Rockwell Collins successfully controls and lands wing-damaged UAV
June 15, 2008
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (June 10, 2008) – Rockwell Collins, through newly-acquired Athena Technologies, has completed a successful flight test of a significantly damaged unmanned F/A-18 subscale model air vehicle. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) sponsored the flight demonstrations held this spring at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland.
During the first flight test, nearly half of the airplane’s right wing was ejected to simulate battle damage and in-flight failure. During the second flight, almost 60 percent of the airplane’s right wing was ejected. Upon ejecting the wing section during both flights, Rockwell Collins’ Automatic Supervisory Adaptive Control (ASAC) technology reacted to the airplane’s new vehicle configuration, automatically regained baseline performance, continued to fly the plane, and then autonomously landed it using internal Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System (INS/GPS) reference only.
The flight test campaign followed a similar successful DARPA sponsored demonstration in April 2007, during which an aileron was ejected in-flight from the unmanned subscale F/A-18.
“DARPA asked us to significantly increase the level of damage and risk in this latest flight test campaign to really put the Rockwell Collins controls technology through its paces,” said Mike Myers, vice president of Business Development for Rockwell Collins Government Systems. “We are pleased with the ability of our adaptive controls to instantly detect and react to the new vehicle configuration after loss of major sections of the wing. The ASAC controls technology enabled the airplane to continue to fly completely autonomously without a hitch and land without further damage.”
Damage tolerance is an enabling capability for increasing the mission reliability of UAVs operating in hazardous and high-threat environments. The technology provides for real-time autonomous accommodation of damage, followed by an adaptation process that alters the flight control system to compensate for the effects of the damage. During the flight test, Rockwell Collins demonstrated a capability that could be applicable to all military aircraft operating in combat environments and to commercial, business and general aviation for full flight automation and backup.
“This demonstration highlights the challenge and importance of autonomously controlling and landing an airplane that has sustained catastrophic damage or failure in flight,” said Dr. David Vos, senior director of Control Technologies at Rockwell Collins. “This powerful capability can save the military the expense of lost UAVs. When applied to both manned and unmanned aircraft, damage tolerance is a key technology that can facilitate the convergence of manned and unmanned aircraft in increasingly crowded controlled airspace; but more importantly, the solution can save lives.”
Mooney Acclaims Receives Brazilian Certification
June 15, 2008
Kerrville, Texas—Mooney Airplane Company announced today that it has received certification for the Model M20TN Acclaim and Acclaim Type S from the ANAC, the Brazilian aviation certification authority. The approval clears the way for eventual certification of the Ovation in the future as well. It comes on the heels of the sale of a new Acclaim to a Brazilian customer.
“This is a significant accomplishment for Mooney,” noted Mooney CEO Dennis Ferguson. “Brazil represents a strong potential market for Mooney. It is the country with the second largest general aviation fleet in the world. We have more than 30 Mooneys currently operating there. This certification means that owners of Acclaims in Brazil can register and base their airplanes in country and will not be required to fly the aircraft out of the country every 60 days as is currently mandated for foreign-registered airplanes. We are in the process of establishing a local Mooney representative and will begin pursuing the approval of the Ovation very soon,” he added.
The Brazilian certification, which was officially granted on March 20, entailed a visit to Kerrville by ANAC representatives who conducted a full records review that including aircraft production and engineering data. A follow-up visit to Brazil by Mooney officials along with the publication of the Pilot’s Operating Handbook and all appropriate placards in Portuguese followed. The regulation also specifies that the airplanes be equipped with a single ADF and must have a flashlight included in the owners’ accessory pack.
“We are continuing to experience significant interest in Mooney airplanes from international customers,” Ferguson noted. “We recently concluded a very successful tour of Australia where a number of strong prospects were identified,” he added.
Historia y conocimiento-¿Quién posee el record del vuelo más largo?
June 13, 2008
¿Quién voló el avión con el record de permanencia en el aire? ¿Fue un planeador, un avión de la I ó II Guerra Mundial, o de esta década? ¿Acaso despegó del puerto espacial Mojave? ¿Por cuanto tiempo estuvo volando?
