial, Technology. The panel of judges recognised the team for bringing to fruition the most extensive wing laminar flow demonstrator programme ever undertaken for commercial aviation. The BLADE project – which stands for “Breakthrough Laminar Aircraft Demonstrator in Europe” – is part of the EU-sponsored Clean Sky programme and is tasked with assessing the feasibility of introducing laminar flow wing technology on a large airliner. It aims to improve aviation’s ecological footprint, bringing with it a 50 percent reduction of wing friction and up to five percent lower CO2 emissions.

Axel Flaig, SVP of Research and Technology at Airbus said: “We are extremely honoured to receive Aviation Week’s Laureates award for Technology. I am also proud of what our BLADE teams in Airbus and in our partner companies in Clean Sky have achieved. Together we continue to lead the way for the efficient future of commercial aviation.”

In September 2017 Airbus’ A340 laminar-flow “BLADE” test demonstrator aircraft (A340-300 MSN001) made its successful maiden flight and since then has been engaged in successful testing to explore the wing’s characteristics in flight. The aircraft, dubbed ‘Flight Lab,' is the first test aircraft in the world to combine a transonic laminar wing profile with a true internal primary structure.

On the outside, the aircraft is fitted with two representative transonic laminar outer-wings, while inside the cabin there is a highly complex specialist flight-test-instrumentation station. The extensive modifications to the A340-300 test-bed aircraft took place during the course of a 16-month working party in Tarbes, France, with the support of numerous industrial partners across Europe. In terms of the testing technology, notable ‘firsts’ included the use of infrared cameras to monitor the laminar flow transition points and the acoustic generator which measures the influence of acoustics on laminarity. Another first is the innovative reflectometry system which measures overall deformation in real-time during flight. To date, the Flight Lab has performed 66 flight hours.

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A double roll-out for the first A330neo operator, TAP Air Portugal

PR




Back-to-back painting of the initial two A330neo jetliners is completed for the Portuguese flag carrier

The initial two A330neo jetliners destined for an airline operator have rolled out of the paint shop bearing the red and green livery of TAP Air Portugal, which will become the launch operator of this new member in Airbus’ A330 family – the most popular widebody family ever.

Both aircraft received the Portuguese airline’s branding at paint facilities in the Toulouse region of southern France – location of the A330 final assembly line and home to Airbus headquarters. These jetliners include the “A330neo / first to fly” wording on the fuselage, underscoring their upcoming role as the first to enter commercial airline service.

When in operation, the aircraft will join TAP Air Portugal’s already large fleet of Airbus-built jetliners, composed of A330s, A340s and A320 Family versions. TAP Air Portugal has ordered 10 A330neo aircraft and will operate a similar number on lease.

The A330neo: new generation, new efficiency

The A330neo brings together unbeatable economics and the proven values of Airbus’ popular A330 product line. Equipped with extended-span wings incorporating upturned Sharklets wingtips, it is powered by new Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines.

Airlines will benefit from the 25 percent less fuel burn per seat compared to previous-generation competitors, along with reduced maintenance costs and the A330’s market-leading 99.5 percent operational reliability. TAP Air Portugal’s A330neo jetliners will incorporate the new Airspace by Airbus cabin concept – a consumer-centric interior based on four values: comfort, ambience, service and design. Airspace features include overhead bins with an updated design that improves carry-on stowage capacity by approximately 66 percent; illumination using light-emitting diode (LED) technology offering up to 16.7 million possible colour variations and lighting scenarios to reflect an airline’s branding; along with upgrades to such cabin items as magazine racks, ventilation grilles and window bezels.

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Airbus to meet with European Works Council on 7 March 2018

PR




To address expected rate reductions on A380 and A400M programmes and workforce implications

Senior management representatives of Airbus (stock exchange symbol: AIR) will meet with the European Works Council on 7 March 2018 to explain previously announced rate reductions on the A380 and A400M programmes and to discuss associated implications for the workforce.


Airbus has a policy of first addressing workforce issues with its social partners before any public disclosure. The company will continue to abide by this policy.

Airbus deeply regrets that the process on the current subject matter has been disturbed by leaks to the media, which resulted in excessive reporting about alleged job cuts in its four home countries.

Airbus is committed to managing any social implications in a responsible manner and has demonstrated its ability to find the best possible solutions for its workforce on various occasions in the past.

Only after its initial meeting with the European Works Council on 7 March 2018, Airbus will provide further details on the company’s plans and considerations.

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OPINION: F-35 cost issue is solvable, but needs fixing fast

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/opinion-f-35-cost-issue-is-solvable-but-needs-fixi-446392/

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Boeing Establishes New Autonomous Systems Program in Australia

Press Release

• Boeing to create Australian-developed, exportable autonomous systems capability
• Marks Boeing’s second collaboration with Queensland Government, businesses to develop autonomous systems enabling technologies

BRISBANE, Mar. 1, 2018— Australia will be home to Boeing’s [NYSE: BA] largest autonomous systems development program outside of the United States following a new partnership agreement with the Queensland Government.

