ESA commissions Astrium with operation of ISS
June 30, 2008 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment
-
Service agreement worth €278 million signed in Bremen
-
Building of Columbus and ATV now followed by operational phase
-
Efficient research under zero-gravity conditions assured
The European Space Agency ESA has transferred all activities involved in the operation and exploitation of the European share of the International Space Station ISS to Astrium as prime industrial contractor.
ESA and Astrium have concluded a service agreement to this effect for a fixed price of €278 million, covering the period from 2008 up to and including 2010. The agreement combines all activities involved in operating the European contributions to the Space Station, from mission control, engineering tasks and the provision of supplies, to communications with the ground station. In its capacity as prime contractor, Astrium will ensure that the European sections of the Space Station function smoothly and that high-quality research can be performed.
Dr. Michael Menking, head of Orbital Systems and Space Exploration at Astrium: “We at Astrium have combined the know-how and experience we have gained through a wide range of development programmes. This enables us to offer end-to-end service over a long period of time. Astrium’s strategy of building on its existing competence is turning out very successful, and ESA is confident of our abilities. The foundation of our strategy is Astrium’s in-depth systems know-how and engineering expertise. In addition to the technology itself, we work with the customer to develop joint solutions and define the appropriate services. Complex tasks can best be mastered through close co-operation and clearly defined responsibilities,” explains Menking.
The service agreement signed is worth €278 million and covers the period from the beginning of 2008 to the end of 2010. It is based on the service provided by Astrium since 2004 to exploit the European part of the International Space Station ISS. There are plans to prolong the service agreement for the entire service life of the ISS. Prime contractor Astrium leads a European consortium of some 40 partnering enterprises from the altogether ten European countries involved in the International Space Station. The most important partners include Thales Alenia Space, Turin, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) with the Columbus Control Centre in Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich.
The services included in the scope of the contract are divided into work packages. They comprise astronaut training, mission control and preparation, engineering for technical integration, particularly in the case of extensions for new experiments and research facilities, the ground segment including communications, and logistics and maintenance.
The Columbus space laboratory is Europe’s main contribution to the International Space Station. Experiments in a variety of scientific disciplines are to be carried out there under zero-gravity conditions. The focus will be placed on physics, materials science, biology and medicine. Many of these experiments, such as the measurement of solar spectral irradiance, will actually take place on the outside of the Columbus module. In order for the space laboratory to fulfil its intended purpose to the full, it is important that the research projects, which are perfectly attuned to one another, should be carried out smoothly.
In its capacity as prime contractor for the Columbus space laboratory and its payload and for the Automated Transfer Vehicle ATV, Astrium has made significant contributions to the International Space Station. Now that the construction phase for these contributions has been completed, Astrium is assuming a key role in their operation and exploitation. According to the present plans of the participating countries, the International Space Station will remain in operation at least until the year 2020. As of 2009, the permanent crew of the International Space Station is to be increased from the present three to ultimately six crew members.
Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. In 2007, Astrium had a turnover of €3.5 billion and 12,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment and its wholly owned subsidiary Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services.
Source: EADS
Poland’s Ministry of Health orders 23 Eurocopter EC135s for Nationwide Emergency Medical Services
June 30, 2008 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment
The Polish Ministry of Health has signed a contract for 23 Eurocopter EC135 helicopters to serve its nationwide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) network. The aircraft will be delivered between 2009 and 2010. The state-of-the-art EC135s, which will replace an ageing fleet of Mi-2s, will enable Poland’s air rescue system to become fully compliant with European JAR OPS-3 standards and to offer to its population the world’s most widely used EMS helicopter of the new generation. An EC135 flight simulator is also part of the contract.
The selection of the EC135 follows an international tender, according to public procurement law, issued by the Polish Ministry of Health. After a highly professional evaluation process, Eurocopter’s offer was identified as the most advantageous and in line with the specifications for the nation’s EMS operations. The fleet of 23 helicopters will serve bases all over Poland and will be operated by the Ministry’s Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe (LPR) organization.
