Bombardier Announces Definitive Agreement to Sell Aerostructures Business to Spirit AeroSystems Holding, Inc.

press release

October 31, 2019 - Montréal

 

• Sale of aerostructures business supports Aviation transformation, refocuses on business aviation and strengthens liquidity
• Expected cash proceeds of $500 million (1)plus the assumptions of liabilities
• Transaction implies enterprise value to 2019E EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x

All amounts in this press release are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Bombardier (TSX: BBD.B) today announced a definitive agreement to sell its aerostructures business to Spirit AeroSystems Holding, Inc. (Spirit), supporting Bombardier’s strategic decision to focus on its two strong growth pillars, trains and business aircraft.

With this transaction, Spirit will acquire Bombardier’s aerostructures activities and aftermarket services operations in Belfast, U.K.; Casablanca, Morocco; and its aerostructures maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Dallas, U.S. for a cash consideration of $500 million and the assumption of liabilities with a total carrying value in excess of $700(2) million, including government refundable advances and pension obligations. Following the transaction, Spirit will continue to supply structural aircraft components and spare parts to support the production and in-service fleet of Bombardier Aviation’s Learjet, Challenger and Global families of aircraft.

2019 revenues for these activities are expected to be approximately $1.0 billion(3) , while generating adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 12%. On this basis, the transaction implies an enterprise value to EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x.

The transaction follows the formation of Bombardier Aviation earlier this year and streamlines Bombardier’s aerostructures footprint to focus on core capabilities in Montreal, Mexico and its Global 7500 wing operations in Texas. The transaction also further strengthens Bombardier’s liquidity as it moves toward the deleveraging phase of the turnaround. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2020 and remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

“This transaction represents another strategic milestone in the reshaping of our portfolio to focus on our strong business aircraft and rail franchises,” said Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. “We are confident that Spirit’s acquisition of these aerostructures assets is the best outcome for customers, employees and shareholders, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth and orderly transition.”

About Bombardier

With over 68,000 employees, 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 as well as a broad portfolio of products and services for the business aviation, commercial aviation and rail transportation markets. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, Bombardier posted revenues of $16.2 billion US. The company is recognized on the 2019 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World Index. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Bombardier, Challenger, Global, Global 7500, and Learjet are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

Bombardier Reports Third Quarter 2019 Results

• Consolidated revenues of $3.7 billion, representing 8% organic growth(1)
• Consolidated adjusted EBITDA(2)and adjusted EBIT(2)of $255 million and $159 million, respectively; $143 million of reported EBIT
• Free cash flow usage(2)of $682 million, supporting Global 7500 and Transportation ramp-up; $557 million operating cash flow usage
• Clear roadmap to full year revenues, earnings(4)and free cash flow guidance supported by planned fourth quarter delivery schedules at Aviation and Transportation(3)

continue reading
https://ir.bombardier.com/en/press-releases/press-releases/85107-bombardier-reports-third-quarter-2019-results

Airbus partners with Amprius, leader in high energy density battery technology

 

 

press release

 

 

 

 

 

• Strategic investment by Airbus Defence and Space in Amprius, Inc.
• A new generation of Silicon Nanowire Anode-based Lithium Ion Batteries.
• Expanding production capability to match near term needs of the Zephyr program.

 

 

 

Munich, 31 October 2019 – Airbus Defence and Space has partnered with U.S. based Amprius Inc’s current equity funding. This financing will further boost the development of new generation batteries based on Silicon Nanowire Anode technology.

 

 

 

Airbus Defence and Space’s investment will help drive the development of higher volume production capacity along with higher energy density cells for Airbus Defence and Space aerospace programmes, including the Zephyr High Altitude Pseudo Satellite and Urban Air Mobility innovation initiatives.

 

 

 

“This partnership re-inforces the link between two market leaders, the newest generation batteries of the market matched with the most advanced HAPS programme. Zephyr is currently the only one operating in the stratosphere at an average altitude of 70,000 and running exclusively on solar power, providing persistent local satellite-like services and supporting a wide range of applications and tasks.” said Jana Rosenmann, Head of Airbus Unmanned Aerial Systems.

 

 

 

The first to introduce 100% silicon anodes in lithium ion batteries to the market in 2013, Amprius manufactures the highest energy density commercial batteries in the industry. The company’s products and technology platforms include a 100% silicon nanowire anode, silicon-graphite composite anodes, lithium-rich cathodes, and high voltage electrolytes tailored for silicon.

 

 

 

“We are extremely pleased to be working with Airbus and supplying batteries for the Zephyr program,” said Jon Bornstein, COO of Amprius. “The incorporation of Amprius’ 100% silicon nanowire anode-based lithium ion batteries into the Zephyr platform represents an important validation of this technology. Likewise, our development of high energy power cells for Urban Air Mobility will enable exciting opportunities in new aviation markets.”

 

 

 

Amprius Inc.’s high energy density batteries are used for smartphones, wearables, drones, robotics, aerospace vehicles, electrical transportation, and military equipment.

 

 

 

Zephyr is the world’s leading, solar–electric, stratospheric Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It will bring new see, sense and connect capabilities to both commercial and military customers. Zephyr will provide the potential to revolutionise disaster management, including monitoring the spread of wildfires or oil spills. It provides persistent surveillance, tracing the world’s changing environmental landscape and will be able to provide communications to the most unconnected parts of the world.

 

 

 

Zephyr is enabled by the latest in battery technology. Both the increase in production volumes of the new generation batteries and research for future development will be used to further the Zephyr programme and build on its market leading position.

 

 

 

* * *

 

 

 

About Airbus

 

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2018 it generated revenues of € 64 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

 

 

 

About Amprius

 

Amprius, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of high energy and high capacity lithium-ion batteries producing the industry’s highest energy density cells. The company’s corporate headquarters is in Fremont, California where it maintains an R&D lab and pilot manufacturing facility for the fabrication of silicon nanowire anodes and cells. Amprius, Inc. has a materials R&D lab in Nanjing, China; and a high volume battery manufacturing facility in Wuxi, China.

 

 

 

About the Airbus Zephyr Programme

 

The original target mission of the Zephyr is to provide local persistence at an affordable price with a re-usable solar-powered aircraft, providing a wide scope of applications, ranging for example from maritime surveillance and services, border patrol missions, communications, forest fire detection and monitoring, or navigation. Operating in the stratosphere at an average altitude of 70,000 feet / 21 kilometers, the ultra-lightweight Zephyr has a wingspan of 25 meters and a weigh of less than 75kg, and flies above weather (clouds, jet streams) and above regular air traffic, covering local or regional footprints.

 

Ideally suited for "local persistence" (ISR/Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), the Zephyr has the ability to stay focused on a specific area of interest (which can be hundreds of miles wide) while providing it with satellite-like communications and Earth observation services (with greater imagery granularity) over long periods of time without interruption. Not quite an aircraft and not quite a satellite, but incorporating aspects of both, the Zephyr has the persistence of a satellite with the flexibility of a UAV. The only civil aircraft that used to fly at this altitude was Concorde and only the famous military U2 and SR-71 Blackbird could operate at similar levels. The Zephyr successfully achieved several world records, including the longest flight duration without refuelling when in 2018, on its maiden flight, the Zephyr S, the first production model of the aircraft, flew for over 25 days and achieved very high altitude records of 71, 140 feet (over 21 kilometers).

