IBEX Spacecraft Heads West, Takes Major Step Toward Launch
July 25, 2008
GREENBELT, Md., July 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — NASA’s Interstellar
Boundary Explorer (IBEX) spacecraft, designed to image global interactions
at the outer reaches of the solar system, today began its move to
Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), Calif.
The IBEX spacecraft was loaded into a truck at Orbital Sciences
Corporation, Va., where engineers integrated the science payload with the
spacecraft and completed numerous tests to ensure optimum performance
during the launch and operational phases of the mission.
“This is a huge milestone for the IBEX mission. It’s great to have our
spacecraft making its road trip west,” said Dr. David McComas, IBEX
principal investigator and senior executive director of the Space Science
and Engineering Division at Southwest Research Institute. “At Vandenberg,
IBEX will undergo some final testing, fueling, and spin balancing prior to
being mated to a Pegasus launch vehicle.”
IBEX will move once more before its scheduled October 5 launch. In late
September, the spacecraft will be transported to a facility on Kwajalein
Island, a part of the Marshall Islands, roughly equidistant between Hawaii,
Japan and Australia. There it will undergo final preparations for its
unique launch. An L-1011 aircraft is set to carry IBEX and the Pegasus
rocket out over the South Pacific, fly toward the east, and drop it.
Shortly after drop, the rocket will ignite and carry IBEX up to about 130
miles above Earth, spin it up to 60 RPM, and release it.
“This move to VAFB begins the final sequence of ground processing for
the IBEX mission,” said Greg Frazier, IBEX Mission Manager. “We are all
looking forward to completing the ground processing, integrating with the
Pegasus launch vehicle and having a successful launch.”
Using a concept never before attempted, the IBEX team integrated its
own additional solid rocket motor and internal propulsion system to
transport the spacecraft all the way up to its final high-altitude orbit
(about 200,000 miles high) — most of the way to the Moon. This
groundbreaking, relatively inexpensive launch method holds great promise
for delivering future small government and commercial spacecraft to
high-altitude orbits.
During its science investigation, IBEX will use a pair of energetic
neutral atom “cameras” to image interactions between the million
mile-per-hour solar wind continually blown out by the Sun and the
low-density material between the stars, known as the interstellar medium —
interactions never before imaged. The spacecraft begins imaging the edge of
the solar system within a couple of weeks after it reaches final orbit.
Every six months, the spacecraft will complete an all-sky map of the
interstellar boundaries, expected to reveal much about our home in the
galaxy.
“The IBEX mission will provide a much deeper understanding of the Sun’s
interaction with the galaxy and will also address a serious challenge
facing manned exploration by studying the region that shields us from the
majority of galactic cosmic ray radiation,” said McComas.
IBEX is the next in NASA’s series of low-cost, rapidly developed Small
Explorers spacecraft. The IBEX mission was developed by Southwest Research
Institute with a national and international team of partners. NASA’s
Goddard Space Flight Center manages the Explorers Program for the Science
Mission Directorate.
For more information about the IBEX mission, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/ibex or http://ibex.swri.org
Raytheon Network Centric Systems Names Green Vice President for Joint Operations and Integration
July 25, 2008
MCKINNEY, Texas, July 25, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon Company’s
(NYSE: RTN) Network Centric Systems has named Stanley E. Green vice
president for joint operations and integration.
Stanley E. Green has been named vice president for joint operations and integration for Raytheon Network Centric Systems. (PRNewsFoto/Raytheon Company)
Green will be responsible for the full range of transformation and
business initiatives involving the Joint Chiefs of Staff, joint operations,
Joint Forces Command, and the military component commands in the Tidewater,
Va., area. He will be based at NCS headquarters in McKinney.
“Stan Green brings a wealth of expertise to our business development
team,” said Jack Costello, NCS vice president for business development and
strategic planning. “His experience in uniform, in war and peace, and with
the government interagency process makes him a perfect fit for this
position, and we look forward to his contribution as the head of our joint
operations efforts.”