Lutz Bertling, CEO of Eurocopter, stated: “Eurocopter is committed to equipping the Polish Emergency Medical Services with modern and reliable medical helicopters within the tight timeframe stipulated by the Services in order to ensure a smooth transition with the phasing out of the older-generation helicopters presently in service. The company will also provide the maintenance of the EC135s in Poland, in its own center which was opened in 2005 in Warsaw to provide pilot training as well as maintenance for the aircraft. We are convinced that this contract is only a first step of our long-term and partnership-type relationship with Poland.”
The LPR’s EC135s will be supported by Heli Invest of Warsaw, with whom Eurocopter has a Distributorship Agreement which includes the full scope of customer support services and maintenance under Part 145 regulations. Heli Invest’s service to LPR includes a 24/7 service hotline in Polish language, warranty support, full maintenance services as well as on-site customer support at the LPR’s bases all over the country.
With the EC135’s selection by the Polish Health Ministry, Poland will now be able to offer to its citizens the same high standard of helicopter emergency medical services as its neighbour countries in the European Union, notably Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania.
Due to its versatility and excellent track record in hardest mission environments, the EC135, of which more than 680 units have been delivered to 160 clients in 40 countries worldwide since its market introduction in mid-1996 has become the international reference helicopter for EMS operations. The EC135 holds an 80 percent market share in the international EMS helicopter market in its class, including the United States where it is the top-selling helicopter in this field.
The EC135 – versatile, safe and cost-efficient
The EC135 stands for modernity and innovation: According to international safety regulations for EMS, it is powered by two turbine engines, with a fast cruise speed of 254 km/h and giving it an average range of 620 km. The worldwide success of this Eurocopter type is due to the helicopter’s easy handling, its excellent manoeuvrability and its high availability (98 percent). Other assets of the EC135 are its bearingless main rotor and shrouded Fenestron® tail rotor, reducing noise level and vibrations during operations to a high extent. The EC135’s external noise level is 7 db below ICAO limits, an advantage in EMS operations which frequently serve hospitals in densely populated neighbourhoods.
In addition, Eurocopter has decisively minimized maintenance costs of the EC135. An EC135 has to be serviced for the first time after 400 hours flying time. This is an absolute benchmark for helicopters in its class. Combined with the aircraft’s fuel efficiency, this is a major cost advantage for customers.
About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 14,000 people. In 2006, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.8 billion euros, orders for 615 new helicopters, and a 52% percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30% percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 17 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 9,800 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,500 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.
Source: Eurocopter
Photo: Archive zap16.com M. van Leeuwen copyright
EADS Defence & Security produces 500th target drone
June 30, 2008 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment
EADS Defence & Security (DS) in Friedrichshafen-Immenstaad has achieved a milestone with production of its 500th target drone. These air vehicles are used in the training of air defence units and flight crews as well as for the testing and trials of guided missiles. The ‘anniversary drone’ that left the production facility on 26 June bears the designation Do-DT25-55. It is a member of the successful family of all-weather direct target (DT) drone systems and is specifically designed to simulate threats from anti-radar guided missiles.
Since production began in 2003, this line of drones has grown to include four models with seven variants. The DT25-55 and the recently developed DT45 are the latest members of that system family. The DT25-55 consists of a carrier drone (DT-25) transporting a target drone (DT-55) on its underside. The are launched in tandem by means of a catapult and, once inside the area of operations, the speedier DT-55 separates from the carrier drone and begins its mission of target simulation. The DT45 is an all-purpose drone used to simulate very high-speed targets. Thanks to its extremely low-level flight capability, for naval forces it can play the role of ’sea skimming missiles’. All drones can either fly a pre-programmed course over waypoints or be remotely controlled during flight.
