Cri-Cri, the all-electric aircraft, is airborne
September 2, 2010 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment
Paris/Le Bourget, 2 September 2010 – The all electric Cri-Cri, jointly developed by EADS Innovation Works, Aero Composites Saintonge and the Green Cri-Cri Association has made its official maiden flight at Le Bourget airport near Paris on Thursday. This Cri-Cri is the first-ever four-engined allelectric aerobatic plane, which was first shown at the Green Aviation Show at Le Bourget in June.
“This aircraft flies very smoothly, much more quietly than a plane with conventional propulsion”, said Didier Esteyne, who piloted the all-electric Cri-Cri. “But we are still at the beginning and have a lot to learn. We are allowed to start aerobatic manoeuvres only after five hours of flight and 15 landings.”
“The Cri-Cri is a low-cost test bed for system integration of electrical technologies in support of projects like our hybrid propulsion concept for helicopters,” stated Jean Botti, EADS’s Chief Technical Officer. “We hope to get a lot of useful information out of this project.” In the near future batteries will not able to propel larger aircraft.
The aerobatic plane incorporates numerous innovative technologies such as lightweight composite structures that reduce the weight of the airframe and compensate for the additional weight of the batteries, four brushless electric motors with counter-rotating propellers which deliver propulsion without CO
2
Source: EADS
United Kingdom Awards Lockheed Martin $5 Million Order for Desert Hawk III Unmanned Aircraft Systems
August 24, 2010 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment
DENVER, August 24th, 2010 — The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a $5.1 million contract for additional Desert Hawk III unmanned aircraft vehicles.
Desert Hawk III’s improved payloads maximize target detection and recognition by providing 360-degree — daytime and nighttime — coverage in a common turret package. These latest generation payloads also include a Lockheed Martin-developed navigation system that delivers more refined target position information and superior image stability to the troops.
Awarded by the MoD’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) organization, the latest contract calls for Lockheed Martin to deliver the Desert Hawk III air vehicles — which as a result of ongoing obsolescence management and technology advancements in this area feature enhanced 360-degree infrared and 360-degree, 10-times zoom electro optics — by Fall 2010.
“We are extremely pleased with the enhanced capability that these new payloads bring to Desert Hawk III and the British Army,” said Duncan Robbins, program manager for mini-UAV systems, UK MOD DE&S. “Desert Hawk’s latest enhancements allow it to operate more effectively in difficult conditions and provide our soldiers with greater situational awareness in a very timely manner.”
“The battle-proven Desert Hawk III can operate in high winds, extended altitude and extreme temperatures, making it very effective in areas such as Afghanistan,” said Mark Swymeler, a vice president for Lockheed Martin’s Ship and Aviation Systems line of business. “Unlike some other UAVs, it is extremely quiet and virtually undetectable beyond 150 meters.”
Equipped with steerable, plug-and-play imaging payloads, the Desert Hawk has provided the British Army with greater situational awareness capabilities in Afghanistan since 2006.
The eight-pound Desert Hawk III features an open architecture environment and consists of a light weight, hand-launched, ruggedized air vehicle with snap-on Plug and PlayloadsTM, a portable ground station and a remote video terminal. The snap-on payload capability allows a single operator to swap sensors on the air vehicle in less than one minute to meet immediate and rapidly changing mission requirements.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 136,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s 2009 sales from continuing operations were $44.5 billion.
Source: Lockheed Martin
Al Jaber Aviation takes delivery of 1st Airbus aircraft
August 23, 2010 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment
Al Jaber Aviation (AJA) has become the first Middle East customer to offer an Airbus aircraft for VVIP charter flights, following the delivery of its first A318 Elite.
It has a further three A318 Elites and two Airbus Corporate Jetliners (ACJs) on order, which will make it the largest operator of Airbus corporate jets in the region.
“We aim to provide VVIP customers with the ultimate in comfort, space, and service, and because the A318 Elite and Airbus ACJ have the widest and tallest cabins of any business jet, can now deliver it,” says Al Jaber Group Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Al Jaber. “The Al Jaber Group’s success in construction, shipping and logistics has been built on quality, and AJA is now extending this into the air,” he adds.
“The privacy, prestige and productivity of corporate jets is well understood in the Middle East, where there is a strong and growing demand for VVIP charter flights that AJA is well placed to satisfy,” points out Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy. “And if you can offer a better product, which is what AJA is now able to do with the Airbus A318 Elite, you give your business model the best chance of success,” he adds.
AJA;s A318 Elite is able to welcome business or family groups of up to 19 passengers, allowing larger groups to travel together than would have been possible in traditional business jets – as well as providing better value for money.
