viernes, 1 de marzo de 2019
F-35C Achieves Initial Operational Capability
press release
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Commander, Naval Air Forces and the U.S. Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Aviation jointly announced that the aircraft carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, the F-35C Lightning II, met all requirements and achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC).
The Feb. 28 announcement comes shortly after the Department of the Navy’s first F-35C squadron, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, completed aircraft carrier qualifications aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and received Safe-For-Flight Operations Certification.
In order to declare IOC, the first operational squadron must be properly manned, trained and equipped to conduct assigned missions in support of fleet operations. This includes having 10 Block 3F, F-35C aircraft, requisite spare parts, support equipment, tools, technical publications, training programs and a functional Autonomic Logistic Information System (ALIS).
Additionally, the ship that supports the first squadron must possess the proper infrastructure, qualifications and certifications. Lastly, the Joint Program Office, industry, and Naval Aviation must demonstrate that all procedures, processes and policies are in place to sustain operations.
“The F-35C is ready for operations, ready for combat and ready to win,” said Commander Naval Air Forces, Vice Admiral DeWolfe Miller. “We are adding an incredible weapon system into the arsenal of our Carrier Strike Groups that significantly enhances the capability of the joint force.”
Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore is the home-base for the Navy’s Joint Strike Fighter Wing, Navy F-35C fleet squadrons and the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), VFA-125 that trains Navy and Marine Corps CVN-based Joint Strike Fighter pilots. To accommodate the F-35C program at NAS Lemoore, several facilities were built or remodeled to facilitate specific F-35C requirements with regard to maintenance and training, including a Pilot Fit Facility, Centralized Engine Repair Facility, Pilot Training Center and a newly-remodeled hangar. Future projects are planned as additional Navy squadrons transition into the F-35C. The Marine Corps plans to transition four F-35C squadrons that will be assigned to Carrier Air Wings for deployments.
“We’re very proud of what our Sailors have accomplished in the Joint Strike Fighter community,” said CAPT Max McCoy, commodore of the U.S. Navy’s Joint Strike Fighter Wing. “Their commitment to mission delivered fifth generation capability to the carrier air wing, making us more combat effective than ever before. We will continue to learn and improve ways to maintain and sustain F-35C as we prepare for first deployment. The addition of F-35C to existing Carrier Air Wing capability ensures that we can fight and win in contested battlespace now and well into the future.”
Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Dale Horan, director, USN F-35C Fleet Integration Office said, “The F-35C will revolutionize capability and operating concepts of aircraft carrier-based naval aviation using advanced technologies to find, fix and assess threats and, if necessary, track, target and engage them in all contested environments,” adding “This accomplishment represents years of hard work on the part of the F-35 Joint Program Office and Naval Aviation Enterprise. Our focus has now shifted to applying lessons learned from this process to future squadron transitions, and preparing VFA-147 for their first overseas deployment.”
The mission-ready F-35C is the latest addition to U.S. Navy’s Carrier Air Wing. With its stealth technology, state-of-the-art avionics, advanced sensors, weapons capacity and range, the aircraft carrier-based F-35C provides unprecedented air superiority, interdiction, suppression of enemy air defenses and close-air-support as well as advanced command and control functions through fused sensors. These state-of-the art capabilities provide pilots and combatant commanders unrivaled battlespace awareness and lethality. The F-35C is the final U.S. Joint Strike Fighter variant to declare IOC and follows the USAF’s F-35A and USMC’s F-35B. IOC declaration is a significant milestone.
Dassault chief warns on creating 'Eurofighter 2.0' for FCAS work [feedly]
Dassault chief warns on creating 'Eurofighter 2.0' for FCAS work
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dassault-chief-warns-on-creating-eurofighter-20-f-456242/
-- via my feedly newsfeed
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dassault-chief-warns-on-creating-eurofighter-20-f-456242/
-- via my feedly newsfeed
Press Release: OneWeb makes history as first launch mission is a success [feedly]
Press Release: OneWeb makes history as first launch mission is a success
https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2019/02/28/press-release-oneweb-makes-history-as-first-launch-mission-is-a-success/
-- via my feedly newsfeed
https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2019/02/28/press-release-oneweb-makes-history-as-first-launch-mission-is-a-success/
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Transcript: RR told Boeing before end of 2018 it’s out of NMA competition [feedly]
Transcript: RR told Boeing before end of 2018 it's out of NMA competition
https://leehamnews.com/2019/02/28/transcript-rr-told-boeing-before-end-of-2018-its-out-of-nma-competition/
-- via my feedly newsfeed
https://leehamnews.com/2019/02/28/transcript-rr-told-boeing-before-end-of-2018-its-out-of-nma-competition/
-- via my feedly newsfeed
TsAGI explores spacecraft motion in the Mars atmosphere
press release
Temperature field of the moving ExoMars space module for Mach number 8
Is there life on Mars? The Earth people have been interested in this question from the earliest times. The “Martian fever” has been running high since the end of the XIX century.
