Boeing Responds to Germany’s Heavy Lift Helicopter Invitation to Tender

press release
  • The H-47 Chinook offers the German Armed Forces a highly modern, proven and capable multi-mission helicopter
  • German industry will benefit from opportunities to work on the Chinook as well as opportunities across the Boeing enterprise

Boeing [NYSA: BA] has submitted its response to the STH invitation to tender for Germany's New Heavy Lift Helicopter program, also known as Schwerer Transporthubschrauber (STH). The response was submitted yesterday, 13 January.

The STH invitation to tender was issued on 24 June 2019 by the German procurement authority, specifically, the Federal Office of Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw). A contract award is expected in 2021 for the acquisition of 44 to 60 aircraft, including sustainment and training.

"We're pleased to have submitted our response and look forward to working with the BAAINBw and German industry to bring the best value proposition to the German Bundeswehr," said Michael Hostetter, vice president of Boeing Defense, Space & Security in Germany. "The H-47 Chinook is a one of a kind platform capable of performing missions that other helicopters cannot. It is a proven multi-mission heavy lift helicopter with advanced technology that meets the German requirements."

Today, there are more than 950 Chinook aircraft operating in 20 countries, including eight NATO member countries (the Netherlands, Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey, UK, Canada, and the United States). The Chinook will provide immediate interoperability to Germany while meeting a wide range of mission needs. As the world's most proven heavy lift helicopter, the Chinook has a track record of on-time delivery and first time quality, with the lowest operating and acquisition costs and a technology roadmap that will keep it relevant for decades to come.

"We are committed to having the sustainment and training as well as parts of the production done in Germany," said Dr. Michael Haidinger, president of Boeing Germany. "We will continue to build on and expand our Germany Industry Team for the H-47 Chinook Schwerer Transporthubschrauber competition. In addition, we are committed to bringing high end engineering and production opportunities from across the Boeing enterprise to German industry."

Boeing in Germany

Boeing is a strong contributor to the German economy. The company employs more than 1,000 people at 11 locations throughout Germany and sustains thousands of additional jobs through its supply chain and other activities. Boeing and its supply chain partners spend almost $1.3 billion per year through an established network of suppliers across Germany. Boeing also works with many more sub-tier and German-owned suppliers worldwide. Germany is a key market for Boeing's investment in research and technology partnerships. Boeing has established two research sites in Germany – a Research & Technology Office in Munich and Digital Solutions & Analytics Lab in Frankfurt – and invests in a growing portfolio of research and technology projects with German industry, universities and research organizations. For more information, visit boeing.de/chinook and boeing.com, or follow @BoeingDefense and @BoeingDACH on Twitter.

Holographic RADAR: it has been described as the biggest advance in radar technology for 50 years.

https://www.aerosociety.com/news/all-seeing-eye/

https://thales-group.prezly.com/aveillants-bespoke-anti-drone-system-deployed-at-heathrow-to-protect-the-uks-busiest-airfield#


And press release
Aveillant's bespoke anti-drone system deployed at Heathrow to protect the UK's busiest airfield

Today, Aveillant Limited, a Thales Company, announces that its anti-drone systems have been deployed at Heathrow as part of the airport's bespoke set of end-to-end counter drone measures provided by Operational Solutions Ltd to help to keep the country's busiest airfield free from drones.

This one-of-a-kind Counter Drone system works by detecting and tracking drones in surrounding airspace and alerting airports of unauthorised drone use quickly and efficiently. This new and innovative system also works to locate the drone pilots themselves and can be used to identify their location.

This technology has been specifically designed for Heathrow Airport by Operational Solutions Ltd and comprises of a variety of leading counter drone technologies, including systems from Aveillant.

The fast and accurate detection of rogue drones helps to keep Heathrow's passengers and colleagues safe and will support the airport, law enforcement and air traffic controllers as they work to protect Heathrow's airspace. This new kit will enhance detection capabilities and minimise delays, helping passengers to get away on time. The technology will also help the airport to meet its sustainability objectives, by reducing the fuel wastage and additional flight stacking caused by unauthorised drones use.