It features the comfortable and spacious seating found in well appointed offices and homes, offering a fresher and more attractive way to fly for business or pleasure. The A318 Elite also has a private office that converts to a bedroom, large bathrooms, and plenty of space for luggage.
Source: Airbus
Ethiopian Airlines purchases ten Pilot Training Aircraft and one Simulator
August 14, 2010 by Rob Vogelaar · Leave a Comment
Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH of Austria is pleased to announce that it has signed a purchase agreement with Ethiopian Airlines for ten pilot training aircraft (DA40NG) and one simulator. The aircraft will be equipped with the new Austro Engine AE300 power plant, which operates with JetA1 (kerosene) fuel. The DA40NG represent the newest generation aircraft, made of composite material and equipped with most state of the art avionic systems. After evaluating through the Ethiopian technicians at Diamonds premises in Austria, and test flights made in Addis Ababa, this aircraft proves to be the most efficient, fuel cost saving system suitable for pilot training in the hot and high conditions of East Africa.
Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mr. Girma Wake and Diamond Aircraft Industries’ CEO Mr. Christian Dries signed the agreement on July 29, 2010. The total cost of the aircraft and simulator are valued at 3.7 million Euros at list price. The aircraft will be delivered in eight months time from the date of the agreement and the first four aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in November 2010.
According to Mr. Girma the decision to purchase the equipment was based on the airlines mission statement and core values to provide the highest training standards by investing on world class training equipments. He added, “The recent order will enable us to maintain our on-going training to the highest international level for our cadet flight crews. “
Backed by industry reputation of over 60 years, Ethiopian Airlines Aviation Academy has become a powerful source of the African aviation training. The Academy is committed to developing and providing a competent workforce for Ethiopian Airlines in particular, and the aviation industry for the region in general. The academy runs concurrent training and development programs covering pilots, cabin crew, technicians and conducts comprehensive courses in marketing and leadership management.
Source and photo: Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH
EADS harvests energy on board aircraft
August 13, 2010 by Marcel van Leeuwen · 1 Comment
Wireless sensors installed in an aircraft’s fuselage can supply data on its condition. This in turn simplifies and cheapens the vehicle’s maintenance. To ensure that the sensor network can be installed even in difficult-to-access places and that it doesn’t weigh too much, the energy required to record and transmit the data is generated on location. This is done by using the temperature differences between the surroundings and the interior of the aircraft to produce electrical energy.
The aim of the project is to reduce maintenance costs, which account for up to 22% of an aircraft’s overall expenses per flight hour. Sensors can inform a plane’s operator about the vehicle’s condition. This is referred to as ‘health monitoring’. The system helps to save money, as the maintenance engineers only need to take action when there really is a fault, not on suspicion or at regular intervals. However, the savings effect can only work if the sensors’ installation and operation are not too costly in themselves.
“A wireless sensor network that supplies itself with energy on location is a good solution to collecting maintenance-relevant data at a low cost,” says Ph.D. student Dominik Samson from EADS Innovation Works, a member of the project team led by Prof. Dr. Thomas Becker and Martin Kluge. This form of local energy production is called ‘energy harvesting’. This is the name given by technical experts to the conversion of unused available energy into usable (electrical) energy. The best-known example of this principle is solar cells on the roofs of buildings. The researchers in the EADS team, however, are focusing on developing minimal amounts of energy for applications with very low consumption rates. “Saving energy is not our primary goal. What we want to achieve is energy autonomy. We will save money by making systems independent of central electricity sources,” says Samson.
Aircraft offer several possibilities for doing that. The energy harvesting team investigated various technologies, including solar cells, generators that produce energy out of vibrations, thermoelectric generators, radio waves,
“There is the difference between the ambient air, with temperatures ranging from about minus 20 to minus 50 degrees Celsius, and the passenger cabin with a temperature of about plus 20 degrees, for example. Then there are also the strong temperature fluctuations on the outer skin after takeoff or during landing.” In addition, an artificial temperature difference can be created anywhere on an aircraft’s outer skin. This is done by connecting one side of a thermoelectric generator to a heat storage facility, while the other side is connected to the outer skin and cools down more quickly. The difference in temperature generates an electric current. In deciding what to use as the heat storage medium, the researchers identified a substance that has served humanity well for a very long time: water. This liquid can store heat for a particularly long period of time. Small hemispheres filled with water are adhered to the inside of the aircraft wall, forming the most noticeable part of a ‘health monitoring’ sensor node.