Muestra tu conocimiento de Historia de la Aviación y se el primero en contestar esta pregunta. Clave: fue un aeroplano biplaza.
GOL é Posicionada em Segundo Lugar em Estudo sobre Governança Corporativa na América Latina
June 13, 2008
GOL é a única companhia aérea no ranking de consultoria espanhola
São Paulo, 12 de junho de 2008 – A GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes
S.A. (Bovespa: GOLL4 e NYSE: GOL), controladora das companhias aéreas
brasileiras GOL Transportes Aéreos S.A. e VRG Linhas Aéreas S.A.,
anuncia que foi posicionada em segundo lugar entre empresas
não-financeiras em estudo sobre governança corporativa na América
Latina (“The Best Governed Major Latin Corporations 2008”), conduzido
pela consultoria espanhola de sustentabilidade Management &
Excellence (M&E). Segundo o estudo, realizado em parceria com a
revista LatinFinance, a GOL emprega 90,2% dos requisitos de boas
práticas analisados, em comparação à média de 62,34% alcançada pelas
50 empresas avaliadas. A GOL figura como a única empresa do setor de
aviação comercial no relatório da M&E.
O estudo analisou o desempenho dos programas de governança
corporativa das companhias ante 41 padrões de governança corporativa
aceitos e utilizados mundialmente por investidores institucionais e
privados. O relatório atesta a grande ênfase dada ao assunto no
mercado brasileiro, já que 18 das 25 primeiras empresas que figuraram
no ranking são sediadas no Brasil.
“O reconhecimento por termos um dos melhores programas de governança
corporativa entre todas as empresas latino-americanas é prova de que
a Companhia permanece comprometida com a transparência e a igualdade
entre todos os acionistas e públicos”, afirma Constantino de Oliveira
Júnior, CEO da GOLA.
Listada na Bovespa e na NYSE desde 2004, a GOL é reconhecida como uma
empresa focada na manutenção de altos padrões de governança
corporativa. O comitê de governança corporativa da Companhia monitora
os procedimentos internos e faz recomendações ao Conselho de
Administração a respeito das melhores práticas nas indústrias de
aviação brasileira e global.
U.S. Airline Industry Headed Toward ‘Catastrophe’ at Current Oil Prices
June 13, 2008
Several Airlines Likely to Fail; Affordable, Frequent Air Travel and Jobs
at Risk
WASHINGTON and RADNOR, Pa., June 13 /PRNewswire/ — At current oil
prices, several large and small U.S. airlines will default on their
obligations to creditors beginning at the end of 2008 and early 2009,
according to a study issued today by AirlineForecasts, LLC and the Business
Travel Coalition. The study shows that $130/barrel oil prices will increase
yearly airline costs by $30 billion, while airlines will be able to
generate only $4 billion in fare increases and incremental fees. The
implication of this alarming trend is that several large and small airlines
will ultimately end up in bankruptcy, and of those, some will be forced to
liquidate.
“If oil prices stay anywhere near $130/barrel, all major legacy
airlines will be in default on various debt covenants by the end of 2008 or
early 2009,” the study conducted by AirlineForecasts for BTC states. “U.S.
commercial aviation is in full blown crisis and heading toward a
catastrophe.”
“Airlines are the primary source of inter-city transportation, critical
to national and local economic development, the flow of human capital,
movement of just-in-time parts for manufacturing, perishable food and other
goods critical to our economy,” the study says. “With airlines gravely
threatened, so is our economic well-being.”
Findings:
— The top 10 U.S. airlines will spend almost $25 billion in higher fuel
costs this year over last year when jet fuel averaged $2.11 per gallon.
Fuel hedge benefits could offset $5 to $6 billion of the increased fuel
costs.
— Earnings for the group, when one-time reorganization charges are
removed, were less than $4 billion in 2007, the only year of
profitability this decade. The group could lose as much as $9 billion
over the next 12 months if the current range of oil prices holds.
