Viking Launches Avionics Upgrade Program (AUP) for Canadair CL-215T / CL-415 Aerial Firefighter Fleet
press release
Pictured above: Proposed layout of the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics suite featuring 3-screen LCD displays.
Nimes, France, March 18, 2019: Viking Air Limited of Victoria, British Columbia has launched an Avionics Upgrade Program (AUP) for the Canadair CL-215T and CL-415 fleet of aerial firefighting aircraft. The program will incorporate modernized technologies in communications, navigation, surveillance, and air-traffic management functionality in an integrated platform featuring the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics suite.
To face challenges with supportability and end-of-life components inherent with aging technology, the AUP will utilize modern and reliable COTS systems that will easily interface with specialized mission equipment. The system is designed as a complete integrated solution for a harmonized cockpit that will not only meet current regulatory requirements, it will also address future operational and technical requirements over a 25+ year horizon.
The standardized cockpit will feature an ergonomic flight deck with three large LCD displays and low instrument footprint for enhanced Flight Data Visualization that will help reduce pilot workload and provide focused information in a streamlined, simplified cockpit design.
A key component of the AUP is the introduction of the Collins Pro Line Fusion digital avionics suite, a FAR/Part 25 certified scalable software-based system. The avionics suite’s core configuration features Flight Director, Flight Management System (FMS) coupled with SBAS-GPS and LPV capability, Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS), ADS-B Out, Synthetic Vision, crew alerting system display indicators, and a multi-functional keyboard panel with dual cursor controls providing an alternative to touch screen commands.
A SATCOM system, Latitude Technologies Ionode System, Weather Radar, and Auto-Pilot are few of the available options to further enhance and customize the avionics system based on operator requirements.
Dan Seroussi, Viking’s Customer Service & Product Support Program Director, stated, “The Canadair Aerial Firefighters are at the heart of Viking’s development strategy. These aircraft have incredible operational capabilities, and their versatility will allow them to accomplish a variety of missions in the future. We’re confident that not only will the Collins Pro Line Fusion Avionics suite help address the obsolescence issues and new regulatory requirements currently facing operators of CL-215T and CL-415 aircraft, it will also extend operators’ fleet longevity for many years to come.”
Gregory Davis, Viking’s vice president Customer Service and Product Support, added, “The Pro Line Fusion’s advanced technology will be the backbone for the evolution and support of these incredible aircraft for the next 25+ years, and I am excited to see this integrated avionics suite equipping current CL fleets as well as the new Viking CL-415EAF Enhanced Aerial Firefighter. This system will also form the basis for any new production aircraft, allowing for seamless interoperability and maintainability between new and legacy aircraft.”
The AUP will initially be offered as an upgrade to operators of CL-215T or CL-415 who can select either a complete modification including the supply and installation of the avionics suite, or as a parts kit for installation by an approved Maintenance Repair Organization.
more: https://www.vikingair.com/customer-support/avionics-upgrade-program-aup
Bombardier Reports First Quarter 2019 Financial Results and New Strategic Direction for Aerospace, the formation of Bombardier Aviation
press release
- First quarter results in line with preliminary results announced last week.
- Announces the strategic formation of Bombardier Aviation, consolidating all aerospace assets into a single, streamlined and fully integrated business. As a result, Bombardier will pursue the divestiture of its Belfast and Morocco aerostructures businesses.
All amounts in this press release are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. Amounts in tables are in millions except per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated.
Bombardier (TSX: BBD.B) announced today its financial results for the first quarter of 2019, in line with the preliminary results published on April 25, 2019. The Company also announced that it will consolidate its aerospace assets into a single, streamlined, and fully integrated Bombardier Aviation business unit, which will be led by David Coleal.
“We are very excited to announce the strategic formation of Bombardier Aviation,” said Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. “It is the right next step in our transformation. The consolidation will simplify and better focus our organization on our leading brands, Global, Challenger, Learjet and the CRJ. It will also allow us to better support our customers and generate value for shareholders.”