This news follows the introduction of legislation, introduced in March 2019, prohibiting unauthorised drones from being flown within the Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) which extends out to 5km of any airport boundary. Pilots who break the law and fly without permission within a Flight Restriction Zone in the UK can face a prison sentence of up to five years.

Jonathan Coen, Director of Security for Heathrow Airport Ltd said: "The safety and security of our passengers and colleagues is our number one priority. That is why we're investing in this new cutting-edge technology which will enhance our capabilities in the detection and deterrence of drones in and around our airfield. We're delighted to have this unique system keeping our skies safe and helping passengers and cargo to get to their destinations on time."

Dominic Walker, CEO of Aveillant Limited, said: "Aveillant is pleased that its counter drone systems have been selected to be deployed at Heathrow and that they are able to contribute to the safety and security of passengers and airlines at the UK's largest international airport."

Sikorsky and Rheinmetall Submit Proposal for Germany’s New Heavy Lift Helicopter, the CH-53K

press release

Koblenz, Germany Jan. 13, 2020 – Today, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), and Rheinmetall representing the German industry team, submitted the bid for the production and operation of the Sikorsky CH-53K ("King Stallion") as the Bundeswehr's new heavy-lift transport helicopter for its "Schwerer Transporthubschrauber" (STH) program.

"Our entire team is pleased to offer the CH-53K: the most efficient, capable and intelligent helicopter that will deliver the best long-term value to the Bundeswehr through the 21st century," said Beth Parcella, CH-53K International Business Development Director.

Sikorsky and Rheinmetall formed a STH project team of more than 10 German companies, which includes MTU Aero Engines, Autoflug GmbH and Hydro Systems KG. The team will benefit from a significant workshare and a high degree of technological cooperation and will offer Germany excellent reliability in maintaining and using this platform.

Parcella stressed that it was important "to build a strong German industrial team early on and to capitalize on the know-how of the German teammates for the STH project." This will ensure the quality of the offer and subsequently the high availability of the CH-53K in the German Air Force, she said.

Mike Schmidt, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Aviation Services GmbH: "German companies will play a significant role in the success of the CH-53K program. For the industry, this means the creation of many new, long-term jobs for highly qualified employees and an important transfer of know-how," he said. "Sikorsky and Rheinmetall prepared the application together over a long period of time - this has strengthened the bonds within our team. We have developed into a highly effective unit," Schmidt added.

Looking at lifecycle costs, mission requirements and capability, the CH-53K will deliver better long-term value than its competitor. Its avionics and digitized flight control systems are designed to accommodate future software upgrades, and its internal payload capability may be increased substantially in the future with relatively simple modifications. An integrated sensor system enables the aircraft to predict and prevent problems at an early stage and thus drastically reduce the maintenance effort, which is a key element for high availability rates of the fleet.

Additionally, the CH-53K is equipped with air-to-air refueling fully interoperable with Lockheed Martin's KC-130J tanker aircraft, which the Bundeswehr is planning to operate, and which is already being used by France. Due to the design of the cargo bay, the CH-53K easily accommodates the same air transport pallets, enabling fast cargo handling between it and fixed-wing transport aircrafts such as the C130-J and the A400M. This means that the helicopter can be used particularly in areas where these aircraft cannot land.

Due to its versatility, the CH-53K can be used for the tactical transport of personnel and material as well as for disaster relief, humanitarian missions, medical evacuation (medevac) or combat search and rescue (CSAR) operations. For example, no other heavy-lift helicopter in the world can transport more water to fight fires and simultaneously carry material and personnel. The combination of high airspeed, a large water capacity and long mission endurance in operational areas allows the CH-53K to transport up to four times more water than its competitors.