— Industry fares will have to increase at least 20% — across the board
and on average — just to cover the dramatic gap-up in fuel costs from
2007. This is not possible given the level of uneconomic seat capacity
in the system today.
— The upshot of higher fares is less traffic, and given a reasonable
estimate of price elasticity, the industry will eventually be forced to
shrink its seat capacity by 15% to 20%. However, there is no guarantee
that a transition to a smaller, more expensive (for the consumer)
airline industry would be successful and sustainable.
— Airlines have the ability to raise some cash, and moreover, suppliers
such as aircraft manufacturers, leasing companies and travel management
companies will have an incentive to support large airlines that provide
a stream of value. Nevertheless, without a swift reduction in the price
of fuel, the industry is headed toward a massive failure that will
result in more bankruptcies, including liquidations.
“The U.S. airlines, and those who depend on them, are watching with
growing alarm as their cash reserves fall precipitously toward zero as the
price of oil, already at unsustainable levels, continuously spikes into
uncharted territory,” the study says. “These airlines have never faced a
darker future.”
“Brand name legacy carriers that we and American communities from coast
to coast have depended upon for decades to provide us with affordable,
frequent air service are running out of cash, and therefore, toward a date
with bankruptcy and liquidation,” the report warns.
“Airlines can attempt to radically shrink the industry,” the study
states. “But given the competitive situation they face, it’s highly
unlikely that they will have the ability to reduce capacity to levels that
will allow all of them to survive. Instead, absent direct policy
intervention, the likelihood is several airlines will fail.”
“Stabilizing this ailing industry must become a national policy
priority,” the report states. “Many Members of Congress, federal regulatory
officials, state legislators and Governors have yet to fully appreciate the
devastating impact an oil-crippled airline industry will wreak on our
culture and our national and local economies.”
SOURCE Business Travel Coalition
Mechtronix Unveils First A320 FFS X(TM) For IFTC & TACA Airlines
June 13, 2008
Mechtronix Next Generation Full Motion Simulation Technology for A320 is
displayed at launch ceremony in Montreal
MONTREAL, June 13 /PRNewswire/ – Mechtronix Systems Inc. (MSI), the
fastest growing leading provider of flight training equipment in the world,
today officially announced the unveiling of a new generation A320 FFS
X(TM). The unit was available for trial by customers, the aviation
community and the press during the June 11th ceremony. The high fidelity
A320 FFS X(TM) is the second of several built from Mechtronix for IFTC, the
training arm of Gozen Group, TACA airlines and soon to be divulged
customers. Mechtronix event marks the first official deployment of a true
replication technology for an A320 training device after years of
collaboration with the aircraft manufacturer and related OEM’s.
The new design approach is derived from Mechtronix’ extensive
conversion of Airbus data and the exclusive use of OEM software to
reproduce a flexible world class A320 training environment that replaces
standard designs that have always relied on traditionally expensive
avionics hardware platforms. The A320 FFS X(TM) training device will now be
maintained by training centers and airlines like IFTC and TACA using a more
cost-effective software generated environment with the highest of
reliability. It will enable growing airlines like these to lower pilot
training costs, keep pilots on the line and “train@home(TM)”, thus
increasing safety by providing more time for them to conduct recurrent and
continuous training.
As of the unveiling event, IFTC has already achieved a successful In
Plant Acceptance (IPA) on its Mechtronix A320 FFS X(TM) and is being
installed at its Istanbul facility for a JAA Level D qualification. “We
look at our acceptance and the unveiling of the Mechtronix A320 FFS X(TM)
technology as the culmination of a successful collaboration with Mechtronix
that uniquely registered our prospective needs to provide us with world
class flight simulation for our new facilities and business model”, said
Mekin Gozen, President & CEO of the IFTC. “We greatly appreciate the
opportunity to be one of the leaders in the development and deployment of
this ground breaking technology.”