Developed by DS’ Military Air Systems (MAS) Business Unit, the target drones are easy to handle and extremely reliable. They are highly versatile and allow either land-based or ship-based launch. At the same time, they are less costly to operate than comparable systems available on the market.
MAS offers a complete package of aerial target services around the world. Those services range from devising tactical target simulation scenarios to supplying and firing the corresponding drones. MAS also provides necessary payloads such as scoring sensors and optical/radar/infrared/laser augmentation.
Furthermore, the Business Unit ensures operation of the target drones or towed targets for aerial combat scenarios. The offering includes the complete ground-based infrastructure required, such as that provided at the NATO Missile Firing Installation (NAMFI) on Crete since 1988. The facility encompasses ground control and monitoring stations, pneumatic launchers and other testing and operating equipment.
Military Air Systems, an integrated Business Unit of the EADS Defence & Security Division (DS), is the centre of excellence for manned and unmanned airborne weapons systems within EADS.
DS is a systems solutions provider for armed forces and civil security worldwide. Its portfolio ranges from sensors and secure networks through missiles to aircraft and UAVs as well as global security, service and support solutions. In 2007, DS – with around 22,000 employees – achieved revenues of €5.5 billion.
Source: EADS
BAE SYSTEMS SEEKER DETECTS WARHEAD; THAAD SYSTEM SCORES INTERCEPT
June 30, 2008 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment
NASHUA, New Hampshire — A BAE Systems seeker detected an incoming ballistic missile enabling the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system to intercept its target during testing at the Pacific Missile Range Facility.
The test, conducted by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and THAAD prime contractor and systems integrator Lockheed Martin, examined how the interceptor and its seeker detect a separating target missile to destroy the warhead.
“In this test, the THAAD seeker had to detect the incoming warhead among multiple pieces of the incoming target missile,” said John Watkins, BAE Systems’ THAAD program director. “To further complicate things, this was the program’s first daylight engagement, meaning the seeker had to distinguish the target from false ‘targets’ created by reflected sunlight.”
Watkins likened the achievement to “hitting a bullet with a bullet while the shell casing is flying along side and someone is shining a flashlight in your eyes.”
BAE Systems’ seeker provides infrared imagery of the warhead to the missile computer to guide the interceptor to its target. THAAD intercept testing will continue through 2009. Upcoming tests at the Pacific Missile Range will be conducted against increasingly complex targets outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
THAAD is designed to defend U.S. and allied soldiers, military assets, and population centers from the threat of ballistic-missile attacks, destroying enemy warheads through direct “hit-to-kill” technology. BAE Systems has been working on missile defense seekers since the late 1970s. The company is scheduled to deliver the first production seekers in fiscal year 2009.
Source: BAE
Airbus selects lead logistics and transport providers
June 30, 2008 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment
Airbus has selected Kuehne+Nagel as lead logistics provider and DHL as lead transport provider, becoming Tier 1 partners for Airbus. The decision is a significant step towards the integration of Airbus and will allow a further harmonization and optimisation of Airbus’ logistics and related transport processes in Europe. The integration will lead to substantial savings in the range of a high double-digit million Euros amount. The process is part of the Power 8 programme.
The Airbus new logistics concept foresees the successive consolidation of all local warehouse facilities into regional hubs in Germany (Hamburg), France (Toulouse, Nantes-Saint Nazaire), Spain (Madrid, Puerto-Real) and the UK (Broughton) by 2010. They will be fully managed and operated by Kuehne+Nagel. These logistics centres provide more than 150.000 m² of floorspace for storing aircraft equipment, parts and raw materials to serve the Airbus production lines.
As lead transport provider DHL will implement a full transport management system and streamline the transport of moving materials from the supplier to the Airbus manufacturing plants. International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) will be harmonized to one common FCA (Free Carrier) standard. This allows better integration, rationalizing of capacity and better tracking of items. Shipments of Airbus aircraft sections by air (Beluga), sea and road are not part of this new contract with DHL.