Airbus reports Nine-Month (9m) 2019 results; delivery and FCF outlook updated, EBIT Adjusted guidance maintained

• Solid commercial aircraft environment
• 9m financials mainly reflect A320neo ramp-up and A350 progress
• Revenues € 46.2 billion, +14% YoY; EBIT Adjusted € 4.1 billion, +51% YoY
• EBIT (reported) € 3.4 billion; EPS (reported) € 2.81
• 2019 guidance updated for delivery outlook of around 860 commercial aircraft: FCF before M&A and Customer Financing now approximately € 3 billion, EBIT Adjusted guidance maintained

continue reqding
https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/10/airbus-reports-nine-month-9m-2019-results-delivery-and-fcf-outlook-updated-ebit-adjusted-guidance-maintained.html

AVX Aircraft's Morgan & L3Harris' Steenman on New Joint FARA Proposal

Lynn Morgan, the chief test pilot at AVX Aircraft, and Matthew Steenman, the chief engineer at the aviation services sector at L3Harris, discuss their joint proposal to win the US Army's Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft contract and a walkaround of the model of the new helicopter with Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian at the Association of the United States Army's 2019 conference and tradeshow in Washington, DC. Our coverage was sponsored by GM Defense, Bell, L3Harris and Leonardo DRS.

https://youtu.be/46kp2OwFqQI

EASA Annual Safety Conference 2019 | EASA

This year's EASA Annual Safety Conference will take place on the 4th and 5th of November 2019 in Helsinki. For the first time, it will focus on operational safety in the context of commercial air transport.

The Conference is jointly organised by the Finnish Aviation authority Traficom and EASA. It will take place in the context of the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU.

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Qantas grounds Boeing 737 plane with structural crack. union calls on Qantas to ground entire 737 fleet for investigation

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ARJ21 completed its 1st international flight

COMAC America Corp. (@COMACAmerica) twitteó a las 8:05 p. m. on mié., oct. 30, 2019:
On 10/26/19, a Chengdu Airlines #ARJ21 completed its 1st international flight! Departing Harbin Taiping Int Airport & landing smoothly at Vladivostok Int Airport in Russia, this marked the successful opening of the 1st international ARJ21 route, expected to operate twice a week! https://t.co/UgGrQAZshM
(https://twitter.com/COMACAmerica/status/1189619255764910080?s=03)

Obtén la aplicación oficial de Twitter en https://twitter.com/download?s=13

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Garmin launches emergency Autoland - FLYER

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Uber Eats Hopes Drones Can Lift It to Profitability

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General Atomics, NASA partner to showcase large UAV in NAS p

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Faury looks to transform Airbus

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Airbus 2019 results hit by A320neo delivery delays

 https://leehamnews.com/2019/10/30/airbus-2019-results-hit-by-a320neo-delivery-delays/

Rolls Takes Another Step Toward Complete Predictive Maintenance

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Airbus starts to feel deliveries impact from WTO dispute

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A330-800 certification slips to 2020

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Piper Announces New M600 SLS. First GA Aircraft to be Standard Equipped with HALO™ Safety System and Autoland Capability. Available Q4 2019. | Piper Aircraft

https://www.piper.com/press-releases/piper-announces-new-m600-sls/

https://youtu.be/R1pfS576B8I

VERO BEACH, FL., October 30, 2019 – Piper Aircraft announced today, the next generation M Series aircraft – the M600 SLS, standard equipped with the new HALO™ Safety System – enhancing Safety, Luxury, and Support for one of the world's leading personal use, Basic Med compliant aircraft. It will now also be the first general aviation aircraft in the world to be certified with Autoland capability.

SAFETY
The HALO™ Safety System is a compilation of innovative technologies unique to the M600 SLS and the Garmin G3000 avionics suite. The system includes Auto-throttle, Emergency Descent Mode, Enhanced Stability and Protection, Surface Watch, Safe Taxi, Flight Stream connectivity and more. However, of greatest significance is the addition of Garmin Autoland – digital technology that safely lands the aircraft at the nearest suitable airport in the event that the pilot is incapacitated.

The Halo system, once engaged either automatically or by a passenger, gains immediate situational awareness and assumes control of all systems necessary to bring you and your passengers safely to the best suited runway. During all phases of flight it communicates with passengers and appropriate air traffic control facilities regarding the new flight plan route and estimated time until landing. Halo continually monitors all aircraft system parameters and real-time external inputs as if the pilot were at the controls. It takes into account runway size and orientation, wind, time, fuel range, glide path and considers weather conditions and terrain en route to the nearest suitable runway. Once Halo has landed the aircraft, the braking system will activate and will bring the aircraft to a full and complete stop. Finally, the engine will shut down and instructions will be provided on how to exit the aircraft.

LUXURY
The M600 SLS raises the bar in Luxury with the addition of the EXP interior package as standard equipment. The interior package was designed with a focus on the personal travel experience and enables the customer to select from sophisticated interior color palettes with custom materials, stitching patterns and contrasting threads. Veneer and trim finishes further enhance the sense of unmatched refinement. Additionally, thoughtfully designed interior options, like two toned leather seats and Alcantara fabric have been added to elevate the passenger experience.

SUPPORT
Ownership of a M600 SLS is backed by an exclusive service program for the first five years of ownership. The Ultimate Care Program includes all scheduled maintenance, as well as hourly and calendar-based inspections.

"The M600 SLS and its HALO™ Safety System with Autoland is the result of an unwavering commitment to safety as well as the desire to evolve our products based on market input, said President and CEO, Simon Caldecott. "The HALO System greatly enhances situational awareness and operational safety through the use of advanced technology and is one the most significant advancements in General Aviation history. The team at Piper Aircraft is proud that we will be first to market with Garmin Autoland, which will ultimately help pave the way for others."

Certification of the M600 SLS is imminent with deliveries beginning this quarter through the global Piper Dealer network at a price point of $2.994M.

 

How The Military Will Spark The Death Of Fossil Fuels

http://aviationnews.eu/avnews16/news/2019/10/how-the-military-will-spark-the-death-of-fossil-fuels/

Air Force’s mysterious X-37B space plane lands after spending 780 days in orbit

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What It Was Like to Become the First Woman to Pilot and Command a Space Shuttle | At the Smithsonian | Smithsonian

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Canadian authorities restrict A220 engine thrust after incidents

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https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/AwD-CN/documents/CF-2019-37-E.PDF

Learjet — once the epitome of luxury travel — is gasping for breath, and Bombardier is making a last-ditch attempt to revitalize the brand.

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Boeing CEO Accused of Telling 'Half-truths' in 737 MAX Hearing

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La Chine travaille sur un drone furtif de transport de 22 tonnes – Meta-Defense.fr

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NBAA-BACE 2019 event review: A confident show for the future

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Tecnam: 11 Sales within two days for the P2012 Traveller debut at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas

press release




Great sales success for the first public appearance of the P2012 Traveller – the industry’s most advanced and versatile twin engine piston – at the National Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, NV.

Las Vegas, NV. Walter Da Costa, Tecnam’s Global Sales and Marketing Director reported he signed contracts at NBAA-BACE with, Naseer Ismail, CEO of TAMIFIELD (Pty) – a member of the AMRHO Group- from South Africa who ordered six P2012’s with the option of an additional twelve. Along with Capt. Alfredo Andres Ortiz Osoria, CEO of Charter Express – SAS – from Columbia who ordered five P2012’s with the option of an additional five.

Tecnam Global Sales and Marketing Director, Walter Da Costa, stated: “We are thrilled to present the new P2012 Traveller in Vegas. The impressive number of sales signed here at NBAA confirms the P2012’s leadership in the general aviation marketplace.”