“With our clear vision for the future of Bombardier Aviation, we will focus our aerostructures activities around our core capabilities in Montréal, Mexico and our newly acquired Global 7500 wing operations in Texas,” Bellemare continued. “Collectively, these facilities provide Bombardier with all the skills, technologies and capabilities to design, produce and service the current and next generation of aircraft.”
As the Company moves to optimize its global manufacturing footprint, Bombardier will pursue the divestiture of the Belfast and Morocco aerostructures businesses. These are great businesses with tremendous capabilities.
Bombardier Aviation will continue to be the best business aircraft franchise in the world, and well positioned to maximize the value of its proven CRJ regional jets. Together, Bombardier Aviation and Bombardier Transportation will be two strong pillars supporting Bombardier’s future.
Financial Results
First quarter 2019 adjusted EBITDA(1) and adjusted EBIT(1) were $266 million and $171 million, respectively, on revenues of $3.5 billion. On a reported basis, EBIT was $684 million, driven higher by the $516 million gain on disposal of the training business closed during the quarter. Free cash flow usage(1) in the first quarter was $1.0 billion, supporting the intense ramp-up of key rail projects and Global 7500 aircraft deliveries in the second half of the year. Cash flow usage from operating activities amounted to $907 million in the first quarter.
As announced last week, Bombardier’s consolidated revenue guidance for 2019 has been adjusted to reflect revised expectations at Transportation and Commercial Aircraft. Full year revenues are expected to be approximately $17.0 billion, approximately $1.0 billion lower than originally anticipated. Year over year, the revised guidance represents approximately 10% organic growth over 2018, excluding currency effects and divestitures.
While earnings expectations across the aerospace businesses are unchanged, Transportation’s adjusted EBIT guidance is reduced by approximately $150 million for the year. As a result, the Company expects to report full year consolidated adjusted EBITDA of $1.50-1.65 billion, implying growth of almost 20% year over year. Consolidated adjusted EBIT guidance is also revised, and is now expected at $1.0-1.15 billion.
Commenting on Transportation’s ramp-up challenges, Bellemare stated, “despite the current industrial challenges we are facing, the business fundamentals at Bombardier Transportation remain very strong. We have a refreshed product portfolio, a broad global customer base and a strong $34-billion backlog. The team is making steady progress addressing our challenging legacy projects, however, it will take us a few more quarters to manage these projects to completion.”
Free cash flow guidance for the full year remains unchanged, at breakeven plus or minus $250 million, as Global 7500 aircraft and key Transportation project deliveries are expected to accelerate in the second half of the year.
Termination of the Corporation’s Automatic Securities Disposition Plan
Bombardier also announced today that its Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of its Human Resources and Compensation Committee, decided to terminate its automatic securities disposition plan (ASDP) established on August 15, 2018 in accordance with its terms.
Selected results (PDF)
SEGMENTED RESULTS AND HIGHLIGHTS
Business Aircraft (PDF)
- Revenues totaled $970 million on 24 aircraft, as deliveries ramp-up through the year to reach full year guidance.
- Aftermarket service revenues continued to grow double-digit, at 20% year over year, supported by the strategy to expand footprint and move closer to customers. During the quarter, Business Aircraft announced the expansion of its Singapore Service Centre to further bolster customer service capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region by 2020.
- Adjusted EBIT margin of 7.6% reflects the Global 7500 ramp-up and higher aftermarket revenues. The intensification of Global 7500 activities is expected to weigh on earnings before adjusted EBIT margin recovers towards full year guidance of approximately 7.5%.
- Reported EBIT for the quarter of $594 million is largely driven by the $516 million gain on the sale of the Business Aircraft training activities to CAE.
- Backlog increased by $0.6 billion, to an industry leading $14.9 billion, reflecting broad market interest across all regions and customer types.
- The Global 7500 has been on a record-setting streak and continues to surpass expectations in terms of cabin experience and performance. Interest in this unique business aircraft has only intensified since entering into service at the end of 2018 as demonstrated with the recent order confirmation of four additional Global 7500 business jets by HK Bellawings.