“The optimization of our supply chain & logistics by defining one lead logistics provider and one lead transport provider is an essential step towards to increasing our efficiency and delivering on our Power8 targets”, said Fabrice Bregier, Airbus Chief Operating Officer. “This new way of working will greatly contribute to securing our global competitiveness.”
Implementation of the new transport and logistics concept will start 1st September this year.
Source: Airbus
Eurofighter Typhoon Begins Air Surveillance in Austria
June 30, 2008 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment
Hallbergmoos / Graz – As of 01 July, Eurofighter Typhoon will take over the protection of Austrian airspace under the leadership of the Joint Armed Forces Command, Graz, and the Air Surveillance Command, Wals, of the Austrian military.
The Republic of Austria became the first export customer for Eurofighter Typhoon following selection of the type in 2003. The Austrian Air Force will receive a total of 15 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft up to 2009, all of which will be stationed with the Air Surveillance squadron at Zeltweg, Steiermark.
The first of the 15 aircraft was accepted into the squadron on 12 July. In just eleven months since then, fully armed Eurofighter Typhoons have been patrolling the skies over the Austrian host stadiums during the Euro2008 football championships, securing the airspace together with other aircraft types and ground-based support, therefore guaranteeing security at the venues.
Aloysius Rauen, CEO Eurofighter GmbH, commented: „The fact that Austrian Eurofighter Typhoons have, after an internationally comparably short preparation time, reached the stage where they are ready to take on their mission spectrum, speaks volumes for the training and dedication of the air and ground crews assigned to the weapon system. This achievement deserves full recognition and I would like to therefore congratulate the Austrian Air Force.
At the same time, this underlines the platform flexibility of our weapon system. Eurofighter Typhoon was developed to be able to take on a range of missions for the lowest operational costs. Clear investment in infrastructure, technology and above all personnel, aligned with an intelligent logistics support concept, is what has made the swift transition to a mission ready status in Austria possible.
Today, as Eurofighter Typhoon takes on the responsibility for airspace protection over Austria together with other systems, it is a reason for the consortium and partner companies to be more than satisfied.“
Since the start of June, Fighter Wing 74 of the German Air Force has placed Eurofighter Typhoon on NATO Quick Reaction Alert duties for Southern Germany, from their Main Operating Base in Neuburg/Donau. Italy and the United Kingdom have had Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft assigned to QRA operations since 2005 and 2007 respectively. In addition, XI Squadron of the Royal Air Force has, over May and June this year, participated in Exercise Green Flag in the United States, resulting in the declaration that Eurofighter Typhoon is, following the integration of the Litening III laser designator pod, mission ready for multi-role air-to-surface operations. Two sorties per day with the release of up to six laser-guided Enhanced Paveway II bombs per aircraft has proven Eurofighter Typhoon’s swing-role capability.
Since Entry-into-Service in Spring 2004, 147 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft have been delivered to ten units across five Air Forces. 707 weapon systems have been ordered by six nations following the 72 on order for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with deliveries due to begin in 2009. More than 47,000 flying hours have been amassed between the Air Forces and the Test and Evalution fleet (end of June 2008).
Boeing Awarded B-52 Airborne Electronic Attack Technical Maturation Contract
June 27, 2008 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment
ST. LOUIS, June 27, 2008 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a $14.9 million contract by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to develop and mature technologies required to enable airborne electronic attack from long distances, filling the stand-off electronic attack role. The contract includes systems engineering studies focusing on potential pod installation on the B-52H aircraft, as the designated demonstration airframe. This effort will advance the technology required for the planned Core Component Jammer (CCJ).
“We look forward to maturing the planned CCJ technology, which will keep our warfighters safer as they complete missions in the air and on the ground,” said Scot Oathout, director of B-52 Programs for Boeing. “This is the first step in getting this capability fielded, and the B-52H is the right platform to mature this technology.”
