Nextant Aerospace 400NEXT Phase 1 Completes First Flight

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, OHIO — March 12, 2010 – Nextant Aerospace today announced the first flight of a fully equipped Phase 1 400NEXT aircraft. The flight took place Thursday February 25th and completed the transition from experimental to production aircraft.

“With the completion of the STC for the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Flight Deck Upgrade in October, Nextant is now offering the 400NEXT aircraft in a two phase program. The Phase 1 aircraft is being built according to the 400NEXT configuration including the Pro Line 21 cockpit, but retains the Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5 engines. Phase 2 will be the installation of the Williams FJ44-3AP engines once that certification is complete. We were extremely happy with the outcome of the Phase 1 first flight. This flight also highlighted the capabilities of the Rockwell Collins Venue™ cabin management system, the Aircell Axxess® system, and the ATG 4000 High Speed Internet.” said James Miller, President of Nextant Aerospace.

The Phase 1 400NEXT aircraft, N401NX, was outfitted with the following equipment which will be optional items on the complete 400NEXT aircraft:

• Aircell Axxess® cabin communications system and ATG 4000 High Speed Internet
• iShades – solid state window shades allowing passengers to electronically adjust the amount of natural light coming into the cabin
• Rockwell Collins Venue cabin management system:
  • High definition (HD) audio/video system
  • Media Center with Blu-ray Disc player and HD Airshow Map
  • Dual iPod docks
  • Dual 10.6” HD displays pluggable at any seat

“Being able to offer such a high tech cabin is something we are extremely excited about. In the past internet access in light jets was unheard of; typically a jet owner would have to own a large cabin aircraft to be offered that amenity. During the installation and testing of the High Speed Internet System, we found the speed of the connection to be faster in the air than on the ground.” said Miller.

The Nextant 400NEXT is designed to overcome significant limitations to the popular Hawker Beechcraft 400XP/400A by replacing the existing Pratt & Whitney JT15D engines with the new modern Williams International FJ44-3AP computer controlled engines along with the new Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics. The range of the 400NEXT will be increased from 1333 nautical miles to over 2000 (4 passenger, NBAA IFR range) with a 30% reduction in operating costs based on fuel savings alone.

USAF Fairchild A-10 Inspections Ordered

WASHINGTON – The Air Force has issued a TCTO (time compliance technical order) requiring immediate inspection and repair of wing cracks for a portion of the A-10 fleet. This action impacts approximately 130 A-10 aircraft with thin-skin wings installed during original manufacture and is being taken to ensure the continued operational safety of the aircraft. 

Such action has become necessary due to an increase in fatigue-related wing cracks currently occurring in aircraft assigned to Air Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces, the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command and Air Force Materiel Command. 

The inspections are a necessary step in addressing the risk associated with A-10 wing cracking – specifically with thin-skin wings. This risk is of great concern to the Air Force and is representative of a systemic problem for our aging Air Force fleet. 

Taking immediate action is necessary for the safety of our aircrews and to bring our A-10 fleet back to health. Accordingly, AFMC is working closely with ACC and the other Combat Air Force major commands to address all of the thin-skinned winged A-10s with a priority focus being on the A-10s we currently have in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

The A-10 is a valuable asset to joint warfighters because of its unique capabilities. It can deliver precision guided weapons at high altitudes, as well as surgical close air support at low altitudes. The inspections, however, will not impact on-going or future operational combat missions.

Hall gives Australia taste of new season with Sydney warm-up

SYDNEY, Australia – Matt Hall gave Australians a thrilling taste of what’s in store for the 2010 season with a dazzling display of his Red Bull Air Race aerial skills over Sydney Harbour that was broadcast live on Australian television just two weeks before the 2010 season opener in Abu Dhabi.

Hall, who shattered all records for a rookie in his first season last year with a sensational third place overall, warmed up for the new season by flying at speeds up to 400 km/h over the Parramatta River to Sydney Harbour. Flying under partly cloudy late summertime skies, Hall then buzzed the bridge and Sydney’s inner harbour area – all the while giving live commentary from his cockpit for the TV broadcast. Afterwards Hall gave media interviews and met with fans who had won packages for the aerial display.