A special mechanism is also needed to transform the generated voltage into a value suitable for the sensor. This is known as ‘power management’. The system also has to buffer energy so that phases without energy production can be bridged. The system developed by the researchers for experimental purposes has now been tested in a climate chamber. The result was that, given an energy consumption of several milliwatts at the sensor node, the amount of energy produced and stored during the flight is sufficient to reliably operate the sensor node. It is also enough for long-haul flights, as the ‘health monitoring’ sensors do not need to be active all the time and the sensor nodes are consumption-optimised. By comparison, a typical light-emitting diode consumes 20 to 50 milliwatts.
The next step will be to test the technology in flight. A different team from EADS Innovation Works is currently investigating ways of using the heat of an aircraft engine’s exhaust jet. An analogous technique is also being intensively examined in the automotive industry. “Energy harvesting could conceivably be applied to other sectors, too,” says Samson. “Industrial machines and domestic appliances are just two examples. Energy harvesting can give machines of all kinds an artificial nervous system.”
Source/Release: EADS
Gulf Air close to changing aircraft orders
August 5, 2010 by Marcel van Leeuwen · 1 Comment
MANAMA – Bahrain state carrier Gulf Air said it was close to a deal to switch plane orders to narrow-body aircraft as part of its strategy to refocus as a niche regional carrier.
Cancelling orders for wide-bodied planes such as Boeing’s 787 or Airbus’s A330 would be a blow to manufacturers desperate to boost sales of bigger aircraft.
With a slowed market, Boeing and Airbus have become more reliant on sales of single-aisle planes, which sell for far less than their biggest models and offer thinner margins, especially when sold in bulk.
Gulf Air Chief Executive Samer Majali said the airline was not looking to reduce the overall number of planes on order.
“The agreement that we’re working on is maintaining the size, but changing the make-up, the composition, and changing the timing,” he told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday.
“We’re close to an agreement, we’re not there yet,” he said.
Gulf Air, which flew close to 6 million passengers last year, has 24 Boeing 787s on order, as well as seven Airbus A320s and 20 Airbus A330s.
Majali said that Gulf Air is trying to hasten deliveries of narrow-body planes while delaying those of wide-body planes.
Bahrain is a small oil producer and cannot afford to plough vast funds into its airline like its Gulf neighbours, where Qatar Airways and Emirates Airlines have large fleet expansion programs to link Asia and Europe.
Gulf Air is trying to find a niche by building up a network of regional routes to destinations it sees as underserved such as Basra in Iraq and Isfahan in Iran, for which it needs regional jets.
Any cancellation of A330s could hurt engine maker Rolls-Royce, with which Gulf Air signed a $1.5 billion deal in 2008 to supply engines for the planes.
Gulf Air posted a loss of $502 million in 2009, according to a document seen by Reuters, and Majali said the airline plans to break even in “two to three years”.
Bahrain has plans to privatise its state-owned companies, and Gulf Air could be put on the auction bloc once it is more attractive to investors.
Source: business.maktoob.com
Russian president fires naval officials after fire at naval facility, 200 aircraft destroyed
August 4, 2010 by Rob Vogelaar · 1 Comment
Dmitry Medvedev held a meeting to draft and approve additional fire safety measures for strategic facilities.
In particular, the President gave the Government two days to draw up a new list of potentially dangerous sites.
Mr Medvedev also reprimanded Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky, commander of Russia’s naval forces, and his first deputy, Admiral Alexander Tatarinov, for incompetence, and fired a number of senior Defence Ministry officials over the fire at a naval base in Moscow Region’s Kolomna District.
The forest fire has destroyed a large Russian naval base outside Moscow. Its occurred on July 29, but became known only on August 3. A Russian news agency, Life News, was the first to report about the incident: according to its data, 200 aircraft with the value of about $ 670 million had been reduced to ashes outside Moscow.
The situation with wild fires in Russia remains difficult. The fires have killed several dozen people and left several thousand homeless.
Oman – F-16 Aircraft
August 3, 2010 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment
WASHINGTON, August 3, 2010 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Oman of 18 F-16 Block 50/52 aircraft and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $3.5 Billion.