The first few P2012 Travellers left Tecnam’s Headquarters in Capua, Italy and arrived at Cape Air’s base in Hyannis, MA the end of September. This delivery was led by Giovanni Pascale, grandson of the two founders, Luigi and Giovanni Pascale. They arrived in time to celebrate the company’s 30-year anniversary.

The Tecnam P2012 is powered by two 375 HP turbo-charged Lycoming engines and features a modern design with state-of-the-art equipment, allowing single-pilot operations depending on individual country regulations. This aircraft offers high efficiency and low maintenance costs by design with its simple and easily accessed airframe and systems. Such as- fixed landing gear, robust interiors and easy-to-replace parts. These attributes and many more, make it the ideal aircraft for regional airlines.

The arrival of the next-generation 11-seat, twin-engine P2012 Traveller is highly anticipated by a large number of airlines around the world who have been demanding a replacement for the many hundreds of ‘heritage’ aeroplanes in the FAR23/CS23 category. This aircraft is set to open many profitable opportunities in Short Haul transportation and is revolutionising the Piston Engines sector. Already established as a leader in both the Flight Training and Private General Aviation sectors, Tecnam’s P2012 Traveller will undoubtedly herald very similar success for Tecnam in the very competitive commuter airline market.

To ensure maximum customer service, Tecnam signed an agreement with Boeing that will assume the P2012 Traveller replacement parts distribution responsibilities. This will include forecasting, ordering and delivering of all original equipment manufacturer (OEM) genuine parts through their Aviall distribution network.

“High-frequency is where this aircraft really shines. The P2012 would excel at transporting executives on short flights or routes involving multiple stops”, says Tecnam Managing Director, Giovanni Pascale.

Base price of the P2012 in 2020 is € 2.35 million ($ 2.6 million), for standard airline configuration. VIP, Cargo, passenger-cargo combination, Medevac and Special Mission are also immediately available as optional configurations. The P2012 is already EASA and FAA certified.

The Tecnam P2012 Traveller, S/N 003 N1133CA with Cape Air’s emblem, was at the NBAA-BACE static display in Las Vegas, NV from October 22nd to 24th. Cape Air already received three P2012’s and is planning to put them in service for revenue flights starting December, 2019. They have an additional 20 on order with options for another 90.

The Boeing 777X’s First Flight Could Be Nearer Now That GE Has Delivered Flight Compliant Engines

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Fifth C919 prototype completes test flight | COMAC wins multiple awards including Enterprise Creation award

press release
http://english.comac.cc/news/latest/201910/28/t20191028_6906725.shtml




C919 AC105 took off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 10 o'clock on October 24th, 2019, and returned and landed at 11:37 after completing a number of test points and initial control inspections of various aircraft systems during a flight of 1 hour and 37 minutes, successfully completing its first flight test. The crew performing this flight test consists of Test Pilots Cai Jun, Nie Fei and Zou Lixue, and Flight Test Engineers Mi Yi and Wang Jiayi.

AC105 is the fifth C919 flight test aircraft, which mainly undertakes the flight tests in special weather conditions such as high temperature and extreme cold, and the flight tests related to environment control, electrical power and whole-aircraft drainage.

So far, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) has put five aircraft into flight test, among which AC101, AC102, AC103 and AC104 have carried out flight test in Yanliang of Xi'an, Dongying of Shandong and Nanchang of Jiangxi, and the static tests and other ground verification tests are in steady progress.




COMAC wins multiple awards including Enterprise Creation award


press release

Awarding Ceremony of the 1st Shanghai Intellectual Property Innovation Award was held on October 21st, 2019, the opening day of the 16th Shanghai International Intellectual Property Forum. Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) won the Enterprise Creation award of Shanghai Intellectual Property Innovation Award and multiple other important awards such as Trademark award and Patent award. This is a full recognition of COMAC's achievements in the creation, protection, application and comprehensive management of intellectual property.

Mr. Shen Changyu, Director of China National Intellectual Property Administration, Mr. Ying Yong, Mayor of Shanghai, and Mr. Francis Gurry, Director General of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), made a speech respectively at the forum and gave awards to the winning enterprises. Mr. He Dongfeng, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of COMAC, attended the awarding ceremony and receive the awards on behalf of the company.

Shanghai Intellectual Property Innovation Award is jointly awarded for the first time by Shanghai and WIPO, and aims to commend and reward the innovation entities that have outstanding achievements in the creation, protection and application of intellectual property in Shanghai, and provide strong support for creating a sound business and innovation environment and achieving high-quality development. There are 9 winners of this year's Innovation Award, covering the cutting-edge industries such as civil aviation, high-end equipment, integrated circuit and cultural creativity, which are the leaders in the creation, protection and application of intellectual property in Shanghai. The Innovation Award consists of two kinds of awards, i.e. enterprise awards and achievement awards. In addition to an enterprise award, COMAC also won achievement awards, such as the first prize of patent trademark award with its "ARJ21" trademark and an exterior design award with its "Cabin Overhead Stowage Bin of Civil Aircraft".

As the main vehicle in implementing large passenger aircraft programs in China, COMAC has attached great importance to the management of intellectual property. Since its establishment, COMAC has carried out intellectual property related work in line with international standards and taken the important principle of abiding by international rules in order to establish and improve the organizational structure, institutional norm and management system of intellectual property, create a good intellectual property cultural atmosphere, and ensure that the intellectual property management requirements are integrated into aircraft product design & development, system integration, assembly manufacturing, marketing, customer service and other areas.

COMAC has always adhered to the path of technological progress and independent innovation, and realized management innovation, technological innovation and product innovation. While respecting others' intellectual property, COMAC has fully protected its own intellectual property achievements and striven to become an intellectual property innovation-oriented enterprise. In the future, COMAC will continue to explore and advance on the way of improving its intellectual property innovation and creation ability, and make positive contributions to promoting the scientific & technological innovation and development of Shanghai as well as the development of the world civil aviation industry and modern cutting-edge technology.

Sikorsky and Rheinmetall Plan Construction of CH-53K Helicopter Logistics and Fleet Management Center at Leipzig/Halle Airport

press release







LEIPZIG, Germany, Oct. 29, 2019 -- To support Germany’s "Schwerer Transporthubschrauber" (STH) heavy lift helicopter program, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, and Rheinmetall announced today that they intend to set up a logistics and fleet management center at Leipzig/Halle Airport if the Bundeswehr selects the CH-53K as its next heavy-lift transport helicopter. This would establish numerous high-tech jobs and strengthen Leipzig and the local airport as a prime business location in the long term.

Rheinmetall and Sikorsky are working with the airport operator in Leipzig to establish the center, which is necessary for the operation of the helicopter fleet. Both companies have also informed lawmakers and the Economic Development Corporation of the State of Saxony.

“We are in advanced talks on a logistics and maintenance hub at Leipzig Airport,” said Mike Schmidt, managing director of Rheinmetall Aviation Services GmbH. “We are delighted with the very positive response so far. If the application is successful, the maintenance and supply of the new Bundeswehr transport helicopter could be carried out centrally and efficiently in Leipzig. For the region, the project would mean the settlement of important industry and associated jobs.”

Sikorsky and Rheinmetall have assembled a team of leading German technology companies including MTU Aero Engines, ZF Luftfahrttechnik GmbH, Autoflug, HYDRO Systems KG, Collins Aerospace, Vincorion, Hensoldt and Rohde & Schwarz.