Green joins Raytheon after more than 37 years in the Army from which he
retired in the rank of lieutenant general. In his most recent assignment,
he served as the Inspector General of the Army — one of the most carefully
chosen positions in the service — where he was responsible for monitoring,
inspecting and periodically reporting on various aspects of discipline,
efficiency, morale, training, and readiness in the Army. In that capacity,
he reported directly to the secretary of the Army and the chief of staff of
the Army.
His military and leadership experience also includes numerous senior
staff positions, both in the Army and at the Joint level. He distinguished
himself as the chief of staff of the Eighth U.S. Army, U.S. Forces, Korea,
where he regularly worked with the United Nations and the Department of
State. He was the deputy chief of staff for doctrine at the Army’s Training
and Doctrine Command where he was responsible for developing and
distributing Army warfighting doctrine, and where he was instrumental in
developing initial doctrine for the Army’s Future Combat System. He also
served as the deputy Inspector General of the Army, and as the commanding
general of the United States Army Air Defense Artillery Center and Fort
Bliss, Texas, where he was responsible for the Army’s air defense branch.
Green has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University
of Texas, El Paso, and master’s degrees in management from Webster
University and in Strategic Studies from the National War College.
Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology
leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government
markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 86
years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems
integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and
command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a
broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham,
Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.
Raytheon Demonstrates Third Generation Infrared Technology
July 25, 2008
McKINNEY, Texas, July 25, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon Company (NYSE:
RTN) demonstrated its third generation infrared sensor technology to the
Army last month at the Network Centric Systems production facility in
McKinney.
The demonstration illustrated both the technical maturity of the third
generation IR sensor and its ease of application in existing sensors. The
assembly was integrated in a company-owned medium-range electro-optical
infrared sensor module for the demonstration.
NCS’ Raytheon Vision Systems, based in Goleta, Calif., developed the
third generation IR module under a research and development contract with
the Army’s Night Vision & Electronics Systems Directorate. The system is
described as a staring, two-color, mediumwave infrared (MWIR) and longwave
infrared (LWIR). It provides warfighters with the long-range observation
capability typically associated with the MWIR and the robust battlefield
obscurant penetration of the LWIR. It can also provide the Aided Target
Recognition system with improved target and clutter discrimination
capability.
Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology
leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government
markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 86
years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems
integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and
command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a
broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham,
Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.
Pilatus PC-12 Fleet exceeds 2 Million Hours
July 25, 2008
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd is proud to announce that the PC-12 fleet has now surpassed the important milestone of 2 million flight hours. Operators worldwide have come to rely on the aircraft’s distinctive efficiency, performance and thorough reliability. Introduced in 1994, the PC-12 fleet continues to grow through recognition of its excellent abilities and outstanding utility. Today the global fleet numbers in excess of 800 aircraft.
Speaking from Pilatus headquarters in Stans, Switzerland, Ignaz Gretener, Vice President of General Aviation at Pilatus Aircraft Ltd commented: “As fleet hours continue to grow quickly, Pilatus recognizes the significant value of this operational experience. Our customers provide us with excellent feedback from their extensive experience which in turn assists us in our continuous improvement philosophy.”
Since original certification, the PC-12 has continued to evolve while taking advantage of emerging technology and manufacturing techniques. Today, the latest version from Stans, Switzerland is known as the PC 12 NG. The updated aircraft is already proving itself in the field and there is no doubt that its sophisticated monitoring systems will only strengthen Pilatus’ considerable knowledge base.
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd was founded in 1939 and is currently world market leader in the manufacture and sale of single-engine turboprop aircraft. It is the only Swiss company that develops and produces private and training aircraft. At the headquarters in Stans, Switzerland, Pilatus is licensed to maintain and perform upgrades on a variety of aircraft. This service is complemented by three independent subsidiaries in Altenrhein (Switzerland), in Broomfield (Colorado, USA) and Adelaide (Australia). With over 1200 employees at its headquarters, Pilatus is one of the largest employers in Central Switzerland.
Pilatus announces additional Certifications for the PC-12 NG
July 25, 2008
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd is pleased to announce the receipt of additional
country certifications for the PC-12 NG. Approvals by TC (Transport
Canada), CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Australia) and SACAA
(South African Civil Aviation Authority) signal the commencement of
PC-12 NG deliveries to these countries. In March of 2008 Pilatus
received both EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) and FAA (Federal
Aviation Administration) certification, proving that the PC-12 NG was
ready to build upon the important legacy of its predecessor. It is
expected that numerous other country approvals will follow shortly.