The Government of Oman has requested a possible sale of 18 F-16 Block 50/52 aircraft, 20 F100-PW-229 or F110-GE-129 Increased Performance Engines, 36 LAU- 129/A Common Rail Launchers, 24 APG-68(V)9 radar sets, 20 M61 20mm Vulcan Cannons, 22 AN/ARC-238 Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems with HAVE QUICK I/II, 40 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems, 36 LAU-117 MAVERICK Launchers, 22 ALQ-211 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites (AIDEWS) or Advanced Countermeasures Electronic Systems (ACES) (ACES includes the ALQ-187 Electronic Warfare System and AN/ALR-93 Radar Warning Receiver), Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) Systems with Mode IV, 34 Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Embedded-GPS/Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), 18 AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER Targeting Pods or similarly capable system, 4 DB-110 Reconnaissance Pods (RECCE), 22 AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing Systems (CMDS), and 35 ALE-50 Towed Decoys. Also included is the upgrade of the existing 12 F-16 Block 50/52 aircraft, site survey, support equipment, tanker support, ferry services, Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD), conformal fuel tanks, construction, modification kits, repair and return, modification kits, spares and repair parts, construction, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services, ground based flight simulator, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $3.5 billion.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.
The proposed sale will provide a significant increase in the Royal Air Force of Oman’s (RAFO) capability to train with U.S. and coalition forces and augment coalition forces in a regional conflict. The F-16 Block 50/52 will enable Oman to support both its own air defense needs and coalition operations. Oman currently has 12 F-16s in its inventory and will have no difficulty absorbing these additional aircraft into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors will be:
BAE Advanced Systems Greenlawn, New York Boeing Company Seattle, Washington Boeing Integrated Defense Systems St Louis, Missouri (three locations) Long Beach, California San Diego, California Raytheon Company Lexington, Massachusetts (two locations) Goleta, California Raytheon Missile Systems Tucson, Arizona Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Fort Worth, Texas Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control Dallas, Texas Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training and Support Fort Worth, Texas Northrop-Grumman Electro-Optical Systems Garland, Texas Northrop-Grumman Electronic Systems Baltimore, Maryland Pratt & Whitney United Technology Company East Hartford, Connecticut General Electric Aircraft Engines Cincinnati, Ohio Goodrich ISR Systems Danbury, Connecticut L3 Communications Arlington, Texas ITT Defense Electronics and Services McLean, Virginia Symetrics Industries Melbourne, FloridaThere are no known offset agreements in connection with this proposed sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Oman involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical reviews/support, program management, and training over a period of 15 years.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.
Boeing P-8A Poseidon Aircraft T3 Enters Flight Test
August 2, 2010 by Rob Vogelaar · Leave a Comment
SEATTLE, Aug. 2, 2010 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] P-8A Poseidon aircraft T3 successfully completed its first flight test in Seattle on July 29. T3 is the P-8A program’s mission-system and weapon-certification aircraft.
During the two-hour and 48-minute flight from Boeing Field, Boeing and U.S. Navy test pilots performed airborne systems checks including engine accelerations and decelerations, autopilot flight modes, and auxiliary power unit and engine shutdowns and starts.
In the coming weeks, T3 will join the two P-8A test aircraft currently at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., and complete additional ground and flight tests.
“At Pax River, the Boeing and Navy team will use some of the ground test data we’ve gathered in Seattle for in-flight separation and delivery accuracy tests that will occur later this year,” said Chris Ahsmann, P-8A chief engineer for Boeing.
T3 is one of six flight-test aircraft that are being assembled and tested as part of the U.S. Navy System Development and Demonstration contract Boeing received in 2004. Airworthiness-test aircraft T1 entered flight test in October 2009 and arrived at the Navy’s Patuxent River facility in April of this year. T2, the primary mission-system test aircraft, arrived at Pax River in June.
The Navy plans to purchase 117 P-8A anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to replace its P-3 fleet. Initial operational capability is planned for 2013.
Source and photo: Boeing
BAE Systems Secures £500M Order to Support HAL in the Provision Of A Further 57 Hawk Aircraft
July 28, 2010 by Marcel van Leeuwen · 1 Comment
Delhi, India – In a move underlining the importance of BAE Systems’ presence in India, the company has secured a new order, worth over £500 million, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), to supply products and services to enable a further 57 Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) aircraft to be built under licence in India for the Indian Air Force (40 aircraft) and Indian Navy (17 aircraft).
The final terms and conditions for the contract were signed by Guy Griffiths Group Managing Director International, BAE Systems, in the presence of British Prime Minister, David Cameron on his historic visit to India and BAE Systems’ Chairman Dick Olver.
The aircraft will be manufactured under licence at HAL’s facilities in Bangalore and BAE Systems will provide specialist engineering services, the raw materials and equipment necessary for airframe production and the support package for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy end users.
Commenting on the news BAE Systems Group Managing Director, Programmes and Support, Nigel Whitehead said:
“HAL is the premier aerospace company in India and BAE Systems is proud to be able to build on its long-standing relationship with HAL to deliver a further batch of this excellent aircraft to increase the Indian Air Force’s fast jet training capacity and establish a similar fast jet training solution for the Indian Navy. The Hawk AJT fast jet training solution enables an Air Force or Navy to provide front line pilots for even the most modern fighter aircraft such as the Eurofighter Typhoon or Sukhoi SU-30.”