The CH-53K can move personnel and equipment more quickly, safely and effectively than any other helicopter -- meaning operators would not need as many aircraft to execute a mission. It will be safer and easier to operate, which will protect the pilots, the crew and the cargo, also providing value. The aircraft features fly-by-wire flight controls, reducing the pilots' workload and allowing pilots to anticipate limits while keeping their eyes outside. This is a lifesaving capability in degraded conditions and allows precise control inputs when delivering an external load.

If the bid is successful, Sikorsky and Rheinmetall intend to set up a logistics hub and a STH fleet support center at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The companies are in advanced talks with representatives of the state government, local companies and the airport operator.

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, the publicly traded Rheinmetall AG is a high-tech enterprise dedicated to the twin modern imperatives of mobility and security. In 2018, the group's 23,000-strong global workforce generated sales of $6.9 billion across its 120 locations and production sites worldwide. Founded in 1889, the group today consists of two operational components: Rheinmetall Defence and Rheinmetall Automotive. As Europe's leading defense and security technology systems supplier, Rheinmetall Defence stands for longstanding experience and innovation in armored and logistics vehicles, weapons and ammunition, air defense, electronics and simulation. As an aviation-certified company, Rheinmetall Aviation Services intends to provide key services such as maintenance, repair, training and program support in Germany for the Heavy Transport Helicopter project, making it the Bundeswehr's main point of contact.

About the German CH-53K Team
Sikorsky formed a German industrial team at an early stage of the project and ensured that the expertise of the local teammates was directly incorporated into the bid. A large part of the project's added value would thus be generated in Germany. The German CH-53K team is led by Rheinmetall. Additional teammates of Sikorsky among others include Autoflug, Collins Aerospace, Hensoldt, HYDRO Systems, Liebherr, MTU Aero Engines, Rohde & Schwarz, Vincorion and ZFL. The German-U.S. CH-53K team is the foundation for a successful STH program and guarantees high availability of the helicopter as well as reliable support and maintenance throughout the entire lifecycle of the helicopter.

Further information about the CH-53K heavy-lift transport helicopter and the German industry team at: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/STH.

U.S. Navy Awards Lockheed Martin $43 Million Contract Modification For E-2D AN/ALQ-217 Electronic Support Measures Upgrade

press release

OWEGO, N.Y., Jan. 14, 2020 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) received a $43 million contract modification from the U.S. Navy to upgrade to the AN/ALQ-217 Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.

This modification increases the scope of the existing E-2D AN/ALQ-217D electronic support measures and provides upgrades to the receiver/processor, active front end and receiver antenna weapons replaceable assemblies (WRAs).

These upgrades will give the warfighter additional performance in dense littoral and open-ocean environments. The system's enhanced situational awareness and full autonomy will also reduce operator workload, enable faster reaction time and improve survivability.

"We are pleased to provide an upgraded AN/ALQ-217 ESM system for our U.S. Navy customer," said Hamid Salim, vice president, Advanced Product Solutions, Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems. "The additional modifications are critical upgrades for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to improve overall performance in a contested battlespace and provide the capability required by today's warfighter."

The Lockheed Martin team will deliver several AN/ALQ-217D ESM upgrade kits to support development and test through 2023. This is a 12-month period of performance adjustment from the initial contract award.

The base AN/ALQ-217D contract upgrades include improved Combat Identification (CID) networked-EW for multi-ship geo-location with other Carrier Air Wing (CVW) aircraft and detection of advanced threat radar systems. In addition, the upgrades further improve the platform's antennas and active front ends (AFEs).

Lockheed Martin has been the AN/ALQ-217 ESM supplier on the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye program since 1999. Most of the work will be performed in Owego, New York, and is expected to be completed by September 2023.

For over half a century, Lockheed Martin has provided more than 7,800 electronic warfare (EW) systems to the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force. These are vital to protect the warfighter and give them an advantage for increased mission success.