“We have built up a strong industrial team in Germany that will ensure the availability of the CH-53K fleet for the German Air Force,” said Christian Albrecht, business development manager at Sikorsky in Berlin, and a former Chief Operating Officer for maintenance management with the 64th Helicopter Wing of the German Air Force at Holzdorf Air Base. “With our plans for a hub at Leipzig/Halle Airport, we are laying the foundation to provide the Bundeswehr with a helicopter that will be reliable for several decades to come.”

In addition to using existing hangars and storage areas at Leipzig/Halle Airport, the team will establish a fleet management center where technical helicopter data can be evaluated. The multi-mission CH-53K is the most modern, intelligent and capable heavy transport helicopter ever built. As such, the helicopter has an Integrated Vehicle Health Monitoring System (IVHMS) that monitors the operation of the entire aircraft, recognizes the maintenance requirements of important components and simplifies their maintenance. This will result in much higher readiness rates compared to today´s legacy fleets. In addition, members the project team will be located directly at the airport.

The Bundeswehr is expected to award a contract for its new heavy-lift helicopter in 2021. With the CH-53K, the Bundeswehr will receive a proven helicopter with low life-cycle costs, unparalleled growth potential and no need for costly and time-consuming retrofits in the coming decades.

For more information, visit our webpage: www.lockheedmartin.com/STH.

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

About Rheinmetall
Headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, Rheinmetall AG is a publicly traded, globally operating technology group serving the twin modern imperatives of security and mobility. Last year, the 23,000-strong workforce of its two components – Defence and Automotive – generated total sales of over €6 billion. Rheinmetall is present worldwide, with over 120 locations and production facilities. Europe’s foremost supplier of defense and security technology, Rheinmetall Defence stands for longstanding experience and innovation in armored vehicles, weapons and ammunition, air defense, electronic warfare and simulation. As an aviation sector-certified company, Rheinmetall Aviation Services is eager to take part in Germany’s heavy lift helicopter program by providing important services such as maintenance, training and program support, thus serving as the prime point of contact for the Bundeswehr.

Pentagon and Lockheed Martin Reach Agreement Reducing F-35A Cost by 12.8 Percent | Lockheed Martin GPS Spatial Temporal Anti-Jam Receiver (GSTAR) System to be Integrated in F-35 Modernization

press release







FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 29, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) finalized a $34 billion agreement for the production and delivery of 478 F-35s at the lowest aircraft price during the history of the Program. This contract includes all U.S., International Partners and Foreign Military Sales aircraft in Lots 12, 13 and 14.




In the agreement, the F-35 Enterprise meets and exceeds its long-stated cost reduction targets for each variant – and the F-35A unit price, including aircraft and engine, is now below $80 million in both Lot 13 and Lot 14, the F-35A unit cost represents an estimated overall 12.8 percent reduction from Lot 11 costs for the conventional landing variant, and an average of 12.7 percent savings across all three variants from Lot 11 to 14.








"Driving down cost is critical to the success of this program. I am excited that the F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin have agreed on this landmark three-lot deal. This agreement achieves an average 12.7 percent cost reduction across all three variants and gets us below $80 million for a USAF F-35A by Lot 13 - one lot earlier than planned," said Air Force Lt. Gen. Eric Fick, F-35 Program Executive Officer. "This $34 billion agreement is a truly historic milestone for the F-35 Enterprise."

The agreement includes 291 aircraft for the U.S. Services, 127 for F-35 International Partners, and 60 for F-35 Foreign Military Sales customers. Price details include:

Variant	Lot 12	Lot 13	Lot 14	% Reduction from Lot 11*
F-35A	$82.4M	$79.2M	$77.9M	12.8%
F-35B	$108.0M	$104.8M	$101.3M	12.3%
F-35C	$103.1M	$98.1M	$94.4M	13.2%
*Please note: Final prices for F-35 variants following adjustments for Congressional plus-ups and other contractual settlements are as follows: F-35A - $89.3M; F-35B - $115.5M; and F-35C - $108.8M.

"With smart acquisition strategies, strong government-industry partnership and a relentless focus on quality and cost reduction, the F-35 Enterprise has successfully reduced procurement costs of the 5th Generation F-35 to equal or less than 4th Generation legacy aircraft," said Greg Ulmer, Lockheed Martin, F-35 Program vice president and general manager. "With the F-35A unit cost now below $80 million in Lot 13, we were able to exceed our long-standing cost reduction commitment one year earlier than planned."

The sub $80 million unit recurring flyaway cost for an F-35 represents an integrated acquisition price for the 5th Generation Weapon System. With embedded sensors and targeting pods, this F-35 unit price includes items that add additional procurement and sustainment costs to legacy 4th Generation aircraft.

Program Progress

With more than 450 aircraft operating from 19 bases around the globe, the F-35 is playing a critical role in today's global security environment. More than 910 pilots and 8,350 maintainers have been trained, and the F-35 fleet has surpassed more than 220,000 cumulative flight hours. Eight nations have F-35s operating from a base on their home soil and seven Services have declared Initial Operating Capability.

In addition to strengthening global security and partnerships, the F-35 provides economic stability to the U.S. and International Partners by creating jobs, commerce and security, and contributing to the global trade balance. The F-35 is built by thousands of men and women in America and around the world. With more than 1,400 suppliers in 46 states and Puerto Rico, the F-35 Program supports more than 220,000 direct and indirect jobs in the U.S. alone. The Program also includes more than 100 international suppliers, creating or sustaining thousands of jobs.

For additional information, visit our website: https://www.f35.com/.

Lockheed Martin GPS Spatial Temporal Anti-Jam Receiver (GSTAR) System to be Integrated in F-35 Modernization

OWEGO, N.Y., Oct. 29, 2019 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) received a $25 million initial contract award for engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) for the GPS Spatial Temporal Anti-Jam Receiver (GSTAR) system that will be integrated into the F-35 as part of its modernization phase, also known as Block 4. The GSTAR system will replace the current Antenna Electronics Unit (AEU) and will provide enhanced capabilities including the next-generation, anti-jam solution and provide a significant weight and cost reduction to the aircraft.

The F-35 today is the most technologically advanced fighter ever built. As threats advance and technology evolves, the joint government and industry team is modernizing the system to ensure it remains a step ahead. GSTAR is one of several key enhancements planned across the F-35’s sensors, data links, engine, mission systems, weapons and more.

“We are proud to be the supplier of choice for the F-35 upgrade program and look forward to providing the GSTAR system for years to come,” said Hamid Salim, vice president, Advanced Product Solutions at Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems. “This award is a testament to our Lockheed Martin-wide focus on innovation and advanced technology for the F-35 and our warfighters.”

The GSTAR is a fully digital system that provides the greatest protection against adversarial jamming and spoofing by utilizing critical GPS capabilities that can quickly adapt to meet specific platform requirements. The GSTAR system includes a dynamic range Radio Frequency (RF) front-end, digital beamformer and receiver that has been tested and proven against a variety of threat scenarios.

Lockheed Martin is a leader in the development of anti-jam GPS (AJ-GPS) technology for 20 years and has fielded more than 2,500 GSTAR systems. The GSTAR system provides highly effective digital Electronic Protection (EP) for any platform that relies on GPS for navigation.

With stealth technology, advanced sensors, supersonic speed, weapons capacity and superior range, the F-35 is the most lethal, survivable and connected aircraft in the world. More than a fighter jet, the F-35's ability to collect, analyze and share data, is a powerful force multiplier that enhances all airborne, surface and ground-based assets in the battlespace enabling men and women in uniform to execute their mission and return home safely.