“The interest in the race has increased significantly over the last 12 months and it will be exponential this year with the race in Perth,” said Hall, who last year traded in his career as a Royal Australian Air Force fighter pilot to fly in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship. “It’s definitely healthy for the sport.”

“Flying over Sydney Harbour was a great thrill and a great way to launch my season because it’s one of the most iconic sights in the world,” said Hall. “Now that the start of the season in Abu Dhabi is just a few weeks away, I am very excited to get going. I have a new plane, new team and I have worked harder than ever over the last few months to improve in every area I can. We have had to overcome some obstacles getting the aircraft ready but I am confident that things are on track and that I can have a great season.”

After the season opener in Abu Dhabi, the championship will return to Perth for the second race of the 2010 season. There have always been large and friendly crowds watching the high-speed, low-altitude flying action from the banks of the Swan River in past races in 2007 and 2008 but this year there will likely be many more spectators with the first Australian in the hunt for the world championship.
“I believe the crowds will be bigger than in the past,” said Hall, who is based in Merewether NSW. “Everywhere I go now people are recognising me and saying they will be in Perth to support me. It’s quite amazing how many people do this, just walking down the street.”

Hall said he realises the pressure on him will be greater this year after his sensational rookie season. Expectations were modest last year and he was able to brilliantly translate the discipline of an RAAF fighter pilot to the Red Bull Air Race. Hall’s strategy and race preparation were unrivalled last year but unsurprisingly his rivals have started borrowing a few pages from his game plan.

“My goals for this season are the same as last season – be safe, professional and consistent,” said Hall, who was the epitome of consistency last year. “As far as results go, I can’t predict. I believe my plane will be faster and I definitely have more experience with racing than this time last year. But I’m up against the best race pilots in the world. Who knows what they can do.”

Hall has invested heavily in the off-season to try to further improve his performance and this year will be flying in his own new 380-horsepower MX-S plane after using an older model of the plane last year. He is hoping to team up with a major sponsor – “then we can hopefully open up the research and development budget and really start getting fast,” he said.

There was a lot of hard work and delays for Hall in the off-season. “We ended up getting the plane in the air a lot later than hoped,” said Hall, who made several trips to the MX factory over the winter. “When we did we had some problems with it and needed to replace the engine and some other parts. We now have a serviceable aircraft, ready to race. The hard part is over. Now we just have to go out and race.”

Source and picture: RedBullAirRace.com

Indian Airlines Sign for Antonov An-148

Moscow, 12 March 2010. United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), together with the State Corporation Antonov of Ukraine and HindAvia Aeronautical Services Pvt Ltd of India took part in the 2rd International Exhibition & Conference on Civil Aviation “India Aviation 2010″. It was held 3-7 March in the territory of the Begumpet Airport airport, Hyderadad.

Aircraft number RA61703, a third deliverable example of the Russian-made An-148-100, was on display at India Aviation 2010. Assembled by the VASO aviation plant in Voronezh, this aircraft is intended for the State Transport Company “Russia” (Russian acronym GTK Rossiya).

On the opening day the joint stand by UAC, Antonov and HindAvia was attended by Praful Patel, the Minister for Civil Aviation of India. He exchanged greetings with the head of the Russian delegation Mr. Yuri Grudinin, Director of Regional Aircraft Directorate at UAC-Civil Aircraft. The Minister welcomed introduction of the new generation passenger jet created jointly by Russia and Ukraine to the Indian market. “I believe this airplane has good prospects here in India”, the Minister said. Both Praful Patel and Yuri Grudinin expressed their hopes that our countries will continue to expand their collaboration in the sphere of high technologies and cooperate in development of the air transportation system.

During the show meetings and negotiations were held with dozens of interested Indian firms willing to purchase Russian airplanes, to master their maintenance and overhaul, to provide assistance and various services. Representatives of companies headquartered in twelve states of India attended the joint stand. Two Indian airlines signed protocols and preliminary agreements on delivery of passenger versions of the An-148 aircraft family. Those call for contracts, to be finalized in future, on a total of eight firm orders and eleven options. In addition, the local carriers expressed their intent to purchase ten aircraft in the cargo version. Yuri Grudinin shared this information with foreign and local journalists at a press briefing on 5 March.