Speaking from Pilatus headquarters in Stans, Switzerland, Oscar J.
Schwenk, President of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd commented: “We are delighted
that these certifications were achieved in a timely manner and they are a
testament to the vigorous pursuit of excellence for which Pilatus has
become well known. The PC-12 is fundamentally one of the greatest
aircraft ever built and we are proud that aviation authorities around the
world recognise this through their certification processes.”
Featuring a number of significant improvements over its predecessor,
including a fully integrated Honeywell Primus Apex avionics system, a
completely new cockpit designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA, and a
more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine, the PC-12 NG once
again sets the benchmark in this important market sector. As aircraft
owners and operators strive to operate as competitively as possible, the
PC-12’s versatility and low direct operating costs are more relevant than
ever before. These certifications allow more customers to seriously
consider the benefits of the PC-12 NG.
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd was founded in 1939 and is currently the world
market leader in the manufacture and sale of single-engine turboprop
aircraft. It is the only Swiss company that develops and produces private
and training aircraft. At the headquarters in Stans, Switzerland, Pilatus is
licensed to maintain and perform upgrades on a variety of aircraft. This
service is complemented by three independent subsidiaries in Altenrhein
(Switzerland), in Broomfield (Colorado, USA) and Adelaide (Australia).
With over 1200 employees at its headquarters, Pilatus is one of the
largest employers in Central Switzerland.
Embraer and JetBird Confirm Three More Phenom 100 Jets
July 25, 2008
Dublin-based air taxi operator increases its firm order backlog for this aircraft to 53
São José dos Campos, July 25, 2008 – Embraer and JetBird confirmed three options for the
Phenom 100 jet, by JetBird, increasing the airline’s firm order backlog to 53 of this model.
The Irish company placed an initial order for 50 Phenom 100 jets, in May 2006, with options
for another 50 jets. The first delivery is expected for 2009.
“We are glad to see the steady progress that JetBird, our largest European customer, has been
making towards its start of operations in 2009,” said Luís Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive
Vice President, Executive Jets. “JetBird’s decision to begin exercising its purchase options
further sanctions our belief that the Phenom 100 is the best solution in its category.”
“We are delighted to begin confirming our option aircraft in accordance with the targets set
in our original business plan,” said Stefan Vilner, CEO of JetBird. “Our decision reflects the
confidence we have in the Phenom 100, as the best aircraft in its class, delivering high
utilization and efficiency, combined with state-of-the-art technology and the premium comfort
of a private jet.”
The Phenom 100 offers premium comfort in an ample cabin. Its award-winning interior,
designed in partnership with BMW Group DesignworksUSA, can include an aft lavatory,
with an optional partition door, a refreshment center, and satellite communication for greater
passenger convenience. Born out of Embraer’s heritage of developing aircraft for high
utilization and simple maintenance, the Phenom 100 entry-level executive jet is ideal for even
the most demanding operations, meeting both individual and to charter provider expectations.
About JetBird
Upon commencing operations in 2009, JetBird will become Europe’s premier private jet airline,
offering a personal flight experience at up to 50% less than current branded operators.
Headquartered in Ireland, JetBird will operate a fleet of best-in-class Embraer Phenom aircraft
based at a number of centers around Europe, and will transform European air travel by offering
on-demand charter service at a price that gives true value for the money spent. JetBird will
provide direct and affordable transportation to individuals and companies, and will vastly
improve the current time, expense and inconvenience of today’s commercial airline offerings.
July 2007, and the jet is currently fulfilling the flight test certification campaign, in order to enter service in the second half of 2008.
Security Screenings Get Easier – and Faster – with the Checkpoint Friendly(TM) Laptop Bag
July 25, 2008
Aerovation(R) Products’ latest innovation eliminates requirement of
removing laptops from bags when going through airport security checkpoints
TIPP CITY, Ohio, July 25 /PRNewswire/ — Considering today’s stricter
safety measures and that more than a quarter of travelers carry a laptop,
the security process of removing laptops from laptop bags has become a
time-consuming, albeit necessary, requirement. Thanks to the Checkpoint
Friendly(TM) Laptop Bag, a patent-pending product that was recently tested
by the Transit Security Administration (TSA), travel can now be easier —
and faster — for all.