For additional information, visit: www.lockheedmartin.com/ew

Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg to Testify Before U.S. Congress [press release]

Boeing President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg and Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President and Chief Engineer John Hamilton to address the Boeing 737 MAX and aviation safety

Boeing [NYSE: BA] President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenburg will testify tomorrow, October 29, before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation regarding aviation safety and the 737 MAX airplane. He will be joined by Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President and Chief Engineer John Hamilton. Muilenburg and Hamilton will also appear Wednesday, October 30, before the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to discuss the design and development of the 737 MAX.

In prepared remarks released today, Muilenburg first and foremost expressed his deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who were lost in the Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 accidents.

"As we observe today the solemn anniversary of the loss of Lion Air Flight 610, we carry the memory of these accidents, and the lives lost, with us every day. They will never be forgotten, and those memories drive us every day to make our airplanes and our industry safer," Muilenburg said.

Boeing has made robust improvements to the 737 MAX flight control software. "We have brought the very best of Boeing to this effort," said Muilenburg. "We've dedicated all resources necessary to ensure that the improvements to the 737 MAX are comprehensive and thoroughly tested. When the 737 MAX returns to service, it will be one of the safest airplanes ever to fly."

The Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) flight control software function has been updated to provide additional layers of protection, including:

• - MCAS now compares information from both angle of attack sensors before activating and will only respond if data from both sensors agree;
• - MCAS will only activate a single time; and
• - MCAS will never provide more input than the pilot can counteract using the control column alone.

These changes will prevent the flight control conditions that occurred on the Lion Air 610 and Ethiopian Airlines 302 flights from ever happening again. Boeing has dedicated more than 100,000 engineering and test hours on the development of these improvements, flown more than 814 test flights with the updated software and conducted numerous simulator sessions with 545 participants from 99 customers and 41 global regulators.

"We have learned and are still learning from these accidents. We know we made mistakes and got some things wrong," continued Muilenburg.

In his testimony, Muilenburg outlined key actions Boeing is taking to improve as a company, including:

• - Establishing a permanent Aerospace Safety Committee of the company's Board of Directors;
• - Creating a new Product and Services Safety organization that will review all aspects of product safety and provide streamlined reporting and elevation of safety concerns;
• - Strengthening the company's Engineering organization, with all engineers reporting up through Boeing's chief engineer;
• - Investing in advanced research and development in new safety technologies; and
• - Exploring ways to strengthen safety not just for Boeing products and services, but the aviation industry as a whole.

Muilenburg's written testimony is available here.

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As the top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

The Electric Aviation Pioneer Who Aims To Crack The Pilot Shortage

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeremybogaisky/2019/10/24/bye-electric-pilot-shortage/#64faaefb53ea

Orders for a New All-Electric Airplane Now Top 150

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-24/eviation-lands-more-customers-as-electric-plane-orders-top-150

Boeing CEO to face tough questions from U.S. lawmakers | Article [AMP] | Reuters

https://mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN1X810Y

Trailblazers in electric air racing to unveil technology at Dubai Airshow

press release






The world’s first electric air racing series, Air Race E, is set to unveil specialised technology at the Dubai Airshow on Sunday 17th November, in association with its Official Founding Partner, Airbus.







The prototype technology will be the first of its kind on display to the public, showcasing the type of electric engines that will be used in the inaugural Air Race E race in the fall of 2020. Electric air race planes like the one on display are hoped to help commercial aircraft manufacturers in accelerating the development of their own hybrid and electric aircraft and reducing carbon emissions as a result of air travel.







The first eight international racing teams to line-up on the tarmac next year will also be announced at the airshow, with strong representation from across Europe and North America.







Air Race E CEO and Founder, Jeff Zaltman, said, “This is the first time we have let anyone outside of our teams and partners under the hood of a race airplane to showcase some of the cutting-edge electric technology that will be in use during the series. We’re excited to give people a preview and hope to spur on even more interest in the series from partners, engineers and manufacturers who might like to get involved.”







Air Race E will be a series of head-to-head international air races, showcasing the skills, expertise and ingenuity of the best pilots and engineers from around the world. Unlike similar racing events which operate on a time trial basis, Air Race E events will see eight planes fly simultaneously around a tight 5km circuit at just 10m above the ground and at speeds of up to 450kph – faster than any land-based motorsport.







A tender for the first host city is underway, with the successful bid to be announced by December this year. Air Race E remains open for parties to register their interest in entering or sponsoring a team or hosting a future race.







For more information visit https://airracee.com/


















About Air Race E



Air Race E will become the world’s first all-electric airplane race when it launches its inaugural series of international races in 2020. Run by Air Race Events and led by world-leading air racing promoter Jeff Zaltman, the man behind the globally successful Air Race 1 World Cup, the race is set to revolutionise air racing and pioneer innovations in electric aviation. Air Race E will see electric airplanes race directly against each other on a tight 5km circuit just 10m above the ground and at speeds faster than any land-based motorsport. The demand for speed, performance and power management under the rigors of a competitive race environment provide the perfect platform for the development and promotion of cleaner, faster and more technologically-advanced electric engines. The Light Aircraft Association (LAA), has committed its support in developing the technical regulations and providing design oversight for the sport, soon to be sanctioned by the Formula Air Racing Association (FARA) and its counterpart in France, the Association des Pilotes D'Avions de Formules (APAF).







About Airbus



Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2017 it generated revenues of € 59 billion restated for IFRS 15 and employed a workforce of around 129,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

Textron Aviation advances the industry with interactive 3D technical manuals

press release




Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, unveiled the industry’s first interactive, 3D full-color technical library today following the Cessna Citation Longitude’s entry into service. Advancing the industry from paper-based 2D manuals with limited geometric information, Textron Aviation’s new 3DPubs brings thousands of maintenance procedures, wiring diagram reference designators and parts catalogs to life. The company tested the new technology by publishing 3D wiring diagram reference designators for the Citation Latitude, the industry’s most-delivered business jet, earlier this year. “The Longitude’s clean-sheet design offered Textron Aviation engineers the chance to reimagine technical manuals,” said Kriya Shortt, senior vice president of Global Customer Support at Textron Aviation. “We’re committed to advancing all aspects of the industry, including aftermarket speed and support. Using the new 3D diagrams, maintenance technicians around the world can review and validate processes virtually before working on an aircraft—saving customers time and money.”

The new library, now available on the Textron Aviation 1View application, offers interactive step- by-step procedural instructions. Using a color-coding system, technicians can quickly differentiate visuals to identify line replacement units, hardware, discarded parts, sealant application areas and specialized tools.

Textron Aviation will present 3DPubs at the NBAA-BACE New Product Showcase scheduled Tuesday, Oct. 22, at the NBAA Innovation Zone, Booth N1818 on the show floor.

Boeing Statement On Lion Air Flight 610 Investigation Final Report

press release


Boeing (NYSE: BA) issued the following statement regarding the release today of the final investigation report of Lion Air Flight 610 by Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT):

"On behalf of everyone at Boeing, I want to convey our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in these accidents. We mourn with Lion Air, and we would like to express our deepest sympathies to the Lion Air family," said Boeing President & CEO Dennis Muilenburg. "These tragic events have deeply affected us all and we will always remember what happened."

"We commend Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee for its extensive efforts to determine the facts of this accident, the contributing factors to its cause and recommendations aimed toward our common goal that this never happens again."