TACA’s A320 FFS X(TM) is currently undergoing IPA and will be installed
at its El Salvador facility in the autumn, for Level D qualification from
the FAA. “We see the pending deployment of the Mechtronix A320 FFS X(TM)
technology at our home facility as a direct investment effort towards our
flight crews’ training and expertise, being able to conveniently keep our
training at our base of operations. The availability of this world class
simulation presents a distinct competitive advantage for the airline”, said
Roberto Kriete, TACA’s Chairman and CEO. “Working with Mechtronix in the
development process also as a partner has been rewarding and we look
forward to our joint efforts paying off with the approval and deployment of
the unit in TACA’s new training center in El Salvador.”
“We are very pleased to finally unveil the latest technology in the
A320 simulation market and appreciate the collaborative support we have
received from the OEM, our customers and the other people who supported
this initiative”, said Mechtronix President Xavier Herve. “With these
Airbus sales and new collaborations, Mechtronix continues to show its
leadership not only in design, but in working closely with OEMs and clients
to recognize their unique needs in a dynamic world market that demands
excellence. It is a true credit to our employees from top to bottom that we
can finally introduce the next generation of technology in the Airbus
market and expand our growing global share of the market place even more.”
About the Mechtronix A320 FFS X(TM)
The new A320 FFS X(TM) features a rich high fidelity A320 environment
for pilots training at all levels from B to D. Its visual cue feature
offers options for HDTV-resolution projectors with front or back
resolution, state-of-the-art image generators and collimated minimum 40″ x
180″ or more Field Of View visual display system. Upgrades for the
different levels of qualification on the A320 FFS X(TM) can be made by
software enhancements without the need to purchase new avionics boxes to
make the changes. A Non Zero Flight Time(TM) or Level B FFS X(TM) A320 will
provide the needed training capability for all recurrent & checking
training needs. A Level C FFS X(TM) A320 will provide all recurrent level
training, initial and transition type rating. The Zero Flight Time(TM) or
Level D FFS X(TM) will meet all training pilot training needs at all
levels. The Mechtronix A320 FFS X(TM) also includes cockpit layout and
structure, ground handling, A/C Systems, flight controls, forces, Sound
Cue, navigation, weather and air Traffic Control. The Mechtronix A320 FFS
X(TM) can stand alone in a building and features a 36- or 60-inch stroke
motion base electrical or hydraulic 6 DOF.
About International Flight Training Center (IFTC)
IFTC was established in 2007 as the training arm of the Gozen Group.
Based in Istanbul, Turkey IFTC is a fully approved Type Rating Training
Organization (TRTO) specializing in providing flight crew training services
for A320 and B737-NG. High quality training courses are delivered by an
experienced team of instructors and examiners and can be tailored to meet
specific aircraft or operational requirements for all operators in the
region. The Gozen Group, founded back in 1979 by Mekin Gozen and Mete
Bozyigit, has been operating as Supervision & Representation Company, in
accordance with the regulation of the International Air Transport
Association (IATA) supplying ground services to more than 85 companies in
the field of representation, fuel, supervision, brokerage and security. The
company is fully licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Turkey and all
relevant government authorities. The headquarters are located in Istanbul
with offices at every major international airport through Turkey; Adana,
Ankara, Antalya, Dalaman, Bodrum & Izmir.
About TACA Airlines
TACA is a leading Latin American airline that integrates Central
America with the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and South
America; serving its customers with 35 Airbus aircrafts. TACA’s flight
safety has been internationally recognized and certified. A single vision
guides more than 5,500 employees, operating 135 daily flights, an average
12 hours of flight a day per aircraft, offering a world class service with
Latin taste. During 2007 the airline served 4 million passengers and
reached a sales volume of approximately US$938 million. More information on
TACA and its services can be found at http://www.taca.com.
About Mechtronix Systems Inc. (MSI)
Headquartered in the Montreal aviation hub, Mechtronix Systems Inc.