Wide dry canals and braided valleys on the surface of the planet suggest that there once were rivers and rains, and the climate was humid and warm. There is still a probability to find the traces of biological life, and this is one of the scientific objectives of a joint project of Russian scientists and the European Space Agency “ExoMars.”
Within this program it is planned to launch a space complex “ExoMars” in 2020. It consists of the Enter, Descent and Landing Demonstrator Module and adapter with the separation system. The Landing (Descent) Module must deliver to the surface of the Red Planet the Rover from the European Space Agency and the Russian-built landing surface platform with a set of scientific instruments. Scientists of the Zhukovsky Central AeroHydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI, a member of the National Research Center “Zhukovsky Institute”) are interested in this task. For example, TsAGI young specialists initiated an independent numerical study for the Descent Module’s motion in Mars atmosphere and thermal loads on it at that time.
There was studied in particular the ablation process — the Module’ s protection cover meting and evaporation under the influence of heat flow, which effectively reduces the overheating of the structural elements. Using the developed in TsAGI copyright program code there was created the simplest Martian atmosphere and the trajectory of the Landing Module at a speed of 7-8 Mach. The ablation at that case was simulated by gas blowing out of the frontal surface of the Module. “It was important for us to see it all in terms of laminar-turbulent transition,” said Senior Scientific Researcher of TsAGI’s Department for Aerothermodynamics Testing of Hypersonic Aircraft and Rocket-and-Space Equipment, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Science, Natalia Palchekovskaya. “When we reduce the heat flow by ablation, because of the Module’s high surface evaporation we can get an unsteady-state boundary layer, which could lead to turbulence. The essence of the study is to maintain a balance when the spacecraft is not burnt up in the Martian atmosphere and the trajectory is not broken and it successfully reaches the Red Planet and performs its mission.”
There have been received partial results at the moment. They will enable numerically simulate the real conditions of flow for the Descent Module in the Martian atmosphere at small angles of attack up to 10 degrees. The study will continue this year.
ExoMars is a joint project of the European Space Agency and Russian space agency Roscosmos. Under the ExoMars-2016 program where was already launched the Trace Gas Orbiter into Mars orbit and released Schiaparelli EDM lander. The second phase of the project is scheduled to launch in 2020 and to deliver to the Martian surface the European Space Agency Rover and the Russian surface platform, which will set to work on the surface of the Red Planet as a long-life autonomous research station.
Temperature field of the moving ExoMars space module for Mach number 8
Is there life on Mars? The Earth people have been interested in this question from the earliest times. The “Martian fever” has been running high since the end of the XIX century.
Wide dry canals and braided valleys on the surface of the planet suggest that there once were rivers and rains, and the climate was humid and warm. There is still a probability to find the traces of biological life, and this is one of the scientific objectives of a joint project of Russian scientists and the European Space Agency “ExoMars.”
Within this program it is planned to launch a space complex “ExoMars” in 2020. It consists of the Enter, Descent and Landing Demonstrator Module and adapter with the separation system. The Landing (Descent) Module must deliver to the surface of the Red Planet the Rover from the European Space Agency and the Russian-built landing surface platform with a set of scientific instruments. Scientists of the Zhukovsky Central AeroHydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI, a member of the National Research Center “Zhukovsky Institute”) are interested in this task. For example, TsAGI young specialists initiated an independent numerical study for the Descent Module’s motion in Mars atmosphere and thermal loads on it at that time.
There was studied in particular the ablation process — the Module’ s protection cover meting and evaporation under the influence of heat flow, which effectively reduces the overheating of the structural elements. Using the developed in TsAGI copyright program code there was created the simplest Martian atmosphere and the trajectory of the Landing Module at a speed of 7-8 Mach. The ablation at that case was simulated by gas blowing out of the frontal surface of the Module. “It was important for us to see it all in terms of laminar-turbulent transition,” said Senior Scientific Researcher of TsAGI’s Department for Aerothermodynamics Testing of Hypersonic Aircraft and Rocket-and-Space Equipment, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Science, Natalia Palchekovskaya. “When we reduce the heat flow by ablation, because of the Module’s high surface evaporation we can get an unsteady-state boundary layer, which could lead to turbulence. The essence of the study is to maintain a balance when the spacecraft is not burnt up in the Martian atmosphere and the trajectory is not broken and it successfully reaches the Red Planet and performs its mission.”
There have been received partial results at the moment. They will enable numerically simulate the real conditions of flow for the Descent Module in the Martian atmosphere at small angles of attack up to 10 degrees. The study will continue this year.
ExoMars is a joint project of the European Space Agency and Russian space agency Roscosmos. Under the ExoMars-2016 program where was already launched the Trace Gas Orbiter into Mars orbit and released Schiaparelli EDM lander. The second phase of the project is scheduled to launch in 2020 and to deliver to the Martian surface the European Space Agency Rover and the Russian surface platform, which will set to work on the surface of the Red Planet as a long-life autonomous research station.