Over the next three years, the rapid innovation program will see Boeing develop next-generation autonomous systems capability in Australia to increase the independent operation of air and sea vehicles.

Chris Raymond, Boeing vice president and general manager, Autonomous Systems, said the Queensland program formed part of Boeing’s global growth strategy to accelerate game-changing autonomous technology for commercial and defence systems.

“As autonomy becomes increasingly common, Boeing will continue to pioneer autonomous technologies from seabed to space – setting a new standard for safe, successful missions that amplify human capabilities,” said Raymond.

Shane Arnott, director, Boeing’s Phantom Works International business in Australia, said, “The Queensland Government’s clear vision to invest in cutting-edge industries is backed by a progressive air space regulator, the state’s innovation culture and a talented network of local suppliers – creating an outstanding environment to innovate and experiment with autonomous vehicles and the systems and sensors that drive them.”

“Boeing will work with small-to-medium sized Queensland businesses to develop transformative ‘brain-on-board’ technology. Our program will complement the work undertaken by the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre, taking research outcomes and developing them into exportable commercial products for the global autonomous market.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the investment would contribute to Queensland’s long-term economic growth, global commercial opportunities and local job creation.

“There could be no more fitting way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Boeing’s partnership with Queensland than today’s announcement,” the premier said.

“The 131 jobs that will come with this autonomous vehicles program will grow Boeing’s Queensland workforce – and these are truly jobs of the future.

“Boeing has a proven track record of working with innovative Queensland businesses, a relationship that supports the growth of highly skilled jobs under this new program.

“Partnerships like this are only possible because of my government’s determination to foster new and highly skilled industries in Queensland – it’s why we have our $513 million Advance Queensland Initiative, and why last year we launched our Drone Strategy.”

Boeing’s first Advance Queensland partnership with the Queensland Government has proven to be a winning formula. The broad area UAS situational awareness system developed by Boeing in partnership with Queensland businesses was exported to the United States in late 2017 and successfully completed its first flight test in Mississippi on January 2018.

For 100 years, Boeing has led manned and unmanned technology innovation and integration from sea to air to space. Visit www.boeing.com for more information.

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Boeing Receives U.S. Navy Contract to Modernize F/A-18 Super Hornet Fleet

Press Release




ARLINGTON, Va., March 1, 2018 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a contract to modernize the U.S. Navy F/A-18 fleet, extending the life of existing Super Hornets from 6,000 to 9,000+ flight hours. In the early 2020s, Boeing will begin installing initial updates to the aircraft that will convert existing Block II Super Hornets to a new Block III configuration.

The Block III conversion will include enhanced network capability, longer range with conformal fuel tanks, an advanced cockpit system, signature improvements and an enhanced communication system. The updates are expected to keep the F/A-18 in active service for decades to come.

“The initial focus of this program will extend the life of the fleet from 6,000 to 9,000 flight hours,” said Mark Sears, SLM program director. “But SLM will expand to include Block II to Block III conversion, systems grooming and reset and O-level maintenance tasks designed to deliver a more maintainable aircraft with an extended life and more capability. Each of these jets will fly another 10 to 15 years, so making them next-generation aircraft is critical.”

The indefinite-delivery contract is for up to $73 million. Work begins in April on an initial lot of four aircraft at Boeing’s St. Louis production center. An additional production line will be established in San Antonio, Texas in 2019. Additional follow-on contracts could be awarded over the next 10 years. The U.S. Navy fleet consists of 568 Super Hornets.

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Putin sets course for new US arms race with 'invincible' weapons

http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Putin_sets_course_for_new_US_arms_race_with_invincible_weapons_999.html


Related:
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Will_missile_defense_be_feeble_against_hypersonic_weapons_999.html

http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Pentagon_pouring_more_money_into_hypersonic_missile_technologies_999.html

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Not ready for prime time? When media demo flights go wrong

No matter how carefully curated and choreographed, more often than not, there is a system glitch or malfunction that sours the desired outcome for all.

On 20 February, Airbus delivered its first A350-1000 to Qatar Airways in Toulouse, France. Nearly 100 international journalists were on hand for the celebratory gala, attended by retiring Airbus CEO Fabrice Brégier on his last official day of work for the company.