Lockheed Martin has provided EW capabilities to airborne platforms like:
  • AH-64D Apache helicopter
  • B-2 Bomber
  • E-2C/D Advanced Hawkeye
  • MH-60R multi-mission helicopter
  • HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter
  • Canadian Maritime Helicopter
  • CP-140
Fielded naval EW systems include:
  • SEWIP Block 2 for aircraft carriers, cruisers and destroyers
  • BLQ-10 and Multi-function Modular Mast (MMM) for Virginia- and Seawolf-class submarines
For additional information, visit: www.lockheedmartin.com/ew.


Lockheed Martin To Deliver 50 C-130Js to U.S. Government via Multiyear III Award

MARIETTA, Ga., Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) will deliver 50 C-130J Super Hercules to the U.S. government through a C-130J Multiyear III award, which was finalized by the U.S. government on Dec. 27, 2019. The award comes as a delivery order under an existing Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract awarded in August 2016.

The Department of Defense awarded more than $1.5 billion in funding for the first 21 C-130J aircraft on the multiyear award. The overall award, worth more than $3 billion, provides Super Hercules aircraft to the U.S. Air Force (24 HC/MC-130Js), Marine Corps (20 KC-130Js) and Coast Guard (options for six HC-130Js). Aircraft purchased through the C-130J Multiyear III award will deliver between 2021-2025, and will be built at Lockheed Martin's Marietta, Georgia, facility.

"The C-130J Multiyear III award represents a joint commitment between Lockheed Martin and the U.S. government in delivering proven capability that meets our operators' mission and affordability requirements," said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager, Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin. "Our partnership with the U.S. government provides significant savings through multiyear procurement as compared to annual buys, and provides the best tactical airlifter to crews who fly and support the world's largest Super Hercules fleet."

The C-130J Super Hercules is the global standard in tactical airlift, providing a unique mix of versatility and performance to complete any mission — anytime, anywhere. The Super Hercules worldwide fleet has more than 2 million flight hours and is the airlifter of choice for 20 nations.

For additional information, visit www.lockheedmartin.com/c130.

Guest Column: Boeing’s Calhoun: Fantastic 9-month CEO or disastrous multi-year CEO?

Guest Column: Boeing's Calhoun: Fantastic 9-month CEO or disastrous multi-year CEO?

Jan. 12, 2020: David Calhoun assumes his position as president and CEO of The Boeing Co. tomorrow. Richard Aboulafia of The Teal Group has some thoughts about this move.


https://leehamnews.com/2020/01/12/guest-column-boeings-calhoun-fantastic-9-month-ceo-or-disastrous-multi-year-ceo/

Rolls-Royce develops world-first electrical technology for next-generation Tempest programme

press release

Over the last five years Rolls-Royce has been pioneering world-first technology that will contribute to the UK's next-generation Tempest programme.

In an aim to be more electric, more intelligent and to harness more power, Rolls-Royce recognised that any future fighter aircraft will have unprecedented levels of electrical power demand and thermal load; all needing to be managed within the context of a stealthy aircraft.

Before the launch of the Tempest programme, Rolls-Royce had already started to address the demands of the future. Back in 2014, the company took on the challenge of designing an electrical starter generator that was fully embedded in the core of a gas turbine engine, now known as the Embedded Electrical Starter Generator or E2SG demonstrator programme.

Conrad Banks, Chief Engineer for Future Programmes at Rolls-Royce said:
"The electrical embedded starter-generator will save space and provide the large amount of electrical power required by future fighters. Existing aircraft engines generate power through a gearbox underneath the engine, which drives a generator. In addition to adding moving parts and complexity, the space required outside the engine for the gearbox and generator makes the airframe larger, which is undesirable in a stealthy platform."

Phase two of this programme has now been adopted as part of Rolls-Royce's contribution to the Tempest programme.