NASA Secures First International Partnership for Moon to Mars Lunar Gateway
press release
The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine on the announcement Thursday by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about Canada's support for the Gateway lunar outpost and deep space exploration:
"NASA is thrilled that Canada is the first international partner for the Gateway lunar outpost. Space exploration is in Canada's DNA. In 1962, Canada became the third nation to launch a satellite into orbit with Alouette 1.
"Today, Canada leads the world in space-based robotic capabilities, enabling critical repairs to the Hubble Space Telescope and construction of the International Space Station. Our new collaboration on Gateway will enable our broader international partnership to get to the Moon and eventually to Mars."
For more information on the Gateway, visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/topics/moon-to-mars/lunar-outpost
Learn more about NASA's Moon to Mars exploration plan, go to:
https://www.nasa.gov/topics/moon-to-mars
Boeing Signs Deal for Up to 42 777X Airplanes with International Airlines Group (IAG)
press release
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and International Airlines Group, the parent company of British Airways, announced the airline has committed to purchasing up to 42 777X airplanes, including 18 orders and 24 options. The airline joins a group of leading carriers that have selected the new 777-9, which will debut next month as the largest and most efficient twin-engine passenger jet in the world.
The commitment, valued at up to $18.6 billion at list prices, will be reflected on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website once it is finalized.
"The new 777-9 is the world's most fuel efficient longhaul aircraft and will bring many benefits to British Airways' fleet. It's the ideal replacement for the 747 and its size and range will be an excellent fit for the airline's existing network," said Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive. "This aircraft will provide further cost efficiencies and environmental benefits with fuel cost per seat improvements of 30 per cent compared to the 747. It also provides an enhanced passenger experience."
British Airways has been modernizing its fleet – one of the largest in the airline industry – to more efficiently serve its extensive global route network. In recent years, the airline has introduced the super-efficient 787 Dreamliner family to replace its medium-sized widebody jets. The new 777-9 will replace British Airways' larger widebody airplanes, mainly the four-engine 747 jumbo jet.
In ordering the 777-9, British Airways extends a long-running relationship with the popular 777 family. The airline is one of the largest 777 operators with a fleet of nearly 60 of the long-range jet. The airline last year committed to four more 777-300ER (Extended Range) jets via operating lease.
The 777-9 is larger and has a slightly wider cabin than current 777s, which provides the ability to comfortably sit 400-425 passengers in a standard two-class cabin. Powered by 787 Dreamliner technologies, an all-new composite wing, and other enhancements, the 777-9 offers airlines 12 percent lower fuel consumption than competing airplanes. The 777-9 can also fly farther than its predecessors with a standard range of 7,600 nautical miles (14,075 kilometers).
The 777X will also debut a redesigned cabin that incorporates popular 787 features and new technologies. Recently unveiled online, the 777X interior offers larger windows, a wider cabin, new lighting, while providing passengers with a smoother ride, better cabin altitude, humidity, and sound quality.
"British Airways is one of the most iconic international carriers, now in its 100th year of connecting the world with its impressive route network. We are honored that British Airways has selected the 777X as part of its fleet for its next century. Together with the 787 Dreamliner, we are excited for the 777X to help British Airways build on its incredible legacy," said Kevin McAllister, president & CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 777-9, in particular, simply has no competitor in its class when it comes to efficiency and performance. It is the right-sized airplane for British Airways to efficiently serve long-range routes with heavy passenger demand."
The selection by IAG and British Airways puts the 777X at 358 orders and commitments from eight customers. Production of the 777X began in 2017, with first flight planned for this year and first delivery expected in 2020.
Airbus to open Flight Academy and extend training services to pilot cadets
press release
In order to meet the high market demand for cadet pilot training in Europe – 94,000 new pilots over the next 20 years* – Airbus has decided to open its own flight academy and extend its training services offering by adding “ab-initio” to its portfolio.
Leveraging cross-divisional synergies, the Airbus Flight Academy Europe, based in Angoulême, France, will use Airbus standardised instructors to deliver the ab-initio Pilot Cadet Training programme approved by EASA at the end of 2018, complementing the intermediate and advanced training phases that are already available and provided in the existing training network on 17 sites worldwide.
The Airbus Flight Academy Europe aims to train up to 200 pilot cadets annually. Using a modern fleet of both single- and multi-engine aircraft equipped with full digital cockpit technology as well as the latest flight simulators, the training programme will equip students with the skills and mindset required to become “operationally-ready pilots” focusing on the all-important development of key pilot technical and behavioural competencies.
The Airbus Pilot Cadet Training Programme is open to high school graduates over 18 years old worldwide. Candidates will undergo online and on-site screening tests before being eligible for training which will include 750 hours of ground school, plus 200 hours of flight training.
Airbus Flight Academy Europe, formerly known as Cassidian Aviation Training Services (CATS), is a wholly owned subsidiary of Airbus.
*Airbus Global Market Forecast 2018-2037