Continue reading: https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2018/03/02/not-ready-for-prime-time-when-media-demo-flights-go-wrong/

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Chinese Aircraft Enters South Korean Identification Zone, Seoul Scrambles ROKAF Fighters

https://theaviationist.com/2018/03/02/chinese-aircraft-enters-south-korean-identification-zone-seoul-scrambles-rokaf-fighters/

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OPINION: 6X promises much, but Dassault needs customer patience

Dassault hopes it has finally put the nightmare of its much-delayed and now axed 5X programme ­behind it. By launching a replacement version of the ultra-wide business jet, chief executive Éric Trappier says it will offer something even better. Continue reading https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/opinion-6x-promises-much-but-dassault-needs-custom-446394/

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Boeing sees 'big opportunity' in new midsize aircraft: McAllister

The head of Boeing's commercial aircraft division made clear on 1 March that the company sees a strong business case for developing a new airplane roughly equal in size to the company's 767. continue reading: https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-sees-big-opportunity-in-new-midsize-aircraf-446371/

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Starfighters Launches At Florida’s Kennedy Space Center

American businessman John Rost has become the first to complete a new FAA-approved F-104 flight training program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The adventurer, pilot and CEO of Fiesta Insurance completed four training flights in the Mach 2+ Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, the same supersonic plane used to prepare Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts for space travel. His ground school and flight training was completed at NASA’s Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF), providing an opportunity to use the same runway the Space Shuttle returned to after coming back from its space missions. Continue reading: http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=6f4e0126-6acd-44c1-b1c2-e82fa1e43a5e

https://www.starfighters.net/pilot-training

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White Paper Looks At Terrorist Risks From UAVs

Global Risk Insights Sees Threat Rising In North America And Europe

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=757d5e6c-0578-425b-9140-8f2610600506

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Flying 3D printer or Open-ended Additive Manufacturing (OAM)

The 3D printing drone flying around the company's booth at TCT Asia is showcasing its potential applications in the construction industry, with the free-flying design meaning that the size and shape of printed structures are not restricted by the dimensions of a static 3D printer's enclosure. Printed examples on display look similar to the kind of layer-by-layer 3D-printed builds in Dubai and Spain.

Continue reading in New Atlas: https://newatlas.com/dedibot-fly-elephant-3d-printing-drone/53643/


And from manufacturer webpage…:

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Lockheed Martin Receives $150 Million Contract to Deliver High Energy Laser Weapon to U.S. Navy

Press Release

• Lockheed Martin Receives $150 Million Contract to Deliver Integrated High Energy Laser Weapon Systems to U.S. Navy
• HELIOS will be the first Department of Defense contract to field fully integrated laser weapon system with fixed price options for additional units

The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) a $150 million contract, with options worth up to $942.8 million, for the development, manufacture and delivery of two high power laser weapon systems, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and counter-Unmanned Aerial System (counter-UAS) capabilities, by fiscal year 2020. With the High Energy Laser and Integrated Optical-dazzler with Surveillance (HELIOS) system, Lockheed Martin will help the Navy take a major step forward in its goal to field laser weapon systems aboard surface ships.


"The HELIOS program is the first of its kind, and brings together laser weapon, long-range ISR and counter-UAS capabilities, dramatically increasing the situational awareness and layered defense options available to the U.S. Navy," said Michele Evans, vice president and general manager of Integrated Warfare Systems and Sensors. "This is a true system of capabilities, and we're honored the Navy trusted Lockheed Martin to be a part of fielding these robust systems to the fleet."

HELIOS combines three key capabilities, brought together for the first time in one weapon system:

• A high-energy laser system: The high-energy fiber laser will be designed to counter unmanned aerial systems and small boats. The energy and thermal management system will leverage Lockheed Martin experience on Department of Defense programs, and the cooling system will be designed for maximum adaptability onboard ships. In addition, Lockheed Martin will bring decades of shipboard integration experience, reducing risk and increasing reliability.
• A long-range ISR capability: HELIOS sensors will be part of an integrated weapon system, designed to provide decision-makers with maximum access to information. HELIOS data will be available on the Lockheed Martin-led Aegis Combat System.
• A counter-UAS dazzler capability: The HELIOS dazzler will be designed to obscure adversarial UAS-based ISR capabilities.

In this first increment of the U.S. Navy's Surface Navy Laser Weapon System program, Lockheed Martin will deliver two units for test by fiscal year 2020. One unit will be delivered for shipboard integration on an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, and one unit will be used for land testing at White Sands Missile Range.

"Lockheed Martin's spectral beam combined fiber lasers bring flexibility and adaptability to defensive and offensive missions," said Dr. Rob Afzal, senior fellow of laser weapon systems. "Our design is scalable, and we can optimize it to meet requirements for future increments."

Lockheed Martin has more than 40 years of experience developing laser weapon systems. The HELIOS award leverages technology building blocks from internal research and development projects, including the ATHENA system and ALADIN laser, as well as contract experience gained from programs such as the U.S. Army / Directed Energy Joint Technology Office RELI program, the U.S. Air Force LANCE program and the U.S. Navy HEFL program.

For more information, visit: www.lockheedmartin.com/laserweaponsystems.

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