As part of this journey, the company has been continuously developing its capabilities in the aerospace market, from gas turbine technologies through to integrated power and propulsion systems. The goal being to provide not only the thrust that propels an aircraft through the sky, but also the electrical power required for all the systems on board as well as managing all the resulting thermal loads.

Rolls-Royce is adapting to the reality that all future vehicles, whether on land, in the air or at sea will have significantly increased levels of electrification to power sensors, communications systems weapons, actuation systems and accessories, as well as the usual array of avionics.

The launch of phase one of the E2SG programme saw significant investment in the development of an integrated electrical facility – a unique test house where gas turbine engines can be physically connected to a DC electrical network.

The launch of the second phase of the project in 2017 saw the inclusion of a second electrical generator connected to the other spool of the engine. It also included an energy storage system in the electrical network and the ability to intelligently manage the supply of power between all these systems.

The two-spool mounted electrical machines allows, by combination of operation as either a motor or a generator, the production of a series of functional effects on the engine, including the transfer of power electrically between the two spools.

As part of the E2SG programme, Rolls-Royce is investigating the feasibility of using dual spool generation to influence the operability, responsiveness and efficiency of the engine. Another key technology under development is the Power Manager intelligent control system, which uses algorithms to make real time intelligent decisions about how to supply the current aircraft electrical demand while optimising other factors including engine efficiency to reduce fuel burn or engine temperature to extend component life.

Throughout the Tempest programme, Rolls-Royce will be continuing to mature the electrical technologies demonstrated by the E2SG programme, with a third phase of testing likely to include a novel thermal management system being integrated with the overall system, as well as more electric engine accessories.

The company also intends to showcase a full-scale demonstrator of an advanced power and propulsion system. There will be new technologies in all parts of the gas turbine, including twin spool embedded generation to higher power levels, an advanced thermal management system, an energy storage system tailored to the expected duty cycle of the future fighter and an intelligent power management system which will be able to optimise the performance of both the gas turbine and the power and thermal management system.

Delta will launch PARALLEL REALITY™ tech to serve up airport messages tailored to individual travelers – on a single screen, at the same time



  • press release

  • This new, opt-in technology allows multiple customers to see personalized content tailored to their unique journey on a single digital screen – at the exact same time and in their preferred language.
  • First-ever PARALLEL REALITY™ experience coming mid-2020 for customers departing Detroit.
  • Announced from CES keynote stage, mind-blowing technology will make it easier to traverse the airport, reduce stress and create engaging moments in unexpected places.
  • Watch video here.

Delta Air Lines, in partnership with Misapplied Sciences, will launch the first-ever PARALLEL REALITYTM beta experience for customers departing Detroit Metropolitan Airport this year – the first step toward a future where the airport environment itself is tailored to each customer.

This new, opt-in technology allows multiple customers to see personalized content tailored to their unique journey on a single digital screen – at the exact same time and in their preferred language. At a glance, the category-defining technology will provide wayfinding and personalized travel information, like directions to your departure gate, or the closest Delta Sky Club.

"This breakthrough technology has to be seen to be believed – it has the potential to make even the

busiest airports much easier to navigate, even if you don't speak the language," said Delta Chief Operating Officer Gil West. "Not only will Parallel Reality reduce stress and save time for our customers, but when combined with the warmth and thoughtfulness of our Delta people, the possibilities are endless."

For the beta experience in Detroit, nearly 100 customers will be able to simultaneously view personalized content tailored to their individual travel on a single large-scale digital screen located just after security. Customer and employee feedback from this opt-in trial will be critical to shaping the future experience.
At CES and want to see the Parallel Reality experience for yourself? Stop by Delta's booth (#14035) in Central Hall where the experience will be center stage.
 