- Revenues reached $241 million in the quarter, reducing year-over-year as a result of the deconsolidation of CSALP starting in the third quarter of 2018 as well as lower deliveries.
- EBIT of $22 million reflects the deconsolidation of CSALP, higher proportion of aftermarket revenues and a proactive management of residual value guarantees exposure.
- During the quarter, a subsidiary of Chorus Aviation Inc. has finalized a firm purchase agreement for nine CRJ900 aircraft to be operated by Jazz Aviation LP, making them the first Canadian operator of the new ATMOSPHERE cabin.
- Commercial Aircraft launched the CRJ550 aircraft. Leveraging current aircraft platform, it is designed to replace the existing fleet of aging 50-seaters, while maximizing revenue potential with a triple-class cabin offering. United Airlines is the launch operator of this new model.
- Commercial Aircraft’s expected deliveries for the year are lowered to approximately 30 aircraft as a result of the closing of the Q400 divestiture, which is now expected mid-year. Revenue guidance for the year is correspondingly adjusted to approximately $1.15 billion, with no change to adjusted EBIT(7) guidance at a loss of approximately $125 million.
- Revenues at Aerostructures and Engineering Services grew year-over-year to $470 million as it continued to ramp up the Global 7500 and the A220 programs.
- External revenues increased year-over-year to 43% of total revenues as A220 components are now third party sales.
- The EBIT margin for the three-month period increased mainly as a result of a positive impact from revenue mix skewed towards more mature programs. As Global 7500 and A220 deliveries ramp-up, full year adjusted EBIT margin guidance remains at approximately 7.5% for the year.
- Since closing the acquisition of the Global 7500 aircraft wing program on February 6, 2019, Aerostructures and Engineering Services has focused on integrating the Red Oak, Texas facility to support the ramp-up of the Global 7500.
- Transportation’s revenues for the first quarter reached $2.1 billion, 5% lower year-over-year excluding currency impacts, reflecting a slower production ramp-up on certain large projects as the Corporation better synchronizes its production output to customer requirements and delivery schedules.
- EBIT margin of 3.9% is impacted by lower revenues and the related fixed cost absorption, as well as revised cost estimates on certain challenging projects. While cost absorption headwinds are expected to be resolved as production and revenues return to planned levels later this year, the ongoing and gradual phase out of legacy projects over the course of 2019 and 2020 is expected to support improving margins.
- Full-year revenues and adjusted EBIT guidance are adjusted to reflect the revised project delivery schedules.
- Revenue guidance is adjusted to approximately $8.75 billion, resulting in approximately 3.5% year-over-year growth, excluding currency impacts. This reduction is driven by approximately $500 million from slower production ramp-up, which defers revenues, and approximately $250 million of unfavourable currency impact at current rates.
- Adjusted EBIT margin is revised from approximately 9% to approximately 8%.
- Transportation’s backlog of $33.8 billion reflects book-to-bill of 0.8 and is expected to improve throughout the year based on a strong pipeline of opportunities.
Boeing Statement on AOA Disagree Alert
press release
On every airplane delivered to our customers, including the MAX, all flight data and information needed to safely operate the aircraft is provided in the flight deck on the primary flight deck displays. This information is provided full-time in the pilots’ primary field of view, and it always has been.
Air speed, attitude, altitude, vertical speed, heading and engine power settings are the primary parameters the flight crews use to safely operate the airplane in normal flight. Stick shaker and the pitch limit indicator are the primary features used for the operation of the airplane at elevated angles of attack. All recommended pilot actions, checklists, and training are based upon these primary indicators. Neither the angle of attack indicator nor the AOA Disagree alert are necessary for the safe operation of the airplane. They provide supplemental information only, and have never been considered safety features on commercial jet transport airplanes.
The Boeing design requirements for the 737 MAX included the AOA Disagree alert as a standard, standalone feature, in keeping with Boeing’s fundamental design philosophy of retaining commonality with the 737NG. In 2017, within several months after beginning 737 MAX deliveries, engineers at Boeing identified that the 737 MAX display system software did not correctly meet the AOA Disagree alert requirements. The software delivered to Boeing linked the AOA Disagree alert to the AOA indicator, which is an optional feature on the MAX and the NG. Accordingly, the software activated the AOA Disagree alert only if an airline opted for the AOA indicator.