Developed in response to TSA’s industry-wide call for easy-to-screen
laptop bags, the Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bag is the latest solution by
Aerovation(R) Products (http://www.aerovation.com), a company dedicated to
creating smart accessories for the travel and aviation industries.
Officially debuting to consumers worldwide, the Checkpoint Friendly(TM)
Laptop Bag is designed to allow travelers to keep their laptops safely in
their bags.
“Aerovation(R) Products has been working since early March to design,
test and develop this exciting new item,” says Ben Bosma, Aerovation(R)
Products’ general manager. “We chose to wait for the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) to release its findings on the testing
program it ran during May and June of this year. Happily, our bag, which
was included in these trials, worked as advertised.”
The Checkpoint Friendly(TM) Laptop Bag functions by holding the laptop
in a compartment separate from accessories and other items. It easily peels
open for placement on the X-ray screening belt. Once that’s done, the bag
quickly folds shut. Differing from other designs, the Checkpoint
Friendly(TM) Laptop Bag uses a patent-pending, top-hinge method of opening
and closing. This returns the bag to its carrying configuration simply by
picking it up from the belt. There are no snaps, buckles or zippers to
reconnect the compartments. The compartments cling to each other
automatically.
“Another key difference is we’ve put 100 percent of our effort into the
bag’s X-ray permeability,” Bosma says. “The materials, padding, zippers,
and each component’s location have been determined to ensure the X-ray has
a clear and unobstructed path from emitter to sensor. We built this bag to
provide the best chance of not having the screening experience interrupted
by a bag check.”
Currently available in black, the Checkpoint Friendly(TM) Laptop Bag is
offered in two sizes: 15.4 inches and 17 inches. Leather and faux-leather
styles will be coming soon.
View a demonstration video of the Checkpoint Friendly(TM) Laptop Bag here:
About Aerovation(R) Products, LLC
Aerovation(R) Products provides unique, innovative specialty
accessories for the aviation and travel industries. Creator of the original
Pilot’s Hat(TM), a comfortable, functional hat that’s worn underneath a
pilot’s headset, Aerovation(R) Products has recently expanded its product
line to include the patent-pending, TSA-tested Checkpoint Friendly(TM)
Laptop Bag. Both products are available at http://www.aerovation.com.
Note: TSA reserves the right to require secondary screening for any
laptop bag, including the Checkpoint Friendly(TM) Laptop Bag.
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico Reports on the Announcement of Aerocalifornia’s Suspension
July 25, 2008
GUADALAJARA, Mexico, July 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Grupo
Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: PAC; BMV: GAP) (the
“Company” or “GAP”) today made an announcement to the market regarding
Aerocalifornia’s operations at GAP’s airports, per the announcement issued
by the Mexican Ministry of Communications and Transportation (Secretaria de
Comunicaciones y Transportes) regarding the suspension of Express Jet and
Aerocalifornia within Mexican air space due to alleged non-payment for
rights to use national air space. The Company is unable to determine how
long these suspensions will last, and the impact on GAP will depend on
their length.
It is important to note that at the close of June 2008, Aerocalifornia
represented 6.1% of GAP’s total traffic.
Aerocalifornia currently has operations in five of the Company’s 12
airports (Guadalajara, Hermosillo, La Paz, Los Mochis and Tijuana),
representing over 40% of total traffic in the La Paz and Los Mochis
airports, which in terms of size, are the seventh and eleventh airports,
respectively.
During the month of June, Aerocalifornia had 230 departures at the
Company’s airports. Aerocalifornia’s only exclusive routes were Los Mochis
— Ciudad Obregon (4 weekly outbound frequencies) and Tijuana — Tepic (one
weekly outbound frequency), representing less than 7% of Aerocalifornia’s
total operations with GAP.
Regarding Express Jet’s suspension, the Company estimates that its
impact will be minimal since that company is not a direct client of GAP but
rather offers services to Delta and Continental. According to an
announcement by Continental Airlines, its flights in Mexico will not be
affected by Express Jet’s suspension.