"We are addressing the KNKT's safety recommendations, and taking actions to enhance the safety of the 737 MAX to prevent the flight control conditions that occurred in this accident from ever happening again. Safety is an enduring value for everyone at Boeing and the safety of the flying public, our customers, and the crews aboard our airplanes is always our top priority. We value our long-standing partnership with Lion Air and we look forward to continuing to work together in the future."

Boeing experts, working as technical advisors to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, have supported the KNKT over the course of the investigation. The company's engineers have been working with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other global regulators to make software updates and other changes, taking into account the information from the KNKT's investigation.

Since this accident, the 737 MAX and its software are undergoing an unprecedented level of global regulatory oversight, testing and analysis. This includes hundreds of simulator sessions and test flights, regulatory analysis of thousands of documents, reviews by regulators and independent experts and extensive certification requirements.

Over the past several months Boeing has been making changes to the 737 MAX. Most significantly, Boeing has redesigned the way Angle of Attack (AoA) sensors work with a feature of the flight control software known as Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS). Going forward, MCAS will compare information from both AoA sensors before activating, adding a new layer of protection.

In addition, MCAS will now only turn on if both AoA sensors agree, will only activate once in response to erroneous AOA, and will always be subject to a maximum limit that can be overridden with the control column.

These software changes will prevent the flight control conditions that occurred in this accident from ever happening again.

In addition, Boeing is updating crew manuals and pilot training, designed to ensure every pilot has all of the information they need to fly the 737 MAX safely.

Boeing continues to work with the FAA and other regulatory agencies worldwide on the certification of the software update and training program to safely return the 737 MAX to service.

ESA and Airbus to cooperate on the Bartolomeo platform (external platform on ISS)

https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/10/esa-and-airbus-to-cooperate-on-the-bartolomeo-platform.html


https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/10/unoosa-and-airbus-announce-opportunity-for-utilizing-airbus-bartolomeo-platform.html

Airbus launches A220 demonstration tour of the Pacific region

press release






Airbus has launched an extensive tour of the Pacific region to showcase the A220, its latest family member. The aircraft being used for the tour is an A220-300 leased from Latvia’s airBaltic, which will visit nine destinations in seven countries. These will include three stops in Asia on the return journey to Europe.

The first stop of the tour will be the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, home to the region’s A220 launch customer Air Vanuatu. The aircraft will then visit Australia (Sydney and Brisbane), New Zealand (Auckland), New Caledonia (Noumea) and Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby). On the way back to Europe, the aircraft will stop in Cambodia (Phnom Penh) and India (Bangalore and New Delhi).


Static displays are planned at each stop, as well as demonstration flights for airline executives and other invited guests.


The A220 is the only new design aircraft in the 100-150 seat market and incorporates state-of-the-art technologies, the latest aerodynamic design and new-generation engines. Together, these advances generate fuel savings of at least 20% compared with older-generation aircraft of a similar size.

In addition, the A220 offers extended range capability of up to 3,400 nautical miles. This makes the aircraft especially suitable for the kind of operations seen in the Pacific region, including short- to medium-haul operations between the various island nations, as well as longer routes to Australia and New Zealand.

The airBaltic A220-300 is fitted with a single-class passenger cabin with 145 seats. As on all A220 aircraft, the layout comprises three seats on one side of the aisle and two on the other. The cabin is the largest in its size category, with wider economy class seats and spacious overhead storage bins.

The A220 is available in two versions, with the A220-100 seating between 100 and 130 passengers and the larger A220-300 seating between 130 and 160 in typical airline layouts. At the end of September 2019, customers worldwide had placed orders for 525 A220 aircraft with 90 already in service with six operators.

Spirit Airlines signs MoU for up to 100 A320neo Family aircraft

press release




Airbus and Spirit Airlines have agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding for the U.S.-based airline to acquire up to 100 A320neo Family aircraft. Spirit announced its intention to place firm orders for a mix of A319neo, A320neo, and A321neo to meet its future fleet requirements.

“This new order represents another milestone for Spirit,” said Spirit Airlines’ President and CEO Ted Christie. “The additional aircraft will be used to support Spirit’s growth as we add new destinations and expand our network across the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean. We look forward to working with our valued partners at Airbus to finalise our agreement.”

“The Airbus A320 Family has been a strong platform for the remarkable success of Spirit over the past several years,” said Airbus Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer. “The ongoing, enthusiastic spirit the airline demonstrates in our A320neo Family is most rewarding, and we look forward to playing a part in the Spirit team’s continued growth for many, many years to come.”

Spirit is a fast growing ultra-low-cost carrier in the Americas, based in South Florida.

Featuring the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky, the best-selling A320neo Family, comprising the A319neo, A320neo, and A321neo, deliver at least 20% reduced fuel burn as well as 50% less noise compared to previous-generation aircraft, thanks to incorporating the very latest technologies including new-generation engines and Sharklets. At the end of September 2019, the A320neo Family had received more than 6,650 firm orders from nearly 110 customers worldwide.

Airbus reinforces its maritime capabilities with HAROPA-Port of Le Havre partnership

press release




Airbus and HAROPA-Port of Le Havre have signed an industrial and a distribution agreement relating to a joint software solution based on the Airbus VTS (Vessel Traffic Services) product family STYRIS® and Port of Le Havre solution S-WiNG (a digital service for port management). The aim is to offer an advanced and high-performance solution that is capable of ensuring better navigation surveillance and optimised port and stopover operations.

The security and smooth movement of goods are strategic issues for the development of ports. This challenge demands continuous improvements in order to find digital solutions to simplify electronic procedures, facilitate development of international trade and secure applications.

In addition, Airbus, the UNION MARITIME ET PORTUAIRE (UMEP), HAROPA - Port du Havre and SOGET have joined forces in the context of the Smart Port City project^* in order to consider and contribute to the development of an industrial cybersecurity strategy and platform. They will define the technical, legal, administrative and financial framework to offer the services of a Security Operations Center (SOC). These services, made available to citizens, large companies and SMEs of the Le Havre port economic zone, can constitute an operational solution that will allow them to innovate, connect and evolve, while making cybersecurity an asset to their development. This service platform could form part of a larger-scale strategy aimed at feeding a maritime platform based on a national SOC.

Through the signing of these two agreements, Airbus reinforces its maritime capabilities, co-creates and distributes value added services and extends its maritime portfolio to better address the needs of ports and harbours with digital services. The agreement responds to the new challenges that ports now face.

Baptiste Maurand, Director of Port of Le Havre, said: “These partnerships will make it easier for our existing solutions to integrate key areas of innovation such as blockchain technology. They will also improve confidence in the quality of digital data and the traceability of changes. Our ambition is to consolidate our position as a major, secure, digital port on the Seine corridor and throughout France.”

“Partnering is in our nature and allows us to grow and reinforce Airbus as a key player in the maritime domain. It helps us not only to increase our maritime portofolio and create new services that can be exported and implemented at any other port in the world, but also to contribute to port cybersecurity, to make our oceans safer and, which is more important, to support port authorities in their day-to-day challenges,” said Evert Dudok, Head of Communications, Intelligence and Security at Airbus Defence and Space.

* Smart Port City project: The Smart Port City project, led by “Le Havre Seine Métropole”, HAROPA-Port du Havre, the University of Le Havre Normandie, Synerzip LH and their economic and scientific partners, is the winner of the National Future Investment Programme. One of the challenges of the project is to promote the consideration of cybersecurity in the context of digitalization of ports, the increasing use of the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data and Artificial Intelligence for the benefit of the environment of the Port of Le Havre, while accompanying its hatching in a framework of trust for the citizen as for the actresses of the territory.