Guy Griffiths added:
“This new order continues and strengthens the long standing relationship between BAE Systems and HAL. It highlights the importance of BAE Systems’ strategic development of India as a home market, and the benefit of solid Government support.”
This year BAE Systems and Mahindra & Mahindra launched Defence Land Systems India a joint venture whose first product is a mine protected vehicle designed and developed specifically for India. BAE Systems is committed to developing a domestic business in India and will continue working with industry in India to develop further capabilities in the defence and security sectors.”
With 18 customers, the Hawk aircraft has been widely exported around the world. Customers include Australia, Canada, South Africa, Bahrain, India and the UK Royal Air Force.
Prior to today’s announcement BAE Systems was already working with HAL and Rolls-Royce to supply 66 Hawk aircraft to the Indian Air Force and this additional order will extend the current partnership for a further six years.
BAE Systems is committed to the development of a long term sustainable domestic business in India, not just in manufacturing, but in design, development, systems integration, testing and support. The company firmly supports the Government of India’s objective of procuring 70 percent of defence equipment domestically. The further development of its long relationship with HAL, and the establishment of Defence Land Systems India are real examples of the company’s determination to take active steps to demonstrate its support for the Government of India and India’s defence services.
Source: BAE
Agreement for 30 Sukhoi Superjet 100, Plus 15 Options with Pearl Aircraft Corporation
July 21, 2010 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Leave a Comment
July 21, 2010. Farnborough. SuperJet International, a joint venture between Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica Company, and Sukhoi Holding, signed an agreement with Pearl Aircraft Corporation for the sale of thirty Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft, plus fifteen options. The announcement was made today at the Farnborough International Air Show by Mr. Alessandro Franzoni, Chief Executive Officer of SuperJet International, and Mr. Jan Soderberg, Chief Executive Officer of Pearl Aircraft Corporation. Pearl Aircraft was advised by Aerbiz Business Consultants.
Based on the price list, the order for the thirty aircraft is worth over $900 million U.S.dollars.
“This announcement is of particular value to SuperJet International, as Pearl Aircraft Corporation is a new competitive financial company characterized by an innovative approach to the market”, said Mr. Franzoni, CEO of SuperJet International. “This agreement with an international leasing company is a proof of the qualities of this aircraft and further enhances our position the market”.
“We are excited about the future of the SSJ100”, said Mr Soderberg, Chief Executive Officer of Pearl Aircraft Corporation. “After a detailed evaluation, we are convinced it is the best 100-seat aircraft available or proposed. Its superior economics outclass all its competitors. In addition, its low costs and superb payload-range performance will open new market opportunities for our customers, allowing them to serve routes previously not considered viable. Its Pininfarina interior is like nothing else in the sky, with more space per passenger than any other narrowbody. This aircraft marries world-leading Russian aerodynamics and structures with state-of-the art Western systems, and world-class Italian interior design, all in an environmentally friendly product”.
The Sukhoi Superjet 100 program represents the most important industrial partnership between Europe and the Russian Federation in the civil aviation sector.
Source: Sukhoi SuperJet
Boeing Delivers Final C-130 Avionics Modernization Program Test Aircraft
July 19, 2010 by Marcel van Leeuwen · 1 Comment
SAN ANTONIO, July 19, 2010 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] on June 30 delivered the last of three test aircraft for the U.S. Air Force C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) system design and development contract.
Boeing made the final delivery one week ahead of schedule after the aircraft completed a successful functional check flight on June 25. The test aircraft was flown by a joint Boeing and Air Force crew from the Boeing facility in San Antonio to Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., where it will be prepared for programmed depot maintenance. The two other C-130 AMP test aircraft are on their way to Robins Air Force Base, Ga., for programmed depot maintenance.
“C-130 AMP is now ready to transition to low-rate initial production [LRIP],” said Mahesh Reddy, C-130 AMP director for Boeing. “This is a significant development for Boeing and the Air Force, as it is the most comprehensive avionics upgrade for the C-130 in its 50 years of Air Force service.”
C-130 AMP improvements include a fully integrated, night-vision-goggle compatible, digital glass cockpit and new digital avionics that increase situational awareness and enhance safety. The AMP upgrade also brings avionics commonality to the C-130 fleet and flexibility in assigning aircrew, regardless of aircraft model. A total of 20 AMP kits will be installed during LRIP.
Source: Boeing