When the discrepancy between the requirements and the software was identified, Boeing followed its standard process for determining the appropriate resolution of such issues. That review, which involved multiple company subject matter experts, determined that the absence of the AOA Disagree alert did not adversely impact airplane safety or operation. Accordingly, the review concluded, the existing functionality was acceptable until the alert and the indicator could be delinked in the next planned display system software update. Senior company leadership was not involved in the review and first became aware of this issue in the aftermath of the Lion Air accident.
Approximately a week after the Lion Air accident, on November 6, 2018, Boeing issued an Operations Manual Bulletin (OMB), which was followed a day later by the FAA’s issuance of an Airworthiness Directive (AD). In identifying the AOA Disagree alert as one among a number of indications that could result from erroneous AOA, both the OMB and the AD described the AOA Disagree alert feature as available only if the AOA indicator option is installed.
Boeing discussed the status of the AOA Disagree alert with the FAA in the wake of the Lion Air accident. At that time, Boeing informed the FAA that Boeing engineers had identified the software issue in 2017 and had determined per Boeing’s standard process that the issue did not adversely impact airplane safety or operation. In December 2018, Boeing convened a Safety Review Board (SRB) to consider again whether the absence of the AOA Disagree alert from certain 737 MAX flight displays presented a safety issue. That SRB confirmed Boeing’s prior conclusion that it did not. Boeing shared this conclusion and the supporting SRB analysis with the FAA.
Boeing is issuing a display system software update, to implement the AOA Disagree alert as a standard, standalone feature before the MAX returns to service. When the MAX returns to service, all MAX production aircraft will have an activated and operable AOA Disagree alert and an optional angle of attack indicator. All customers with previously delivered MAX airplanes will have the ability to activate the AOA Disagree alert.
Airbus and Siemens highlighting their collaboration for hybrid-electric propulsion at Bauhaus Luftfahrt Symposium
press release
Representatives of Airbus and Siemens are attending the Bauhaus Luftfahrt Symposium “Ambition 2050”, which is taking place in Taufkirchen on May 7 and 8. The event is bringing together science, industry, and politicians to tackle head on how to work together to meet the EU Flightpath 2050 goals to meet aviation’s challenging environmental targets. Topics to be explored include operations, alternative fuels, as well as energy technologies and power systems, which is at the heart of the work being carried out within the Airbus E-Aircraft Systems Programme in Taufkirchen/Ottobrunn near Munich.
While no single technology will allow the industry to become emission free, as Glenn Llewellyn, Electrification General Manager at Airbus will highlight on day one of the symposium, electric and hybrid electric propulsion technologies are some of the most promising. This is why Airbus is actively exploring how to apply such technologies across its portfolio, from helicopters and VTOLs all the way to commercial aircraft, with demonstrators such as CityAirbus and E-Fan X.
A key part of this research started in April 2016, Airbus and Siemens started a joint collaboration for hybrid-electric propulsion systems with the objective to demonstrate the technical feasibility of these eco-friendly technologies.
“We have worked very closely with Siemens eAircraft over the course of the last three years to research hybrid-electric technologies,” said Martin Nuesseler, Head of E-Aircraft Systems Programme at Airbus. “Siemens contributed their profound know-how in electric drives and power electronics and their strong capability to deliver innovative solutions to our ambitious projects. The results we have achieved this far pave the way towards the future of hybrid electric flight. We are sure that Siemens eAircraft will continue to be a close partner of Airbus in future.”
“It was a great experience to work together in tightly-knit teams with Airbus colleagues,” stated Frank Anton, Head of Siemens eAircraft, on the topic of the companies’ collaboration. “Their competence in aircraft architecture and design offered us the chance as a propulsion system provider to develop our solutions for concrete platforms. We very much look forward to being able to take these competencies in industrialized manner to our partners.”