* * *
 
About STYRIS®
STYRIS® implements and delivers turnkey systems covering the full spectrum of Maritime Domain Awareness from both safety and security perspectives. Typical applications are for Vessel Traffic Services , Coastal Surveillance Systems and maritime Critical Infrastructure Protection systems. Thus, STYRIS® is the single product line from Airbus for collecting, processing, consolidating, enriching, distributing and displaying data from a wide range of maritime sensors. The software consolidates data gathered from sensors like radars, Automatic Identification System (AIS), Radio Direction Finders (RDF), cameras, weather stations and sonars. STYRIS allows high detection performances of any maritime activity and advanced analytics based on vessels behaviors and sensors data treatment. Airbus real-time systems are already monitoring the main hot spots of maritime traffic around the Earth as the Malacca Strait or the Panama Canal.

About Airbus
Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2018 it generated revenues of € 64 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

Airbus inaugurates test facility for propulsion systems of the future

press release







Airbus Chief Technology Officer Grazia Vittadini and Airbus Defence and Space CEO Dirk Hoke have officially opened the E-Aircraft Systems House test facility at Airbus’s Taufkirchen/Ottobrunn site alongside Ilse Aigner, President of the Bavarian State Parliament. The test centre will provide a space to research technologies for alternative propulsion systems and energy sources – such as electric motors for unmanned aerial vehicles, hybrid propulsion systems and hydrogen for combustion or synthetic fuel use. The building, which allows complete systems to be integrated and tested, is the first test centre of its kind worldwide.



Grazia Vittadini said: “The E-Aircraft Systems House represents a real competitive advantage for Airbus. With its 3,000 m2 test area, we now have the infrastructure to move the transition to emission-neutral flight forward at an even faster pace.”



You can find more information at

https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/news/en/2019/10/new-airbus-facility-will-help-zero-emission-technologies-to-take-flight.html

Les moteurs électriques ENGINeUS™ de Safran propulsent le banc d’essais Cassio 1 de l’avion hybride-électrique de VoltAero

press release

https://www.voltaero.aero/fr/communiques-de-presse/les-moteurs-electriques-engineus-de-safran-propulsent-le-banc-dessais-cassio-1-de-lavion-hybride-electrique-de-voltaero/




English:
Safran’s ENGINeUS electric motors will fly on the VoltAero Cassio 1 hybrid-electric testbed aircraft            
https://www.voltaero.aero/en/press-releases/safrans-engineus-electric-motors-will-fly-on-the-voltaero-cassio-1-hybrid-electric-testbed-aircraft/








Salon de l’aviation d’affaires de la NBAA

Las Vegas, Nevada, États-Unis – Les moteurs électriques intelligents ENGINeUS™ de Safran Electrical & Power commenceront à voler en novembre 2019 sur le banc d’essais de Cassio, l’aéronef hybride-électrique de VoltAero destiné à l’aviation générale.


Deux moteurs ENGINeUS™ 45 seront montés, orientés vers l’avant, sur les ailes du banc d’essais Cassio 1 de VoltAero en configuration « push-pull ». Le moteur ENGINeUS™ 45 produit une puissance continue de 45 kW et dispose d’une électronique de commande dédiée intégrée.

Safran Electrical & Power a dévoilé la gamme des moteurs électriques ENGINeUS™ au salon de l’aviation d’affaires de la NBAA de l’année dernière. En intégrant les moteurs ENGINeUS™ 45 sur Cassio 1, Safran Electrical & Power va contribuer au développement d’un aéronef hybride-électrique très prometteur, destiné à l’aviation générale.

« Depuis que nous avons présenté ENGINeUS™, nous n’avons cessé de travailler à l’amélioration des performances exceptionnelles de nos moteurs, dont la production en série vient de commencer pour répondre à la demande croissante de l’avion plus électrique », explique Hervé Blanc, directeur général de la division Systèmes et moteurs électriques de Safran Electrical & Power.

VoltAero intégrera les deux moteurs ENGINeUS™ 45 sur Cassio 1 pour remplacer les deux moteurs électriques d’ancienne génération utilisés lors des premiers essais. Le banc d’essais Cassio 1 valide actuellement la conception VoltAero d’un tout nouvel avion hybride-électrique de quatre à neuf places, qui pourra être utilisé par des particuliers, des sociétés de taxis ou de charters, dans le cadre de vols commerciaux du transport régional « point à point » et dans diverses applications de type utilitaire.

« VoltAero est prête à inaugurer une nouvelle ère de vol plus sûr, efficace et respectueux de l’environnement », a déclaré Jean Botti, PDG et directeur technique de VoltAero. « Grâce aux moteurs ENGINeUS™ 45, nous allons tirer pleinement profit de la technologie de pointe de Safran, appliquée à une propulsion électrique intelligente, efficace et optimisée. »

Les produits ENGINeUS™ comprennent une gamme de moteurs électriques pouvant délivrer jusqu’à 500 kW. Leur technologie permet d’optimiser l’architecture électrique en consolidant plusieurs fonctions essentielles de conversion, de commande et d’interface avec les batteries – les caractéristiques mécaniques et structurelles des moteurs étant parfaitement adaptées à une utilisation sur un aéronef.



Safran est un groupe international de haute technologie opérant dans les domaines de la propulsion et des équipements aéronautiques, de l’espace et de la défense. Implanté sur tous les continents, et fort d’un chiffre d’affaires de 21 milliards d’euros en 2018, le Groupe emploie plus de 92 000 collaborateurs. Safran est une société cotée sur Euronext Paris et fait partie des indices CAC 40 et Euro Stoxx 50.

Safran Electrical & Power est l’un des leaders mondiaux des systèmes électriques aéronautiques. La société est un acteur clé dans le domaine de l’électrification des équipements de la propulsion électrique et hybride. Elle compte 12 400 collaborateurs répartis dans 12 pays. Pour plus d’informations : www.safran-group.com et www.safran-electrical-power.com

VoltAero propulse l’avion électrique à un niveau jamais atteint auparavant. Forte de dix années d’expertise innovante, cette société développe un aéronef réellement unique destiné à l’aviation générale, Cassio, doté d’une propulsion hybride-électrique distribuée assurant un vol sûr, silencieux, efficace et respectueux de l’environnement. Cassio est propulsé par une combinaison de moteurs électriques et d’un moteur à combustion interne, intégrés dans une configuration « push-pull ». Un démonstrateur de vol ainsi qu’un Iron Bird permettant de tester au sol le système procèdent actuellement à la validation de la configuration hybride de VoltAero – et à la réduction des risques en vue de la certification de navigabilité et de l’application ultérieure concernant la construction d’un nouvel avion avec des matériaux robustes et légers.

Army’s Future Attack Recon Aircraft Gains Momentum

https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2019/10/9/armys-future-attack-recon-aircraft-gains-momentum

Progress of Small Air Transport in the spotlight at annual review

PR


The Annual Review of Clean Sky 2’s technology platform for Small Air Transport (SAT) was held on 2-3 October in Sieć Badawcza Łuksiewicz - Instytut Lotnictwa (Warsaw Institute of Aviation) in Poland.
 
During the two-day meeting, the Leaders of SAT (Piaggio and Evektor) and the Core Partners came together with Clean Sky Project Officers and reviewers to present the work progress, achievements and next milestones.
 
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the SAT platform’s vision of the next future research programme.
 
Discover SAT on our website.