Taking into account the high interest expressed by local carriers in the An-148 aircraft family, UAC and Antonov have decided to initiate the procedure of type certificate validation with the Indian aviation authorities. The type certificate was issued by the Aviation Register of the Interstate Aviation Committee (ARMAK) in February 2007. Validation procedure shall be carried out in accordance with the bilateral aviation safety agreements entered earlier by the aviation authorities of both countries. The validation process should be complete by the end of 2010 to enable An-148 aircraft deliveries to Indian customers in the first quarter of 2011.

The need of the Indian carriers in modern aircraft of the An-148 size is estimated at about two hundred units over the next fifteen years. In case this estimate proves valid, Russia and India may considerably expand their cooperation in the sphere of joint aircraft production. This will allow to involve more local enterprises, both public and private sector, including manufacturers of aircraft and their components, companies specializing in maintenance and repair, and firms offering various services to aircraft operators and passengers.

HindAvia Aeronautical Services Pvt Ltd, headed by president Dr. Siddhartha Bose helps UAC to promote its aircraft in the Indian market.

Sikorsky Aerospace Services Announces Selection by EADS North America to Provide Support for U.S. Navy H-72A Fleet

SHELTON, Connecticut – Sikorsky Aerospace Services announced today that Helicopter Support Incorporated (HSI), a Sikorsky Aerospace Services company, has been chosen to provide a Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) program for U.S. Navy Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) at Patuxent River, Naval Air Station under its contract with EADS North America.  Sikorsky Aerospace Services is the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

A modified version of the existing Army Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) program will be provided to the Navy’s LUH fleet of five UH-72A helicopters to meet the Navy’s CLS program requirement. The CLS program for the Army provides total life-cycle support capability at a dollar per flight hour rate, and is being subcontracted to HSI by EADS North America, the prime contractor for the LUH program.

“This teaming effort demonstrates again that our industry-leading expertise in support capabilities is well recognized,” said David Adler, president of Sikorsky Aerospace Services.

The venture is the first of its kind to work directly with the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland. It will enable the U.S. Navy to conduct test pilot training to meet the demands of multiple services. An estimated 1,000 flight hours will be flown annually by the test pilot school pilots.

Helicopter Support, Inc. will provide comprehensive fleet support which includes material provisioning, transportation, Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), web-based maintenance management (HELOTRAC RL®) and web-based material management. This support platform allows for timely logistics and aircraft readiness management. Sikorsky Aerospace Maintenance (SAM), a business unit of Sikorsky Aerospace Services, will provide on-site LUH/EC-145 trained and certified A&P mechanics to execute Navy CLS operations.

Source: Sikorsky Aircraft Corp

RAF Nimrod MRA4 Declared ‘Ready to Train’

Woodford, United Kingdom: The Nimrod MRA4 has made significant steps forward with the UK Ministry of Defence formally accepting the aircraft and declaring it ‘ready to train’.

This declaration follows the type acceptance of the MRA4 which allows the delivery of production aircraft and the start of aircrew training, and the handover of the first production aircraft, designated PA04, following a demanding series of acceptance tests.

The formal acceptance was made by Group Captain Jerry Kessell, UK MoD’s Head of Underwater Capability, at BAE Systems’ Woodford site on March 10.

Group Captain George Martin, the UK MoD’s Nimrod MRA4 Operations Manager said: “Today sees the end of the acceptance process for MRA4, namely type, production and last, but by no means least, that of capability. The acceptance journey over the last two weeks marks a key milestone in the delivery of the first MRA4 for service use. It is a great privilege to have been involved over the past few years in seeing all aspects of the programme being drawn together and indeed today to see my customer accept the aircraft from me”.

Steve Timms, BAE Systems Managing Director for Large Aircraft said: “It’s tremendous to have achieved this milestone, which means that the UK’s Royal Air Force aircrew can begin training, can further develop the capability of the MRA4 and fully evaluate how best to use the impressive range of systems this aircraft offers”.

