General Dynamics and Elbit Systems of America Conduct First U.S. Demonstration of Unmanned Aerial System for U.S. Armed Forces

CHARLOTTE, N.C.. – General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products and Elbit Systems of America, LLC, recently conducted the first U.S. demonstration of the Skylark® II Small Tactical /Tier II-class Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) for representatives of the U.S. armed forces.  The event was held at Redstone Arsenal, Ala. 

The Skylark II UAS provides a covert, silent electric-propulsion system for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions and target tracking, making it unique among Tier II-class platforms.  The air vehicle is virtually inaudible at 500 feet Above Ground Level (AGL), enabling persistent ISR coverage for use in areas previously inaccessible to other air vehicles that have higher noise signatures or lower endurance capabilities.  This battalion-level system fills the capabilities gap that exists between the small, company/platoon-level unmanned systems and the tactical, brigade-level UASs that are currently available. 

“The Skylark II system’s operating characteristics fulfill unmet needs for a small unmanned aerial system with low-manpower, high-endurance covert capabilities suited to harsh environments where there is limited logistical infrastructure,” said Phil Hynes, vice president of strategic planning for General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products.  “To warfighters in theater, that means that the enemy does not know they are being watched.”

The Skylark II system features the lightweight, state-of-the-art Micro-CoMPASS™ electro-optic surveillance payload, which provides a laser target illuminator and a cooled thermal imager with exceptionally high resolution. This fully-integrated, gimbaled payload provides the warfighter a blend of sensor capabilities in a form, fit and function that is effective in any lighting condition.

A fly-by-camera interface/flight mode, combined with the Micro-CoMPASS™ payload, makes the Skylark II system a force multiplier by allowing a single operator to both fly the aircraft and operate the sensor suite.  The end product is outstanding imagery that helps ‘paint the picture’ for combatant commanders and intelligence officers. 

Design of the Skylark II system is based on the extensive operational experience gained from a family of Elbit UAS systems during the recent Lebanese War with the Israeli Defense Forces and currently employed by coalition forces supporting Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. This system, like many others in its modular family, offers the U.S. military a variety of unique, operationally-validated solutions for current and emerging requirements. 

“The effectiveness and reliability of the Elbit’s UAS family has been proven by over 100,000 flight hours,” said Raanan Horowitz, president and chief executive officer of Elbit Systems of America. “We are pleased to partner with General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products and provide the U.S. warfighter with this operational capability.”

Source: General Dynamics

EMBRAER SHOWS PHENOM 300 JET MOCK-UP IN EUR-AVIA 2008 IN FRANCE

The aircraft full-scale mock-up is shown for the first time in the French Riviera