Powering Partnerships Towards Innovation Architecture: Skyline 28 has landed!

press release




Skyline 28 has landed! This edition features views from Paul Stein of Rolls-Royce, Henri Werij of TU Delft, and Maxime Hardouin of the SME AeroSpline on what the future of European aviation research could look like, and what this means for the industry’s big players, SMEs and universities.

In parallel to discussions on the future, Clean Sky 2 is still running with full steam ahead! This edition of Skyline includes some key Clean Sky 2 projects which are delivering on our ambitious environmental objectives of reducing CO2 emissions and noise levels from aircraft. You will also get an insight into what the next generation of engineers is working on from the winners of our Clean Sky Academy PhD Award!

Finally, don’t miss the recap of our recent participation at Aerodays and Le Bourget, and mark your calendars for our upcoming events!

Read Skyline 28 here

Material gain: Clean Sky's "ecoTECH" innovative ECO-friendly airframe

press release




Aviation's environmental impact is not limited to the operational aspects of transporting people and goods around the world. The footprint of air travel also extends across the entire lifecycle of manufacturing aircraft, their maintenance throughout operational service, and eventually, responsible disposal – or preferably recycling – of an airliner's components and materials at the end of its existence.

Read more.

TechTP Turboprop first run celebration and demonstration: first Clean Sky 2 demonstrator successfully tested

press release




The recent first run of the TechTP Turboprop engine demonstrator, an important milestone for Clean Sky 2, was celebrated at an event on 17 October at Safran Helicopters’ facilities in Tarnos (France) with the participation of Safran Helicopter Engines, Clean Sky, and the partners of the projects (from Clean Sky 2’s Calls for Proposals) which are contributing to this demonstrator. During the event, a test bench visit and real time TechTP engine running demonstration was performed by the Safran Helicopter Engines team, and the partners had the opportunity to present the outcomes of their projects and their contributions.

The first ground test of the Turboprop engine demonstrator took place on 12 June 2019, paving the way to a new generation of turboprop engines for business and short range regional application with the aim to offer a double digit fuel emission reduction compared to the existing generation of engines. The demonstrator aims to reach TRL5+ by the end of 2021.

This engine demonstrator is part of Clean Sky 2’s ENGINE ITD activities and is led by Safran Helicopter Engines, involving more than 20 partners (including SMEs and academia) across 8 different European countries with a total budget of around €40 million, with €20 million of EU funding.

The development of the ground demonstration of the integrated turboprop power plant system, including propeller, air intake & nacelle, is covering the following aspects:
Improvement of core engine technologies
Development of turboprop key enabling technologies
Study & assessment of integration issues


Read more.
 

B-17G "Nine-O-Nine" Crash Windsor Locks-Bradley International Airport, CT (BDL) NTSB Preliminary Report

B-17G "Nine-O-Nine" Crash Windsor Locks-Bradley International Airport, CT (BDL)  NTSB Preliminary Report:

https://t.co/NnFErJBgEL

https://t.co/s0mXAq6XU3 via @YouTube

Final Report on the crash of Lion Air Boeing 737-8 (MAX) PK-LQP. (PDF, 12 MB)

Final Aircraft Accident Investigation Report by the Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee on the crash of Lion Air Boeing 737-8 (MAX) PK-LQP. (PDF, 12 MB)

https://t.co/PNWaHlY7Mj

MAX grounding shows aviation must nurture its corporate Cassandras - Runway GirlRunway Girl

https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2019/10/25/max-grounding-shows-aviation-must-nurture-its-corporate-cassandras/

Rolls-Royce unveils new Pearl engine family member for business aviation

press release





Rolls-Royce today unveiled the Pearl® 700, the latest addition to its Pearl engine family for business aviation. The purpose-designed engine, the most powerful in the Rolls-Royce business jet propulsion portfolio, is the exclusive powerplant for the brand new Gulfstream G700.

With more than 3,200 business jets in service today powered by Rolls-Royce engines, the company is the world’s leading engine supplier in this market. The Pearl 700 is the newest member of the state-of-the-art Pearl engine family, first introduced in 2018 and marks the seventh new civil aerospace engine introduced by Rolls-Royce over the past decade. Gulfstream’s selection of the Pearl 700 to power its new flagship aircraft reaffirms Rolls-Royce’s position as the leading business aviation engine manufacturer.

The Pearl 700 combines the Advance2 engine core, the most efficient core available across the business aviation sector, with a brand-new low-pressure system, resulting in an 8 per cent increase in take-off thrust at 18,250lb compared to the BR725 engine. The engine offers a 12 per cent better thrust-to-weight ratio and 5 per cent higher efficiency, while maintaining its class-leading low noise and emissions performance. The result is an engine that is highly efficient, but also able to propel customers nearly as fast as the speed of sound (Mach 0.925).

It brings together innovative technologies derived from the Rolls-Royce Advance2 technology demonstrator programmes with proven features from the Rolls-Royce BR700, today’s leading engine family in business aviation. This includes a highly-efficient 51.8” blisked fan, a high pressure compressor with a market-leading pressure ratio of 24:1 and 6 blisked stages, an ultra-low emissions combustor, a 2-stage shroudless high pressure turbine and an enhanced 4-stage low pressure turbine, that is one of the most efficient and compact ones in the industry.

The engine’s pioneering technology, combined with outstanding performance, supports Gulfstream’s business aircraft in reaching new standards for the top end of the ultra-long-range corporate jet market. The engine has been developed at the Rolls-Royce Centre of Excellence for Business Aviation Engines in Dahlewitz, Germany, and is currently undergoing a comprehensive test programme.


Chris Cholerton, President – Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, said: “Our whole team is very proud to power the very latest Gulfstream aircraft, the G700, and I congratulate the Gulfstream team on this special occasion. We are looking forward to continuing our successful partnership that started some 60 years and 4,500 engine deliveries ago with the Dart-powered Gulfstream I. The Pearl 700 is a pioneering product, that brings together our latest technology to deliver outstanding efficiency, supporting our leading position in the business aviation world.”

Mark Burns, CEO Gulfstream, said: “The Gulfstream-exclusive Pearl 700 engines that will power the world’s largest business jet at more than nine-tenths the speed of sound once again demonstrate the capabilities of the Rolls-Royce team. From our more than 60-year history with Rolls-Royce, we know they will deliver a first-rate experience to our Gulfstream G700 customers, from the capabilities of the powerplant to their comprehensive after-market support. We are excited to work with them on the industry’s new flagship, the all-new Gulfstream G700.”

Designed for outstanding reliability, the Pearl family is supported by the industry-leading Rolls-Royce CorporateCare® Enhanced, the most comprehensive service programme in business aviation. CorporateCare Enhanced offers substantial financial and operational benefits to customers, increasing asset value and liquidity, mitigating maintenance cost risk and protecting against the unforeseen costs of unscheduled events anywhere in the world. Increased aircraft availability, reduced management burden, full risk transfer, direct priority access to the Rolls-Royce services infrastructure and remote site assistance are further customer benefits.

The Pearl engine family is part of the Rolls-Royce IntelligentEngine vision of a future where product and service become indistinguishable thanks to advancements in digital capability. As well as a new-generation Engine Health Monitoring System that introduces advanced vibration detection, the family benefits from the incorporation of advanced remote engine diagnostics. It is also enabled for bi-directional communications, allowing for easy remote reconfiguration of engine-monitoring features from the ground. Cloud-based analytics, smart algorithms and Artificial Intelligence continue to play an increasing role in delivering exceptional levels of availability and greater peace of mind for our customers.For high-res images please see here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rolls-royceplc