The multi-mission B-52H is the only platform in the Air Force inventory that accommodates all necessary attributes for jamming electronic attacks while delivering its full complement of weapons, including responsiveness, range, loiter time, size and power.
“Adding this capability to the B-52H will strengthen its position as the most versatile aircraft in the U.S. inventory,” said Jeff Weis, CCJ program manager for Boeing. “The B-52 will still be able to deliver precision weapons on target while protecting other allied forces in theater.”
The Boeing-led team will employ the electronic-attack expertise of Bethpage, N.Y.-based Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems. After successful completion of this initial three-year effort, a follow-on effort to demonstrate in-flight, stand-off jamming on the B-52 is scheduled for 2011-2012.
“Our decades of experience designing sophisticated airborne electronic attack systems tells us that the Boeing and Northrop Grumman team can develop a powerful, best-value jamming system for the Air Force with a minimum of risk,” said Patricia McMahon, vice president and deputy, Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems Eastern Region. “The team is excited about delivering the results of our study to the Air Force.”
Source: Boeing
First A400M Military Transporter Rolled Out
June 26, 2008 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment
In a ceremony presided over by His Majesty Juan Carlos I, King of Spain, Airbus Military has today rolled out the first complete A400M military transport aircraft from the Final Assembly Line facility in Seville, Spain.
Designed initially to a recognised requirement for a new airlifter for European air forces, the A400M incorporates the state-of-the-art materials and technology that are being continuously perfected in today’s civil aircraft fleets. Features such as electronic flight controls, carbon composite structures and an automated handling system will bring new standards of operability and safety to military aircrews.
Launched under a single contract in 2003 with 180 orders for seven European launch customers, the A400M represents the most ambitious military procurement programme ever undertaken in Europe. The launch customer nations, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom were subsequently joined by Malaysia and South Africa, which recognised the potential of the new airlifter for their own requirements and brought the total number of commitments to 192.
“Today is a great day for our industry,” said Carlos Suarez, CEO of Airbus Military and Head of MTAD: “It is the result of the combined efforts and determination of all those involved in the programme. It has been supported by the national governments – our customers, the industrial partners, the suppliers, and the employees who have worked to produce the aircraft. I would like to thank and congratulate them all.”
“This event demonstrates our joint determination to show that EADS can design and manufacture a long-range military transport aircraft which will set new standards in airlift and open further potential in international markets. It also serves to justify the confidence which our customers placed in us when awarding the initial contract.”, said Louis Gallois, CEO of EADS.
The initial contract, worth some 20 billion Euros was signed with a single interface between Airbus Military and OCCAR, (Organisation Conjointe de Coordination en matière d’Armement), the contractual body representing all seven European customer nations).
Versatility is the characteristic that best describes the A400M, it being conceived with both tactical and strategic capability. With a payload of up to 37 tonnes over ranges of up to 4700 nm, the A400M is designed to carry all loads and vehicles in the European Staff Requirement (ESR) inventory, serve as an aerial delivery platform and act as an in-flight refueller for both fast jets and helicopters.
The A400M is the first truly new military transport aircraft of its category designed in over 30 years, with twice the capacity and twice the payload of the current aircraft types that it will replace. It is all set to become the new standard in military airlift.
Source: EADS
Lockheed Martin’s THAAD Weapon System Achieves First Successful Intercept of a Separating Target
June 26, 2008 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment
DALLAS,, June 26th, 2008 — Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) conducted a successful test of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) on Kauai, HI. This flight test demonstrated the system’s ability to detect, track, discriminate and intercept a separating target in the mid endo-atmosphere. This separated target presented a new target class than the previous unitary targets intercepted by THAAD. A key objective of today’s test was to demonstrate the weapon system performance against a separated target.
Preliminary data indicates the THAAD flight test successfully met all test objectives. The test further demonstrated THAAD’s target acquisition, track, discrimination and aim-point selection capability against a new target set. As in previous tests, Soldiers operated the THAAD system throughout this mission. One more THAAD flight test is scheduled at PMRF by the end of 2008.