How the beta experience will work:

  • After moving through security at Detroit, travelers will see a Parallel Reality display near the Delta Sky Club (Concourse A, McNamara Terminal).
  • Delta customers departing from Detroit who want to participate can scan their boarding pass on the boarding pass scanner and select the language they want to use.
  • Leveraging multi-view pixels and proprietary technology, this innovation enables each customer to see personalized, in-language messages – tailored just to them – as they walk past the digital screen.
    • For the trial, tailored messages may include personalized wayfinding, flight information or updates, boarding time, the nearest Delta Sky Club or even upgrade/standby status.
  • This experience will always be opt-in, and customer information is not stored.
"We are looking forward to bringing this to life with Delta. The team there quickly saw the value the Parallel Reality experience would bring to its customers and had the vision, brand and resources to help bring it to market," said Albert Ng, Misapplied Sciences CEO. "While we will start with Delta customers in Detroit, eventually Parallel Reality technology can be used to create seamless, engaging and personalized experiences in nearly any out-of-home venue–ranging from stadiums to theme parks to convention centers and more."

The Parallel Reality technology first caught the eye of innovation experts at The Hangar, Delta's innovation center. From there, Delta identified an opportunity to leverage this groundbreaking innovation to transform the airport experience. Teams across the company have since worked hand in hand with Misapplied Sciences to develop and hone the beta experience launching in mid-2020. Delta also made an equity investment in Misapplied Sciences in 2019.

"At Delta, we foster an innovation ecosystem that allows us to think big, start small and scale fast as technology and consumer expectations evolve – whether it's with our own solutions or in partnership with leading startups like Misapplied Sciences," West added.

The partnership is just one part of Delta's work to transform travel to be less stressful and more enjoyable. The possibilities are endless for integrating information into the Parallel Reality experience from the Fly Delta digital concierge experience and Delta's Operations & Customer Center's new AI-driven machine learning platform.

About Delta

Delta is the U.S. global airline leader in products, services, innovation, reliability and customer experience. Powered by its 80,000 people around the world, the airline serves nearly 200 million people every year on more than 5,000 daily departures across its industry-leading global network to more than 300 destinations in over 50 countries. Over the past several years, Delta has led the airline industry in transforming the customer experience by introducing the first end-to-end biometric terminal in the US at Atlanta's international airport, real-time RFID bag tracking and automatic check-in via the Fly Delta mobile app, an alliance that will empower customers with seamless in-cabin connectivity experience, more efficient and high-tech automated screening lanes, and a groundbreaking app that helps Delta pilots avoid turbulence for a more comfortable flight. The global airline is also empowering its employees – Delta's greatest competitive advantage – by arming them with handheld platforms that allow for more personalized service delivery and more meaningful interactions – not just transactions – with customers. All of this has resulted in Delta being named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Worldwide two consecutive years, and Fortune's Most Admired Airline for eight of the past nine years.

Boeing: New leadership to focus on safety culture, improved transparency and rebuilding trust

  • press release

  • Calhoun Begins Role as Boeing President and CEO

David L. Calhoun today assumed the role of president and chief executive officer of The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA).

"With deep industry experience and a proven track record of performance, Dave is the right leader to navigate Boeing through this challenging time in our 104-year legacy," said Lawrence W. Kellner, chairman of the Boeing Board of Directors. "We're confident Dave will take Boeing forward with intense focus on our values, including safety, quality and integrity."

"We also want to thank Greg Smith for his leadership as interim CEO and are pleased Boeing will continue to benefit from his contributions as he returns to the role of Boeing chief financial officer and executive vice president of Enterprise Performance & Strategy," concluded Kellner.

Calhoun, 62, has served in various senior leadership roles within several large-scale enterprises including at the Blackstone Group, Nielsen Holdings and GE. During his 26-year tenure at GE, he led multiple business units including GE Transportation and GE Aircraft Engines where safety was paramount. He has served on the Boeing Board of Directors since 2009 and served as chairman from October 11 to December 22, 2019.