São José dos Campos, April 30, 2008 – Embraer will showcase, for the first time, a full-scale
mock-up of the Phenom 300 executive jet at Eur-Avia 2008 in Cannes, France, May 2-4. Eur-
Avia, now in its second edition, is an annual international exhibition dedicated to general
aviation in the south of France. The event will be staged at Cannes Mandelieu Airport (LFMD),
a popular and prestigious airport for VIPs and business leaders flying in on their private aircraft.
“We are delighted to be a part of this important event, showcasing the mock-up of the
Phenom 300 jet to attendees in Cannes,” said Colin Steven, Embraer Vice President,
Marketing and Sales – Europe, Africa and Middle East, Executive Jets. “The Phenom 300 jet,
which has just performed its maiden flight, ahead of schedule, this week, offers great comfort
combined with performance, ideal range, and operational advantages, such as single-point
refueling and external lavatory service that is exceptional for an aircraft in this category,
besides plenty of on-board technologies to fulfill the needs of our customers.”
Embraer will also display the Legacy 600 super midsize executive jet at the static display.
The Legacy 600 is particularly suited for the European market and is the largest business jet
certified to operate at runway-restricted Cannes Mandelieu and London’s premier business
aviation airport, London City (LCY). The Legacy 600 will be viewing the latest cabin
enhancements launched earlier this year.
The Phenom 300 light jet and the Legacy 600 executive jet form part of Embraer’s growing
portfolio of aircraft designed for the burgeoning executive aviation market, which also
includes the Phenom 100 very light, the Embraer MSJ midsize, the Embraer MLJ midlight,
and the Lineage 1000 ultra-large jets. The Phenom 300 is expected to enter service in the
second half of 2009.
About the Phenom 300
Premium comfort, outstanding performance and low operating costs are key design drivers for
the Phenom 300 best-in-class jet. With the interior designed by BMW Group
DesignworksUSA, the aircraft will offer pilots and passengers the comfort and style previously
unknown in its category. The relaxing ambience is enhanced by generous windows and the
most ample cabin in its class. Onboard conveniences include a wardrobe or refreshment center,
an aft cabin private lavatory with toiletry cabinet, and satellite communications.
The pilot-friendly cockpit and the docile flying qualities of the new aircraft will enable singlepilot
operation. Drawing from Embraer’s design and engineering experience, the Phenom 300 is
designed for high utilization and availability. For added safety and reliability, the jet will offer a
standard anti-skid brake-by-wire system.
Based on Garmin’s all-glass, fully-integrated avionics suite, the Prodigy® flight deck offers
Phenom 300 jet operators more advantages than any other avionics suite on today’s market. The
cockpit features three interchangeable 12-inch displays – two Primary Flight Displays (PFD)
and one Multi-Function Display (MFD). The system integrates all primary flight, navigation,
communication, terrain, traffic, weather, engine instrumentation, and crew-alerting system data
and presents the composite information in brilliant, sunlight-readable color on three highdefinition
active matrix liquid cristal displays.
With a configuration to accommodate up to ten occupants, the Phenom 300 jet has a huge 76-
cubic-foot (2.15-cubic-meter) baggage capacity that will conveniently transport passengers’
luggage, golf bags and skis.
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E engines, with 3,200 pounds of thrust each, power this
jet. Its range with six occupants will be 1,800 nautical miles (3,334 km or 2,071 miles) with
NBAA IFR reserves (35 minutes of holding and 100 nm alternate). The aircraft is capable of
flying at 45,000 feet (13,716 meters), has a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.78, and is
also designed for short-field takeoffs. These capabilities will permit customers to fly nonstop
from London (UK) to Reykjavik (Iceland), the Azores, Cairo (Egypt), Tel Aviv (Israel) or
Moscow (Russia); and from Geneva (Switzerland) to the same destinations, plus the Canary
Islands, at a lower cost than competitive aircraft.
Expected to enter service in the second half of 2009, the Phenom 300 is priced at US$ 6.65 million,
based on January 2005 economic conditions, in the baseline configuration, for FAA certification.
About the Legacy 600
The Legacy 600 jet provides premium comfort and privacy for up to 16 passengers in three
distinct seating areas. Interior standard features include first-class leather seats, a plush divan,
an elegant credenza, and spacious tables for dining or meetings. The aircraft also has a full
size galley for hot and cold meals, a full-width aft lavatory, wardrobe and storage cabinet,
and an entertainment system with DVD players and satellite telecommunications. Optional
High Speed Data (HSD) and Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) capabilities allow customers to browse
the Internet, access e-mails and transfer files. The 240-cubic-foot (6.8-cubic-meter) baggage
compartment of the Legacy 600 is one of the largest in the industry and is easily accessible
during flight, for greater passenger convenience.
The aircraft cruises at a speed of up to Mach 0.80 and has a range of 3,250 nautical miles (6,019
km or 3,740 miles) with eight passengers and NBAA IFR reserves. This range, bolstered by
superior passenger and luggage capacity, enables customers to fly nonstop from New York
(U.S.) to London (U.K.); from London or Geneva (Switzerland) to Dubai (United Arab
Emirates); from Singapore (Singapore) to Beijing (China) or to Port Moresby (Papua New
Guinea); and from Jakarta (Indonesia) to Melbourne (Australia) at lower operating costs than
competitive aircraft with a similar cabin size. Additionally, the Legacy 600 is the only super
mid-size jet certified to operate into and out of the London City and Cannes-Mandelieu airports.
The twin-engine business jet is based on the successful ERJ 145 regional jet family platform
that has accumulated over 12.5 million flight hours on 1,000 aircraft. With a platform
designed to endure an average of 2,500 hours per year, low operating cost, and a track record
of over 99 percent dispatch reliability, the Legacy 600 offers luxurious comfort and delivers
high utilization and high availability.
More than 130 Legacy jets currently operate in 23 countries. Also available in Shuttle and
Shuttle High Capacity (HC) configurations, the Legacy is designed to provide comfort and
functionality. The Legacy Shuttle accommodates from 16 to 19 passengers in business class
comfort. The Shuttle HC version enhances owner productivity and comfortably seats as many
as 37 passengers in a superior airline-quality interior.