PA04 has now moved from Woodford to BAE Systems’ Warton site, where RAF aircrew will be trained under what is termed the Transition Programme. The first of those trained will become trainers themselves.

The MRA4 will transfer to the aircraft’s future main operating base at RAF Kinloss in late summer once an initial release to service and a support contract are in place.

A further milestone was achieved on March 8, with the first flight of the second production aircraft, PA05, which is now being painted in RAF livery before undergoing acceptance flights. The remaining seven production aircraft are all in build and will be delivered on schedule.

The MRA4 will fulfil a number of roles, anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, maritime reconnaissance, intelligence collection, search and rescue and attack.

Nimrod MRA4 offers unrivalled operational effectiveness, incorporating an advanced technical and mission capability and a fully integrated training system and logistics support package. 

Equipped with more than 90 antennae and sensors and containing over six million lines of software code, the MRA4 is able to scan an area the size of the UK every 10 seconds. The aircraft is able to fly 6000 miles or 14 hours without refuelling.
Source and Picture: BAE

Red Arrows Diamond Nine fly together for the first time this year!

The world famous Red Arrows Diamond Nine formation has graced the skies of Lincolnshire for the first time this season as the Team reached a milestone in their 2010 display work up.

After more than four months of intensive training, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team flew their first display practice today (10 March) with all nine aircraft flying together in formation. It took place at the Team’s base at Royal Force Scampton and was a proud day for new Team Leader and Red 1, Squadron Leader Ben Murphy. 

Squadron Leader Murphy says: “The first time that we fly as a nine aircraft in formation is a big milestone for us. It means that we are a step closer to being ready to perform our display in public this summer. I would like to say a big well done to all of the pilots, the engineers and the support team who have all worked exceptionally hard over the winter months to enable us to get to this exciting stage.”

Since October, the Red Arrows pilots have been flying three slots a day, five days a week. The process begins with small formations of three or four aircraft as the new pilots learn flying references and formation shapes, slowing building up to larger numbers of aircraft.

The first nine-ship was also a big occasion for first year pilots Flight Lieutenant Ben Plank and Flight Lieutenant Kirsty Moore.

2010 will be the Red Arrows’ 46th display season. Since the Team’s creation in 1965, the Red Arrows have flown over 4,200 displays in 53 countries. Today the Red Arrows are renowned throughout the world, acting as ambassadors for Great Britain when displaying overseas. They also support UK industry by demonstrating the capabilities of British equipment and expertise. The Royal Air Force has some 3,000 servicemen and women deployed overseas on operations at any one time. Many of the Red Arrows’ pilots and support staff have recently returned from Afghanistan and Iraq and many will be temporarily sent on operations overseas during their time with the Red Arrows. As soon as they leave the Team, all will return to duties which directly support the Royal Air Force’s operational commitments around the world.

Source: RAF
Picture: Rob Vogelaar ZAP16 Group

IATA Cuts 2010 Loss Forecast in Half – Strong Start to 2010

Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) halved its loss forecast for 2010 to US$2.8 billion (compared to the US$5.6 billion loss forecast in December 2009). The improvement is largely driven by a much stronger recovery in demand seen by year-end gains that continued into the first months of 2010. Relatively flat capacity translated into some yield improvement and stronger revenues.

IATA also lowered its 2009 loss estimate to US$9.4 billion from the previously forecast US$11.0 billion loss.

Improvements are driven by economic recovery in the emerging markets of Asia-Pacific and Latin America whose carriers posted international passenger demand gains of 6.5% and 11.0% respectively in January. North America and Europe are lagging with international passenger demand gains of 2.1% and 3.1% respectively for the same month.

“We are seeing a definite two-speed industry. Asia and Latin America are driving the recovery. The weakest international markets are North Atlantic and intra-Europe which have continuously contracted since mid-2008,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

Forecast highlights include:

Improving Demand: Passenger demand (which fell by 2.9% in 2009) is expected to grow by 5.6% in 2010. This is an improvement on the previous forecast in December of 4.5% growth.  Cargo demand (which fell by 11.1% in 2009) is expected to grow by 12.0% in 2010. This is significantly better than the previously forecast 7.0% growth.