(http://www.mechtronix.ca) is the fastest growing designer and manufacturer of
flight simulators. Backed by Canada’s largest institutional investor,
Mechtronix ranks in the top-3 of the global flight simulator market, with a
presence in America, Europe and Asia. Through 20 years of passion and
dedication, Mechtronix has developed a unique expertise and proved
extensively its vision and leadership for flight training. Worldwide
customers include major training organizations such as CAFUC (China), JAL
training center (California), KLM Flight Academy (Holland), University of
North Dakota (USA) and the University of Zilina (Slovakia). It offers a
full range of products from full flight simulators to flight training
devices setting new industry standards for higher fidelity, reliability,
cost efficiency and safety. Recent additions include glass simulation
training devices designed for technically advanced aircraft (TAA).
SOURCE MECHTRONIX SYSTEMS
GOL Ranked Second in Latin American Corporate Governance Study
June 13, 2008
GOL is the only airline ranked in study by Spanish consulting group
SAO PAULO, Brazil, June 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — GOL Linhas Aereas
Inteligentes S.A. (NYSE: GOL and Bovespa: GOLL4), the parent company of
Brazilian airlines GOL Transportes Aereos S.A. and VRG Linhas Aereas S.A.,
announces that the Company was ranked second among non-bank companies in a
Latin American corporate governance study (“The Best Governed Major Latin
Corporations 2008”), conducted by Spanish sustainability consulting group
Management & Excellence (M&E). According to the study, conducted in
partnership with LatinFinance magazine, GOL employs 90.2% of the required
positive corporate governance practices included in the analysis, compared
to an average score of 62.34% by the 50 companies included in the research.
GOL is the only airline named in the M&E report.
The study analyzed how companies’ corporate governance programs perform
against 41 accepted standards of corporate governance used worldwide by
both institutional and private investors. The report speaks to the
Brazilian market’s strong emphasis on corporate governance, as 18 of the
first 25 companies are based in Brazil.
“Recognition as having one of the best corporate governance programs
among all Latin American companies is proof that the Company remains
committed to transparency and equality among all shareholders and the
public,” says Constantino de Oliveira Junior, GOL Linhas Aereas
Inteligentes’ CEO.
Listed on the Bovespa and New York Stock Exchange since 2004, GOL is
recognized as a company focused on maintaining high standards of corporate
governance. The Company’s corporate governance committee is charged with
monitoring the company’s internal procedures and advising the Board of
Directors on “best practices” in both the Brazilian and global aviation
industries.
Northrop Grumman KC-45: Why We Won – Superior Air Refueling for our men and women in uniform.
June 13, 2008
Highlighting reasons the U.S. Air Force selected the KC-45 Tanker as best
for our men and women in uniform.
WASHINGTON, June 12 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Air Force found Northrop
Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) bid to build the next generation of
aerial refueling tankers superior to Boeing’s in four of the five most
important selection criteria. Despite this fact, the losing bidder wants
the Government Accountability Office to overturn the Air Force decision to
award the contract to Northrop Grumman even though the Air Force conducted
what even Boeing described as a fair, open and transparent bidding process.
Here is another reason Northrop Grumman won, drawn from a list of facts
included in a redacted version of a protected Air Force selection document.
Fuel Offload
When it published its Request For Proposal (RFP) for America’s next
generation of aerial refueling tankers, the Air Force clearly stated it was
placing a priority on superior refueling capacity, the number-one mission
for a tanker, even as it sought an aircraft more versatile than the one it
was replacing. In the document in which it explained to both companies why
Northrop Grumman’s bid was superior, the Air Force concluded that Northrop
Grumman was better able to transfer fuel to other aircraft — and receive
fuel from other tankers — than Boeing, earning Northrop Grumman a clear
win in this vital evaluation category.
Northrop Grumman “provides better fuel offload at all distances from
bases,” the document noted. “Benefit: A single [Northrop Grumman tanker]
can refuel more receivers and/or provide more fuel per receiver than”
Boeing’s aircraft.
The reason for this is that Boeing’s proposed aircraft would be smaller
and would be able to carry less fuel than Northrop Grumman’s. Boeing’s
smaller, less-flexible proposed aircraft left it behind Northrop Grumman in
a variety of categories.
“Northrop Grumman offered a superior fuel offload and receive rate …
compared to Boeing’s,” the document notes.