Nigel Lamb back on Attack

British ace looks forward to first race in San Diego in hot new plane Nigel Lamb is relishing the return to the scene of his greatest triumph since joining the Red Bull Air Race World Series – San Diego – not only because he got his first podium with third place there last year, but because he will be racing his new MXS for the first time. The British pilot can hardly wait for this year’s first race in North America where the new MXS will make its debut to the Red Bull Air Race World Series. “I’m really looking forward to San Diego,” said Lamb, who finished a disappointing eighth in the season opener in Abu Dhabi with his heavier MX2 plane. “But the pressure will be on me there as there are huge expectations for the MXS. It was a sweet moment to be on the podium last year after such a long journey from the slow Extra 300 through all the initial problems we had with the MX2 to finally get a good result,” he added with typical British understatement – because San Diego last year really was an incredible result for Lamb. And the superb performance that made him the seventh Red Bull Air Race pilot last season to land on the podium came completely out of the blue, totally eclipsing his previous best results. Lamb’s timing for the best race of his four-year Red Bull Air Race career was impeccable — because not only was his wife on hand to witness the heroics but so was his sponsor Breitling as well as Chris Meyer from MRX Technologies and others involved in the MX project. “The MXS should be able to help me right away in San Diego,” said Lamb, who had actually hoped to get into the MXS in racing last season. “It is significantly better than the MX2, but ‘how much better’? We’ll only know once we’re in San Diego.”

Source: RedBullairrace.com

Dutch wartime squadron remembered – Monday 28 April 2008

A spectacular flypast by four F-16 jets over the countryside near Liverpool brought to an end a ceremony to mark the formation of all-Dutch 322 Squadron at RAF Woodvale in Merseyside 65 years ago.

A team of airmen from the Royal Netherlands Air Force came over for the ceremony and members of 322 Squadron also raised their flag and toured the airfield where their squadron was formed at the height of World War II.

Some 300 Dutch airmen managed to flee to Britain after the Germans invaded the Netherlands in May 1940. The British authorities interned most of them after their arrival, but many pilots and ground personnel joined RAF squadrons after they were given clearance.

Pressure for an all-Dutch squadron intensified and was supported by the exiled Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands who had learned to fly with the RAF. And so, on 12 June 1943, 322 Squadron was formed at RAF Woodvale.

The squadron flew Spitfires and its primary role was intercepting the Germans’ much-feared V-1 rockets. The squadron is today based in Leeuwarden in the north of the Netherlands and its pilots fly F-16s.

Cpl First Class Cristian Schrik from 322 Squadron said:

“It’s fantastic to be here for such an historic moment – this is where it all started for us. We’re honouring those people who fought for our freedom so it’s very special to come back to RAF Woodvale again.”