“This successful mission once again proves THAAD’s outstanding performance, this time against a new target type. The THAAD Team has again met the challenge and delivered mission success,” said Tom McGrath, program manager and vice president for THAAD at Lockheed Martin. “As we meet our increasing flight test objectives, the protection THAAD will provide to our Warfighters, friends and allies around the world becomes more significant.”
Since November 2005 the THAAD Weapon System program has achieved nine for nine successful flight tests, including five for five successful intercepts of threat representative targets:
- November 2005 – Successful missile-only flight test
- May 2006 – Successful integration of the THAAD Weapon System including the fire control system, radar, launcher and interceptor
- July 2006 – Successful first unitary target intercept in the high endo atmosphere
- September 2006 – Mission designated a ‘no-test’ when the target malfunctioned and was destroyed by WSMR Range Safety before the interceptor was launched; excellent THAAD ground data was acquired throughout the target anomaly
- January 2007 – Successful high endo-atmospheric intercept of a Scud-like unitary target in THAAD’s first flight test at the PMRF
- April 2007 – Successful intercept of a Scud-like unitary target at mid endo atmosphere
- June 2007 – Successful missile-only flight test in low endo-atmosphere
- October 2007 – Successful intercept of a Scud-like unitary target in the exo atmosphere
- June 2008 – Successful intercept of a separating target in the mid endo atmosphere
A production contract for the first two THAAD Fire Units was awarded to Lockheed Martin in late 2006. Production of the THAAD launcher and fire control and communications unit is underway at Lockheed Martin’s manufacturing facility in Camden, AR and interceptor production is being conducted at Lockheed Martin’s Pike County Facility in Troy, AL. Delivery of the first Fire Unit is scheduled in FY‘09.
THAAD is designed to defend U.S. troops, allied forces, population centers and critical infrastructure against short- to intermediate range ballistic missiles. THAAD comprises a fire control and communications system, interceptors, launchers and a radar. The THAAD interceptor uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy targets, and THAAD is the only weapon system that engages threat ballistic missiles at both endo- and exo-atmospheric altitudes.
A key element of the nation’s Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS), THAAD is a Missile Defense Agency program, with the program office located in Huntsville, AL. The agency is developing a BMDS to defend the United States, its deployed forces, friends and allies against ballistic missiles of all ranges and in all phases of flight.
Source: Lockheed Martin
Boeing Selects Elbit to Supply Virtual Radar for U.S. Navy’s T-45 Training System
June 26, 2008 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment
ST. LOUIS, June 26, 2008 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has selected Elbit Systems [NASDAQ: ESLT] as chief supplier of the Virtual Mission Training System (VMTS), which will integrate realistic radar training into the U.S. Navy’s T-45 Training System.
“VMTS will enrich the undergraduate military flight officer’s weapons-and-tactics curriculum, producing flight officers who are better prepared to transition to carrier strike-fighter and electronic-attack duty,” said Barbara Wilson, T-45 Training Systems director and program manager for Boeing. “Elbit has shown unwavering commitment to this technology, which will take naval air training to the next level of fidelity while reducing cost.”
VMTS simulates via data link an unclassified, mechanically scanned tactical radar that provides air-to-air and air-to-ground modes as well as simulated weapons and simulated electronic warfare. These functions can be networked between the participating aircraft and instructor ground stations that control the mission presentation. The current phase of VMTS work will provide flight officers with in-flight training in the use of radar and weapons against virtual enemy aircraft, including cooperative training with friendly real and virtual aircraft.
Boeing is currently under contract to develop the VMTS capability. Subsequent phases of work will provide for two test aircraft and then for retrofit of 18 existing aircraft with VMTS by 2012.
“We are very proud to have been selected for such a prestigious plan,” said Ran Hellerstein, co-general manager for aerospace at Elbit Systems. “This selection demonstrates our commitment to providing cutting-edge training systems to Boeing in support of the Navy’s mission-readiness requirements.”