Tecnam: Three New Models at AERO 19 Friedrichshafen. Tecnam Celebrates 70 Years With Outstanding Sales At AERO Germany
press release
The popular low-wing two-seat P2002JF is now completing full IFR certification in both the CS23 EASA and FAR23 FAA categories.
The iconic Tecnam P92 Echo, after 27 years and many different versions, now comes with a carbon fibre fuselage, coupling retro style and modern technology.
Also presented at AERO 2019, complying with the new European Union 600kg ULM category is the low wing Sierra MkII. This is immediately available for delivery to those countries where this category is approved by their local Civil Aviation Authorities.
Tecnam Celebrates 70 Years With Outstanding Sales At AERO Germany
Friedrichshafen, Germany – As AERO 2019 closes the final day, Italian aircraft manufacturer TECNAM has exceeded all of its pre-show expectations with the sale of 51 aircraft covering Certified and Light categories. This great achievement confirms that Tecnam is the one favourite manufacturer by flight schools and private owners.
The line of certified CS23 FAR23 aircraft displayed were the Twin Engine P2006T both in civilian and Special Mission Platform version, the Single Engine Piston four seat P2010 and the newest addition to the CS23 fleet: the new P2002JF two seat IFR. This two seater premiered at AERO 2019 featuring the new Garmin G500 Txi and it is without any doubt the most affordable solution on the market for a IFR training. The line of certified CS23 FAR23 aircraft displayed were the Twin Engine P2006T both in civilian and Special Mission Platform version, the Single Engine Piston four seat P2010 and the newest addition to the CS23 fleet: the new P2002JF two seat IFR. This two seater premiered at AERO 2019 featuring the new Garmin G500 Txi and it is without any doubt the most affordable solution on the market for a IFR training. During AERO, a number of flight schools, including three launch customers F-AIR from Czech Republic, Bartolini Air from Poland and EAS Barcelona Europe from Spain have already selected the P2002JF MkII as their ideal aeroplane for students initial training towards the ATPL.
As well as sales of the CS23 FAR 23 lines confirmed the sales expectation, there was an outstanding reaction to the new UL model showcasing for the first time at AERO19, as the new P92 Echo MkII. After 27 years and many different versions, the P92 Echo MkII arrives as the modern culmination of Tecnam knowhow and expertise in aircraft manufacturing, coupling retro style and modern solutions.
The P92 Echo MkII, together with the low wing Sierra MkII, has been developed for the new European Union 600kg ULM category and is available in those countries where this category is approved by their local Civil Aviation Authorities.
Many airlines and operators showed their interest in the flagship 11 seat P2012 Traveller that was certified last December. The Type Certificate was officially handed over during AERO to Tecnam’s CEO, Paolo Pascale, by EASA representatives Rachel Daeschler (Certification Director), Dominique Roland (Head of General Aviation) and Maximilian Maas (PCM P2012 e P2010).
On Friday, April 12th, together with Siemens and Rotax, Tecnam presented to the AERO community the H3PS project, that will research a marketable solution for a parallel hybrid aircraft based on the Tecnam four seat P2010. First testing flights are scheduled for 2021.
Paolo Pascale, Tecnam CEO said: “We are so delightful to feel that we are so much in line with our customers, anticipating their needs and fulfil their taste, providing safe aircraft with pleasant flying qualities, affordable in the acquisition and operating costs and with a pure Italian style. The number of sales during AERO confirms that the work we are doing is in the right direction.” Read more...
Ariane 6 series production begins with first batch of 14 launchers
press release
Arianespace has signed an order with ArianeGroup to begin manufacturing the first series-production batch of 14 Ariane 6 launchers across the European space industry.
Production of this initial batch of Ariane 6 launchers, which are to fly during the 2021-2023 timeframe, will be in parallel with the final batch of 8 Ariane 5 launchers.
These first series-production Ariane 6 launchers will roll out of the ArianeGroup plants from early 2021.
Ariane 6 is carried out within a European Space Agency (ESA) program. The Ariane 6 maiden flight is scheduled for 2020.