RAF Woodvale was opened in 1941 and is now home to Liverpool University Air Squadron and the Manchester and Salford University Air Squadron. Its Acting Station Commander, Flight Lieutenant Peter Hitchcock, said:

“The visit has been very useful because it has made us reflect on our own history.

“It makes us feel that what we’re doing is worthwhile – it’s more than just teaching people how to fly. We are seen as a quiet outpost but the history of Woodvale is very important.”

Source: RAF

NASA’s Space Shuttle Discovery to Move to Launch Pad Saturday

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Space shuttle Discovery is scheduled to roll out to Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Saturday, May 3, as preparations for the STS-124 mission move forward. Discovery is targeted to lift off May 31 on a 13-day mission to the International Space Station.

The first motion of the shuttle out of Kennedy’s Vehicle Assembly Building is scheduled for 12:01 a.m. EDT. The space shuttle vehicle, consisting of the orbiter, external tank and twin solid rocket boosters, was fully assembled on the mobile launcher platform and will be delivered to the pad atop a crawler transporter. The crawler slowly moves the shuttle out to the pad at less than 1 mph during its 3.4-mile journey. The process is expected to take approximately six hours.

NASA Television will provide live coverage of Discovery’s rollout to the launch pad starting at 6:30 a.m. Video highlights of the rollout will air on NASA TV Video File.

Source: NASA

Boeing-Insitu Achieves ScanEagle Service Milestones for U.S. Marine Corps, Navy

ST. LOUIS, April 29, 2008 — The ScanEagle unmanned aircraft (UA), a joint effort of The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Insitu Inc., this month logged a pair of service milestones as it surpassed 50,000 combat flight hours with the U.S. Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEF) in Iraq and 1,000 shipboard recoveries with the U.S. Navy.

The long-endurance, fully autonomous ScanEagle entered service with the Marines in July 2004 and provides cost-effective and persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance services. The Navy has used ScanEagle since July 2005 aboard the USNS Stockham, USS Whidbey Island, USS Oscar Austin, USS Oak Hill and the USS Carter Hall.

“Tens of thousands of flight hours for the Marines demonstrate the maturity and reliability of the ScanEagle system,” said Jim Havard, Boeing ScanEagle U.S Marine Corps program manager. “The system also is providing the MEF with a powerful and versatile capability ranging from convoy protection and surveillance to base security.”

Don Iverson, Boeing ScanEagle U.S. Navy program manager, added, “During more than 1,000 shipboard recoveries, the safety record of the ScanEagle system has been outstanding. There have been no injuries to personnel or damage to any of the ships deploying the system.”

A ScanEagle UA carries inertially stabilized electro-optical and infrared cameras. The gimbaled cameras allow the operator to easily track both stationary and moving targets. Capable of flying above 16,000 feet and loitering over the battlefield for more than 24 hours, the platform provides persistent low-altitude reconnaissance.

ScanEagle is launched autonomously via a pneumatic SuperWedge™ catapult launcher and flies preprogrammed or operator-initiated missions. An Insitu-patented SkyHook™ system is used for retrieval — the aircraft catches a rope suspended from a 50-foot-high tower. The patented system makes the ScanEagle system runway-independent, with a small footprint similar to that needed for vertical takeoff and landing vehicles.

Source: Boeing

Tunisair chooses Airbus to modernise and expand its fleet with A350s, A330s and A320s

North African airline Tunisair has signed a letter of acceptance of the Airbus proposal for the acquisition of three A350-800s, three A330-200s and ten A320s, as part of an important fleet development plan that will modernise and expand the fleet of this growing airline. With this acquisition, Tunisair is the third African airline to order the all-new A350 XWB. Tunisair currently already has 12 A320s, four A319s of which two with extended range capability and three A300-600s in operation.