Load Factors: Airlines kept capacity relatively in line with demand throughout 2009. A strong year-end recovery pushed load factors to record levels when adjusted for seasonality. By January the international passenger load factor was 75.9% while cargo utilization was at 49.6%.

Yields: Tighter supply and demand conditions are expected to see yields improve—2.0% for passenger and 3.1% for cargo. This is a considerable improvement from the precipitous 14% fall experienced by both in 2009.

Premium Travel: Premium travel, while slower to recover than economy travel, now appears to be following a cyclical recovery in volume terms. But it is still 17% below the early 2008 peak. Premium yields, which are 20% below peak, may be suffering a structural shift.

Fuel: With improved economic conditions, the price of fuel is rising. IATA raised its expected average oil price to US$79 per barrel from the previously forecast US$75. That is an increase of US$17 per barrel on the US$62 average price for 2009. The combined impact of increased capacity and a higher fuel price will add US$19 billion to the industry fuel bill bringing it to an expected US$132 billion in 2010. As a percentage of operating costs, this represents 26%, up from 24% in 2009.

Revenues: Revenues will rise to US$522 billion. That is US$44 billion more than previously forecast and a US$43 billion improvement on 2009.

“Revenues are half-way to recovery—US$42 billion below the 2008 peak and US$43 billion above the 2009 trough. Important fundamentals are moving in the right direction. Demand is improving. The industry has been wise in managing capacity. Prices are beginning to align with the costs—premium travel aside. We can be optimistic but with due caution. Important risks remain. Oil is a wild-card, over-capacity is still a danger, and costs must be kept under control—throughout the value chain and with labor,” said Bisignani.

Regional differences in airlines prospects are sharp:

• Asia-Pacific carriers will see the US$2.7 billion 2009 loss turn to US$900 million in profits on the back of a rapid economic recovery being driven by China. Cargo markets are particularly strong with long-haul cargo capacity for shipments originating in Asia experiencing a capacity shortage. Demand is expected to grow by 12% in 2010.
• Latin American carriers will post an US$800 million profit for the second consecutive year. The region’s economies are less debt-burdened than the US or Europe. Economic ties to Asia helped isolate the region from the worst of the financial crisis. Carriers in parts of the region have benefitted from liberalized markets which have facilitated some cross-border consolidation, giving greater flexibility to deal with changing economic conditions. Demand is expected to grow by 12.2% in 2010.
• European carriers will post a US$2.2 billion loss—the largest among the regions. This reflects the slow pace of economic recovery and faltering consumer confidence. Demand is expected to grow by 4.2% in 2010. Intra-European premium travel is expected to recover more slowly. In December it remained 9.7% below previous year levels.
• North American carriers will post the second largest losses at US$1.8 billion. The jobless economic recovery continues to burden consumer confidence. Demand is expected to improve by 6.2% in 2010. But with intra-North America premium travel still down 13.3% as of December, the region remains in the red.
• Middle East carriers are expected to experience demand growth of 15.2% in 2010, but will see losses of US$400 million. Low yields in long-haul markets connected over Middle East hubs is a burden on profitability.
• African carriers are likely to post a US$100 million loss for 2010, halving 2009 losses. Demand is expected to improve by 7.4%. But this will not be sufficient for profitability as they continue to face strong competition for market share.

Structural Adjustments

“The stark contrast between profitability among Asian and Latin American carriers while losses continue to plague the rest of the industry clearly demonstrates the fact that airlines have not been able to develop into global businesses. The restrictions of the bilateral system prevent the kind of cross border consolidation that we have seen in industries such as pharmaceuticals or telecoms. Airlines are battling the challenges of the financial crisis without the benefit of this important tool. It’s time for change,” said Bisignani.

In November 2009, IATA’s Agenda for Freedom initiative facilitated the signing of a multi-lateral statement of policy principles focused on liberalizing market access, pricing and ownership. Seven governments (Chile, Malaysia, Panama, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and the United States) and the European Commission signed the document. Kuwait joined the group by endorsing the principles in March.