Following the initial institutional and commercial launch orders for Ariane 6 obtained by Arianespace since the autumn of 2017, and the resolution of the ESA Council on April 17, 2019, related to the rocket’s exploitation framework, ArianeGroup is starting to build the first series-production batch of 14 Ariane 6 launchers.
These 14 launchers, scheduled to fly between 2021 and 2023, will be built in ArianeGroup plants in France and Germany, as well as in those of its European industrial partners in the 13 countries taking part in the Ariane 6 program.
In parallel, ArianeGroup is proceeding with manufacturing of the model to be used for ground qualification tests on the launch pad in French Guiana, as well as the Ariane 62’s first flight vehicle, for which the inaugural launch is planned for 2020.
“Starting work on the first Ariane 6 series-production batch, less than four years after signing the development contract with ESA in August 2015, is a real success for the European space industry as a whole. We have made the necessary efforts to set up a new, more efficient and competitive European industrial organization in record time. We can now ensure the ramp-up of Ariane 6 production and prepare for its launch operations. Our customers are eagerly awaiting Ariane 6, and it will be delivered on time,” said André-Hubert Roussel, CEO of ArianeGroup. “I am particularly grateful to the teams at ArianeGroup, Arianespace, and our industrial partners throughout Europe who – each in their area of responsibility – work hand-in-hand to make the development, production, and marketing of the launcher possible. I also extend my warmest thanks to the European Space Agency, its member states and the national space agencies for their continued support in this great adventure, which is just beginning.”
Luce Fabreguettes, Arianespace’s Executive Director for Missions, Operations and Procurement, added: “With the kick-off of these first 14 series-production Ariane 6 launchers, Arianespace is proud to continue to offer its customers the best launch services. Thanks to its 62 and 64 versions and the re-ignitable Vinci engine, Ariane 6 will be able to offer an increasingly varied range of missions to satisfy the expectations of its institutional customers and address new trends in the commercial market.”
Ariane 6 – an ESA program – will be a versatile and competitive launcher particularly well-adapted to market developments. It is modular and will be available in two versions: Ariane 62 (with two P120 solid fuel boosters, common with Vega-C) and Ariane 64 (with four P120C solid fuel boosters), enabling it to carry out all missions, to all orbits, and to guarantee continued European access to space.
ArianeGroup is the prime contractor for the development and operation of the Ariane 5 and Ariane 6 launchers, and coordinates an industrial network of more than 600 companies, including 350 SMEs (small and medium enterprises) in 13 European countries. Arianespace is responsible for the exploitation of Ariane, Soyuz and Vega launch systems, ensuring their commercialization and subsequent flight readiness and mission preparation for customers.
About ArianeGroup
ArianeGroup develops and supplies innovative and competitive solutions for civil and military space launchers, with expertise in all aspects of state-of-the-art propulsion technologies. ArianeGroup is lead contractor for Europe’s Ariane 5 and Ariane 6 launcher families, responsible for both design and the entire production chain, up to and including marketing by its Arianespace subsidiary, as well as for the missiles of the French oceanic deterrent force. ArianeGroup and its subsidiaries enjoy a global reputation as specialists in the field of equipment and propulsion for space applications, while their expertise also benefits other industrial sectors. The group is a joint venture equally owned by Airbus and Safran, and employs approximately 9,000 highly qualified staff in France and Germany. Its 2018 revenues amounted to 3.6 billion euros.
About Arianespace
Arianespace uses space to make life better on Earth by providing launch services and solutions for all types of satellites (institutional and commercial) into all orbits. It has orbited more than 600 satellites since 1980, using its family of three launchers, Ariane, Soyuz and Vega, from launch sites in French Guiana (South America) and Baikonur (Central Asia). Arianespace is headquartered in Evry, near Paris, and has a technical facility in Kourou at the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, plus local offices in Washington, D.C., Tokyo and Singapore. Arianespace is a subsidiary of ArianeGroup, which holds 74% of its share capital, with the balance held by 15 other shareholders from the European launcher industry.
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