The all-new, eco-efficient A350s will provide the right aircraft at the right time for the long-term development plans of Tunisair for long haul routes to North America and Asia. Meanwhile, the A330s will allow the airline to modernize its wide-body fleet and seamlessly enter the long haul market with new routes to North America in the near future with the most modern and cost efficient aircraft in the market today. Furthermore, the A320s will allow Tunisair to renew and expand its regional operations with more efficient and cost effective aircraft complementing its current fleet.

“This acquisition is part of a major fleet development that will allow Tunisair to prepare for the future and take up the market opportunities that exist for our airline,” said Mr. Chettaoui, President and CEO of Tunisair group. “The A330s and later on the A350 will really complement our A320 fleet which is already performing extremely well. This acquisition will provide Tunisair with the most modern, efficient and comfortable aircraft that perfectly respond to our needs in terms of range, passenger capacity and operational costs”, he continued.

“We are very proud of this agreement with Tunisair, which shows the value and strength of the Airbus Family concept, bringing commonality in the fleet and allowing for important cost savings and fleet efficiency,” said Fabrice Brégier, Chief Operating Officer of Airbus. The combined acquisition of A320s, A330s and A350s will contribute to the strategic growth plans of Tunisair and we are very happy to be supporting the airline in this development and further strengthen the close ties that we have developed over the years,” he added.

The longstanding relationship started in 1980, when Tunisair placed its first order for an Airbus A300B4. It has built up its Airbus fleet from then onwards, with the first A320 order placed in 1988, one of the first orders for Africa. In another pioneering move, with the order in 2006 for the A319 Extended-Range, Tunisair was the first airline to start operating this aircraft type in Africa, benefiting from Airbus’ continuous efforts for innovation and technological advancements.

Source: Airbus

Airbus opens modern material and logistics centre in the Middle East

Airbus Material and Logistics Centre in the Middle East has been officially opened at the Dubai Airport Free Zone in the United Arab Emirates in a ceremony with his Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.

The opening of the Materials and Logistics Centre gives Airbus greater proximity to valuable customers, and facilitates a quicker and more reactive response to their needs. It also reduces the time and cost in transporting spares. The efficiency gains and economic benefit of the centre are part and parcel of Airbus’ commitment to eco-efficiency, to help the aviation sector prosper by adding value with less environmental impact.

“With predicted passenger traffic growth of over six per cent and cargo of five per cent in the next 20 years, the Middle East will undergo one of the biggest aviation growth rates of anywhere in the world, so a world class logistics centre in the region is essential”, said Airbus President and CEO, Tom Enders.

Dubai has one of the world’s most modern and fastest-growing airports, serving more than 120 airlines flying to more than 205 destinations worldwide, and hence an ideal location for this type of centre.

The Material and Logistics Centre is located next to Dubai International Airport and covers over 3,700 square metres of storage space and office facilities ensuring optimised logistics and efficiency. The 24 hour a day centre will stock more than 5,000 different parts with around 43,000 items in at any one time, offering customer support and aircraft spares distribution to regional and worldwide destinations 24 hours a day.

The Centre includes an avionics and electronics repair station and hosts a vendor village providing state of the art business centre services as well as office and storage facilities for original equipment manufacturer (OEMs) to enable commercial and technical support with optimised delivery lead times.

The facility is fully air conditioned and humidity controlled and is an integrated part of the Airbus Quality System, with approvals from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the United Arab Emirates, as well as the German Aviation Authority (LBA).

Source: Airbus

Boeing, Lion Air Celebrate 10th 737-900ER Delivery

SEATTLE, April 28, 2008 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Jakarta-based Lion Air today celebrated the delivery of the airline’s 10th Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplane. The airplane, shown here during a test flight, will be used by the airline to expand its service with new destinations throughout South and Southeast Asia. The airline’s 737-900ERs are equipped with performance-enhancing Blended Winglets, which improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 4 percent.

Boeing launched the 737-900ER program in July 2005 when Lion Air announced the initial order for 30 of the newest 737 model. The airline received the world’s first 737-900ER in April 2007 and has ordered a total of 178 737-900ERs.