This report may contain projections or other forward-looking statements
related to GAP that involve risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned
that these statements are only projections of future events based on
assumptions and estimates GAP believes to be reasonable, but these
projections may differ materially from actual future results or events.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely
include, but are not limited to: changes in general economic, business or
political or other conditions in Mexico, changes in general economic,
business or political or other conditions in the United States or changes
in general economic or business conditions in Latin America, the price of
fuel, inflation rates, exchange rates, regulatory developments, customer
demand and competition, changes in the performance or terms of our
concessions, developments in legal proceedings, changes in capital markets
in general that may affect policies or attitudes towards lending to Mexico
or Mexican companies, increased costs, unanticipated increases in financing
and other costs or the inability to obtain additional debt or equity
financing on attractive terms. Readers are referred to the documents filed
by GAP with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission,
specifically the most recent filing on Form 20-F which identifies important
risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained
in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based
on information available to GAP on the date hereof, and GAP assumes no
obligation to update such statements.
Company Description:
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V. (GAP) operates twelve
airports throughout Mexico’s Pacific region, including the major cities of
Guadalajara and Tijuana, the four tourist destinations of Puerto Vallarta,
Los Cabos, La Paz and Manzanillo; and six other mid-sized cities:
Hermosillo, Guanajuato, Morelia, Aguascalientes, Mexicali and Los Mochis.
In February 2006, GAP’s shares were listed on the New York Stock Exchange
under the ticker symbol “PAC” and on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the
ticker symbol “GAP”.
For further information please visit: http://www.aeropuertosgap.com.mx.
SOURCE Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V.
Air Transport Association Responds to House Vote Not to Release Strategic Petroleum Reserve
July 25, 2008
WASHINGTON, July 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Air Transport
Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the U.S.
airlines, today issued the following statement in response to the House
decision not to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR):
“We are disappointed with the outcome of the House vote. A staggered
release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve would have both short-
and long-term impact on reducing the price of oil,” said ATA President and
CEO James C. May. “We sincerely hope that Congress will put aside its
partisan differences and agree on a comprehensive package before recessing
for the summer.”
May added that the package should include a three-pronged approach:
stop excessive speculation in the oil commodities markets, remain focused
on environmentally sound supply-side solutions, and immediately begin
releasing 10 percent of the SPR. “Congress must act now,” said May.
ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent
of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For additional information
about the industry, visit http://www.airlines.org. To tell your member of
Congress that you demand action now to stop excessive oil speculation,
visit http://www.StopOilSpeculationNow.com.
Ultimate Jetcharters Adds 11th Dornier 328 Jet to its Growing Fleet
July 25, 2008
NORTH CANTON, Ohio, July 24 /PRNewswire/ — Ultimate Jetcharters, one
of the nation’s premier private aviation companies, announced today that it
has expanded its charter fleet by adding their eleventh Dornier 328 Jet.
This large-cabin, 30-seat aircraft is currently receiving an all-new
interior upgrade with leather seating and will be available for private
charter flights by the end of August.
Ultimate Jetcharters’ eleven Dornier 328 Jets make up one of the newest
and most reliable fleets in the air. “The company is expanding its capacity
in response to increased corporate demand for convenient,
highly-personalized service and scarcity of critical routes left by the
major airlines,” said Wade Lemon, CEO of Ultimate Jetcharters. Lemon added,
“Our 328 Jets are strategically positioned at multiple locations throughout
the country which allows us to provide the most cost-effective solutions
for our clients. As a result, we are increasing our shared shuttle services
on a quarterly basis and see continued growth in this sector.”
Ultimate Jetcharters is the recognized leader in providing Corporate
Shuttle service for Fortune-ranked companies. In addition to providing
highly-personalized, cost-effective solutions for our Corporate Shuttle
clients, the private charter service we provide on our Dornier 328 Jets is
also perfect for Incentive/Group Travel, Casino Trips, Athletic Team/Fan
Travel, or anytime someone needs to move up to 30 passengers. More
information is available at http://www.ultimatejetcharters.com .
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