The Air Force also made clear that it found Northrop Grumman’s fuel
offload capability to be more efficient than Boeing’s.
“The [Northrop Grumman aircraft] also provides more pounds of fuel
offload per pound of fuel used compared to the [proposed Boeing aircraft]
at all ranges.”
In its written summary, the Air Force said Northrop Grumman’s “Aerial
refueling capability was compelling” to its decision. “Northrop Grumman’s
offer was a superior solution to the air refueling requirement, which is a
key performance parameter.”
About the KC-45
The KC-45 Tanker aircraft will be assembled in Mobile, Ala., and the
KC-45 team will employ 48,000 American workers at 230 U.S. companies in 49
states. It will be built by a world-class industrial team led by Northrop
Grumman, and includes EADS North America, General Electric Aviation and
Sargent Fletcher.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company
whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions
in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to
government and commercial customers worldwide.
SOURCE Northrop Grumman Corporation
Southwest Airlines to Save Millions in Fuel Costs and Significantly Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions with Pratt & Whitney EcoPower(R) Engine Wash Services
June 13, 2008
EAST HARTFORD, Conn., June 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Southwest
Airlines signed a multi-year agreement to use the patented, environmentally
friendly EcoPower(R) engine wash system offered by Pratt & Whitney Global
Service Partners. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:
UTX) company.
Southwest Airlines, the world’s largest operator of CFM56-7B engines,
will use EcoPower(R) to save more than $20 million at today’s prices in
fuel costs annually and eliminate 135 million pounds of carbon dioxide
emissions each year. Southwest is performing regular washes at airports in
Orlando and Oakland, where Pratt & Whitney has established new service
centers.
“We’ve seen amazing growth in our EcoPower(R) business as the result of
sharply rising fuel costs, increasing environmental focus and proven
success of our patented engine wash system,” said Jim Keenan, senior vice
president and general manager, Global Service Partners. “Southwest Airlines
continues to take steps to be a leader in environmental stewardship, and
adding EcoPower(R) to its strategy is good for the environment and the
bottom line.”
EcoPower(R) uses a closed-loop system with atomized water to wash
aircraft engines, thus avoiding potential contaminant runoff. The patented
system is more effective and much faster than traditional engine washing
processes and extends time on-wing for operators of Pratt & Whitney,
International Aero Engines, General Electric, Rolls-Royce and CFMI engines.
“Southwest is the most efficient airline in the world, and we continue
to look for ways to maximize that efficiency,” said Jim Sokol, Vice
President of Maintenance & Engineering for Southwest AIRLINES. “We are
extremely pleased with the results we’ve seen since beginning regular
washes in April with Pratt & Whitney’s EcoPower(R) Engine Wash System. The
fuel savings and emission reductions have exceeded expectations.”
Boeing Receives Satellite Industry Leadership Award
June 13, 2008
ST. LOUIS, June 12, 2008 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that it received the Satellite Industry Leadership Award on Wednesday at the 2008 International Satellite and Communications exchange (ISCe) in San Diego, Calif.
“More than 2,500 years of cumulative on-orbit service demonstrates that, for more than four decades, Boeing continues to design and deliver superior satellites,” said David Bross, ISCe conference chairman. “Boeing was selected by the distinguished members of the ISCe Advisory Board based on the company’s consistent and significant leadership in the advancement of the satellite and communications sector.”
Boeing Satellite Systems International President Stephen T. O’Neill accepted the award on Boeing’s behalf.
ISCe is the premier West Coast satellite and communications event. It highlights satellite-based services, technologies and solutions for the commercial, civil and military industries. Past winners of the Leadership Award are DIRECTV Inc. (2002), News Corp. (2003), U.S. Strategic Command (2004), SES Global (2005), JSAT Corp. (2006) and Intelsat General Corp. (2007).
Boeing is competing for the Transformational Satellite Communications System program for the U.S. Air Force and for the next-generation Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites, known as the GOES R series, for NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The company is committed to program execution and quality on commercial, civil and military satellite systems.
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