The 737-900ER has substantial economic advantages over competing models, including 6 percent lower operating costs per trip and 4 percent lower operating costs per seat than its competitor — which is more than 9,550 pounds (4,340 kg) heavier. The 737-900ER joins the 737-600, -700, -700ER and -800 airplanes and will share the same industry-leading reliability of the other Next-Generation 737 series models.

Source: boeing

Saab offers Gripen to the Indian Air Force

In New Delhi today Saab handed-over its compliant response to the Indian Ministry of Defence Request for Proposal for 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) for the Indian Air Force.

Saab has offered the Indian Air Force the next generation Gripen, which includes increased combat range and endurance, a more powerful engine and super cruise capability, additional weapons carriage capability and increased payload. The Saab offer is supported by a long term programme of industrial co-operation and offset and of technology transfer. Saab´s international industrial network will provide substantial and long-term joint venture growth for the Indian aerospace and defence sector.

Saab President and CEO Åke Svensson stated “The compliant proposal submitted today, demonstrates our commitment to winning the Indian government´s MMRCA tender” he said. “I am confident that Saab has submitted the complete solution to India´s requirements. We are offering cutting edge, next generation combat aircraft and extensive industrial co-operation, including unrivalled access to key technologies, enabling autonomy and increased national security for India.”

Source: SAAB

Sweden offers Saab´s Gripen to Norway

In Oslo today the Swedish Defence Material Administration FMV, on behalf of the Swedish government, handed-over its compliant response to the Norwegian Ministry of Defence Request for Binding Information for up to 48 Gripen for the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

“We have equipped Gripen next generation with a more powerful engine and a completely new modular avionics system. The aircraft will have a greater payload and a longer range. In addition we will develop a completely new type of radar. The development will mean that Gripen will be able to maintain its position at the cutting edge of development for the next 30 – 40 years. Gripen meets all Norwegian requirements.” says Åke Svensson, CEO of Saab. ”

“The Swedish offer also includes a broad spectrum of Swedish cooperation with Norwegian industries all over Norway, exceeding 100 percent of the Gripen order value.” Continues Åke Svensson.

Source: SAAB

Gripen proposal to Norway delivered

On behalf of the Swedish Government, FMV (Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) today handed over Sweden´s proposal regarding Norway´s Future Combat Aircraft. The 48 Gripen fighters that Sweden has offered to Norway meets all the requirements that Norway has specified in the request documentation for the Royal Norwegian Air Force Future Combat Aircraft.

The Gripen fighter for Norway is a true swing-role next generation combat fighter to meet Norway´s needs for the defence of its national territory, including surveillance of the high North, and participation in international, multi-national forces. Gripen is fully NATO interoperable, can carry a wide range of internationally sourced weapons, includes increased combat range and endurance, additional weapons carriage capability and increased payload, a more powerful engine and super cruise capability. The proposal also includes a joint logistic solution and other areas of multinational cooperation that will reduce the operational cost for both countries.

Besides the operational requirements the Swedish offer meets the Norwegian requirements regarding life cycle costs, and the Swedish offer includes very low acquisition, operation and support costs compared to alternative platforms.

-I am proud to say that the offer we have delivered today meets, or exceeds, all Norwegian operational and other requirements. This has been possible through a jointly effort between the Swedish Government, FMV and Swedish industry and we are confident that the Swedish offer is the complete solution to meet Norway´s future combat aircraft requirements, says Gunnar Holmgren, Director General of FMV.

An integral part of the Swedish offer to Norway is a commitment on the part of the Swedish Government to operate the same advanced version of the Gripen fighter aircraft as offered to Norway, in the event that Norway selects Gripen as its future combat aircraft. This offer creates a win-win situation for both countries, as they would not only share the development costs for the new fighter but would also share future enhancements over the future operational life of Gripen fighter aircraft for the next 30-40 years.

Source: SAAB

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