“The second stage talks between the US and Europe are the big opportunity for 2010. The slow recovery in both regions should be an invitation for change. Liberalizing ownership would boost both markets. Even more importantly, as these markets combined represent about 60% of global aviation it would send a strong signal for global change. Brands, not flags, must guide the industry to sustainable profitability. That cannot happen until governments throw away the outdated restrictions of the bilateral system,” said Bisignani.

First Airbus A400M Ferried From Seville to Toulouse

Airbus Military’s first A400M arrived March 9 2010 in Toulouse, France, where the multi-role airlifter will continue its flight test programme.

Touching down at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport following an evaluation flight performed in the Seville region of Spain, the aircraft was welcomed by Airbus Military head Domingo Urena-Raso.

This new-generation transport is built by Airbus Military in Seville, where the aircraft made its first takeoff on 11 December and has since logged more than 40 hours of flight test activity.

In testing performed to date, the no. 1 aircraft has flown at the A400M’s maximum operating speed of 300 kt. (555 km./hr.), achieved the maximum Mach number of M0.72, and reached an altitude of more than 30,000 ft. It has operated extensively in both the direct and normal control laws of its fly-by-wire flight control system.

The first A400M is equipped with heavy test instrumentation, as is the no. 2 aircraft – which was handed over to Airbus Military’s flight test department at Seville on 6 March, and is due to fly in the coming weeks.

A third A400M is undergoing final production ground tests before engine installation, with its maiden takeoff planned for mid-year from Seville. Sections for a fourth aircraft are arriving in Seville for final assembly, enabling it to join the flight test programme in the second half of this year.

Five aircraft will be used in the A400M’s flight test and certification programme, logging a planned 3,700 flight hours before the start-up of deliveries in late 2012. Trials with three of these aircraft will be performed from Toulouse, while the two others will be operated from Seville – providing greater flexibility and taking advantage of the best weather conditions where available.

Indian Air Force Signs €560 Million Contract For 12 AW101 Helicopters

Strengthening AgustaWestland’s Growth Strategy For the Indian Market

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that a contract has been signed by the Government of India for the acquisition of twelve AW101 helicopters that will perform government transport duties. The contract, valued at around € 560 million, includes an extensive five year logistic support service and initial aircrew and technician training. Over 180 AW101 helicopters have been ordered by customers around the world so far to perform a wide range of government, public service and military missions. The AW101 has logged nearly 200,000 flight hours in service in Italy, UK, Denmark, Portugal, Japan and Canada whilst delivering exceptional performance and high levels of safety.

Giuseppe Orsi, CEO, AgustaWestland said “This significant order by the Indian Air Force to meet its government transport helicopter requirement confirms the correct vision and strategy of AgustaWestland in India. Several years ago we identified India as one of the pillars of our expansion strategy, from both the market and the industrial points of view. Today we have a significant and growing presence in both the military and commercial markets Additionally we now have strong industrial relations with Tata Son, with whom we have established a Joint Venture initially for the production of the AW119 Koala but soon this will become a wider platform for our growth in the region. The particularly good personal relations with Ratan Tata, who recently visited AgustaWestland at Cascina Costa, will further enhance the joint commitment to the expansion of the helicopter industry in India to satisfy various requirements which are estimated to be valued at €5-6 billion in the short to medium term.”

AgustaWestland is proud to have been doing business in India for almost 40 years with the delivery, in 1971, of an initial batch of Sea King helicopters to the Indian Navy for anti-submarine warfare. AgustaWestland continues to provide support, training and upgrade services to the Indian Navy for its fleet of Sea King helicopters. In 2005 AgustaWestland sold its first AW109 Power helicopter to the Government of Rajasthan and since then sales of its civil product range have taken-off with orders being placed for over 30 aircraft including additional AW109 Powers, the new Grand light twin engine helicopter, the AW119Ke single engine and the AW139 medium twin. Recently orders in the commercial market have been made by AgustaWestland’s authorized distributor, Sharp Ocean, for two VIP-configured Grand New light twins and one AW119Ke, marking the entrance of the state-of-the-art Grand New type in the country. With a growing fleet and order book AgustaWestland has also expanded its service network in India to deliver greater levels of local customer service and support through OSS Air Management Pvt.Ltd and Air Works India Engineering Pvt.Ltd, to service and support AgustaWestland’s range of modern high performance commercial helicopters. Last month AgustaWestland and Tata Sons signed a Shareholders’ Agreement for the formation of an Indian joint venture company which will establish in India a final assembly line for the AW119 helicopter. The AW119 is also the AgustaWestland contender for the Indian Ministry of Defence’s Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopter (RSH) programme. An AW119 demonstrator is currently conducting a series of demonstrations to the Indian Armed Force’s as part of the evaluation process for the Indian Ministry of Defence’s RSH programme. The AW119 has already demonstrated its outstanding capabilities operating at altitudes in excess of 6,000 m in the Himalayas and will carry out further demonstrations in hot environmental conditions in the coming months. Additional Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard helicopter requirements for light observation, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, combat, border and coastal patrol duties allows AgustaWestland to foresee a potential market worth approximately €5-6 billion for over 600 military helicopters in India in the next ten years.