The T-45 Training System is in use at Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville, Texas; NAS Meridian, Miss.; and NAS Pensacola, Fla. The system comprises the two-seat T-45 Goshawk jet trainer, fully integrated high-fidelity instrument and visual flight simulators, computer-assisted classrooms and courseware, and a computerized training management asset. Boeing recently rolled out the 210th Goshawk from its St. Louis assembly facility and remains under contract for 11 additional aircraft.
Described by instructor-pilots as “eminently forgiving,” the T-45 is the only jet trainer designed to land routinely at sink rates of greater than 700 feet per minute, which are required for aircraft carrier-approach landings. It has logged more than 800,000 flight-hours and over 50,000 aircraft carrier catapult launches and arrested landings since entering service in 1992. Approximately 3,500 Navy, Marine Corps and international student aviators have earned their wings in the T-45.
Source: Boeing
Boeing, Biman Bangladesh Announce 737-800 Order
June 25, 2008 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment
Bangladesh national carrier adds two Next-Generation Boeing’s 737-800s to recent order for four 777-300ERs and four 787-8 Dreamliners
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 25, 2008 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Biman Bangladesh Airlines today announced an order for two Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s, with purchase rights for two additional 737s. Today’s signing ceremony, held at the U.S. Department of Commerce, was attended by dignitaries from Bangladesh and the United States and also celebrated Biman’s selection of an all-Boeing jet fleet for its future operations.
“Today marks a progressive step forward for Biman,” said Dr. M. A. Momen, managing director and CEO of Biman. “Our fleet consolidation with Boeing airplanes is based upon a partnership that combines aircraft efficiency, reliability and in-service support to maximize our competitiveness – something we need to drive forward to be an instrumental part of the country’s economic growth and development.”
Biman recently announced an order for four 777-300ERs and four 787-8s with purchase rights for four more of each model type. The airline currently connects Bangladesh with 18 countries around the world, and has agreements in place that will allow it to serve a total of 42 countries as it implements its growth plan.
“Boeing is committed to working closely to help airlines in developing nations grow in the most efficient way possible, and our product line reflects that commitment,” said Marty Bentrott, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for the Middle East & Africa. “We look forward to working closely with Biman Bangladesh over the long term as it capitalizes on traffic growth driven by the country’s expanding economy.”
Biman Bangladesh Airlines, which began as a government-owned national carrier in 1972, became Bangladesh’s largest public limited company in 2007. The purchase of Boeing airplanes represents the largest capital expenditure in the country’s history.
One hundred fifteen customers have ordered more than 4,800 Next-Generation 737s. Boeing has more than 2,200 unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 valued at more than $160 billion at current list prices.
Source: Boeing
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Wins $2.2 Million Contract Option for Solar Thermal Propulsion Rocket Engine
June 25, 2008 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment
CANOGA PARK, Calif., June 25, 2008 – The United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne a $2.2 million contract for the fabrication and ground test of a Solar Thermal Propulsion rocket engine. This contract extends the current High Delta-V Experiment Program (HiDVE) another six months and follows a successful critical design review last March. Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.
The Solar Thermal Propulsion engine encompasses an innovative new technology that allows it to use less fuel by harnessing the sun’s energy. This gives the satellite greater ability to maneuver in space and conduct longer missions by extending the use of its fuel.
“We are proud to be part of this cutting edge technology that will revolutionize nanosatellites and on-orbit propulsion,” said Patrick Frye, program manager for the HiDVE program at Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. “This will provide a dramatic increase in propulsive capability over current chemical thruster systems.”
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., a part of Pratt & Whitney, is a preferred provider of high-value propulsion, power, energy and innovative system solutions used in a wide variety of government and commercial applications, including the main engines for the space shuttle, Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, missile defense systems and advanced hypersonic engines.
Source: Pratt & Whitney