"I'm honored to lead the talented people of Boeing as we face our challenges. Working together, we will strengthen our safety culture, improve transparency and rebuild trust with our customers, regulators, suppliers and the flying public," said Calhoun. "With the strength of our team, I'm confident in the future of Boeing, including the 737 MAX."

Calhoun shared his top priorities for 2020 with all Boeing employees today. The email message can be viewed here.

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a 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.

Hybrid Airships: The production Airlander 10 is revealed

press release

The production Airlander 10 is revealed as Hybrid Air Vehicles approaches the start of production, with negotiations continuing with commercial customers.

The updated aircraft has a fuel-saving, lower-drag shape; enhanced landing gear; wider, longer cabin for passengers, cargo, and equipment; and many other refinements. These features will provide the flexibility needed to deliver the unique experiences the commercial market is keen to offer to its customers.

"Unveiling the aircraft that our first commercial customers will receive is an exciting moment and an important milestone on our path to type certification."
Tom Grundy Chief Executive Officer

The production aircraft will deliver more than just the capability and maintainability customers expect from Airlander technology. It will also deliver increased efficiency, with the Airlander 10 producing up to 75% fewer emissions than comparable aircraft. We are currently developing electric propulsion with Collins Aerospace and the University of Nottingham as we work to deliver zero-carbon aviation.

HAV is currently in contract negotiations for the first four production slots, based on signed letters of intent for over ten aircraft with organisations in the tourism and clean technology sectors. "Our current negotiations are the result of the strong interest in providing unique, responsible travel experiences that we've been seeing in the commercial sector," Grundy adds.

As HAV approaches the launch of the production and type certification programme, we are also working to secure the investment required to establish a new, made-for-Airlander production facility.

Siemens Mobility Exhibits Innovative Mobility Solutions at CES 2020

press reléase:


Kicking off 2020, Siemens Mobility will participate in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), a preeminent gathering place for the most innovative minds and organizations, taking place in Las Vegas, January 6-10, 2020. Under the motto of "Connecting people through seamless mobility", Siemens Mobility will be showcasing a variety of digital innovations from its intelligent traffic systems and intermodal solutions.

Siemens Mobility delivers innovative solution-driven technology that enhances quality of life: making communities more sustainable and better places to live, work and play. Contributing to the next mobility revolution, comprehensive traffic management systems are shaping an autonomous, connected, electric and shared mobility ecosystem.

Airbus BelugaXL enters service, adding XL capacity to the fleet

press release

The BelugaXL has entered into service, providing Airbus with 30% extra transport capacity in order to support the on-going production ramp-up of commercial aircraft programmes.

The aircraft, which is an integral part of Airbus' industrial system, made its first operational flight on 9 January. This is the first of six BelugaXL to begin work alongside the BelugaST predecessors, with the additional aircraft being introduced between 2020 and 2023.

Launched just over five years ago, in November 2014, the entry into service milestone marks yet another successful achievement for the internal aircraft programme that was awarded Type Certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in November 2019, following an intensive flight test campaign that saw the BelugaXL complete more than 200 flight tests, clocking over 700 flight hours.

At 63 metres long and 8 metres wide, the BelugaXL has the largest cargo bay cross-section of all existing cargo aircraft worldwide.  The BelugaXL can carry two A350 XWB wings compared to the BelugaST, which can only carry one. With a maximum payload of 51 tonnes, the BelugaXL has a range of 4,000 km. (2200nm).

The BelugaXL is based on an A330-200 Freighter, enabling the re-use of existing components and equipment, and is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines. The lowered cockpit, the cargo bay structure and the rear-end and tail were newly developed jointly with partners, giving the aircraft its distinctive look.

The BelugaXL is the latest addition to Airbus' transportation portfolio. While air transport remains the primary method for transporting large aircraft components, Airbus also uses road, rail and sea transport to move parts between its production sites. Like the BelugaST, the aircraft will operate from 11 destinations in Europe, continuing to strengthen industrial capabilities and enabling Airbus to deliver on its commitments.