Boeing Delivers EGYPTAIRs First 777-300ER for Long-Haul Fleet Upgrade

SEATTLE, March 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — EGYPTAIR and leasing company GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) took delivery Monday of the first Boeing (NYSE: BA) 777-300ER (Extended Range) commercial jetliner to join EGYPTAIR’s fleet. EGYPTAIR operates a fleet of five Boeing 777-200ERs, five 737-500s and 12 737-800s, with another eight 737-800s on order directly from Boeing. The Egyptian flag carrier is leasing the new 777-300ER from GECAS and will take an additional five 777-300ERs on lease through the second quarter of 2011 to continue upgrading its long-haul service.

“This delivery is a substantial milestone in the history of EGYPTAIR. We will continue to bring the latest to our customers who deserve the best of everything. This is a continuation of the long term partnership with Boeing,” said Hussein Massoud, chairman of EGYPTAIR Holding Company.

“The 777-200ER has always been one of the strongest performers in our fleet for fuel efficiency and reliability. The 777-300ER’s additional improvements in fuel efficiency and seat-mile costs will directly benefit our bottom line,” said EGYPTAIR Airlines Chairman Capt. Alaa Ashour. “The 777-300ER is an important part of our fleet modernization and growth plans to achieve greater profitability.”

EGYPTAIR’s new 777-300ER has 346 seats including 49 lie-flat beds with a 78-inch seat pitch, plus an in-seat entertainment system throughout the cabin. A member of the Star Alliance, EGYPTAIR will operate 777-300ERs on routes to London, Tokyo and North America.

Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy Is Effective, Suitable And Mission Capable For USAF Operations

MARIETTA, Ga., March 10th, 2010 — The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) Center has rated the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] C-5M as “effective, suitable and mission capable” based on results from OT&E testing completed in January 2010.

The OT&E phase spanned four months, evaluating various performance aspects to validate the capability and reliability of the C-5M. These positive test results enable the Super Galaxy to continue to support critical missions flown in support of world-wide operational contingencies.

“The C-5M test was a resounding success because of teamwork between the test team, the user, the contractor and the program office,” said Col. John Scorsone, Director of Test and Evaluation for Air Mobility Command. “The integrated test team will now transition to an integrated fielding team which will build on past relationships to help this program achieve even more record-breaking results.”

In addition to setting 42 world records last year, the C-5Ms delivered needed cargo to the warfighter during OT&E and continue to perform combat support missions today. Performance during OT&E proved the modernized A and B models of the C-5 are redefining strategic airlift for the military and will be a force multiplier for decades to come.

Payload and range improvements in the C-5M enable a fully loaded aircraft to fly unrefueled for more than 5,000 miles and bypass traditional en route stops. This not only saves thousands of gallons of fuel, but decreases the amount of time needed to get precious cargo to the warfighter’s destination.

“The C-5M is a game-changer and we are excited about the world record-breaking capabilities it provides those protecting freedom across the globe,” said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin C-5 program vice president. “We greatly appreciate the dedication and exceptional work of the Air Force active and reserve crews flying and maintaining the C-5M during OT&E.”

Current USAF plans call for 52 fully-modernized C-5Ms by 2016 with the next delivery scheduled for September 2010 to Dover Air Force Base, Del.

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