GeoEye to Launch World’s Highest Resolution Commercial Earth-Imaging Satellite Sept. 4, 2008
August 29, 2008
| GeoEye logo. (PRNewsFoto/GeoEye) THORTON, CO UNITED STATES |
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GeoEye-1 Satellite Launch to be Broadcast on the Internet
DULLES, Va., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — GeoEye, Inc. (Nasdaq:
GEOY), a premier provider of satellite, aerial and geospatial information,
announced today the launch of the world’s highest resolution, commercial
Earth-imaging satellite is scheduled for Sept. 4, 2008, from Space Launch
Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), California. The planned
launch time is 11:50:57 a.m. PDT (2:50:57 p.m. EDT). A Flight Readiness
Review was conducted on Aug. 28 and the launch vehicle, launch range, the
GeoEye-1 satellite, and all other program elements are ready for launch.
GeoEye-1 will be lifted into a near-polar orbit by a 12-story-tall
United Launch Alliance Delta II 7420-10 configuration launch vehicle. The
launch vehicle and associate support services were procured by Boeing
Launch Services. The GeoEye-1 satellite is expected to deploy the
spacecraft approximately 58 minutes after liftoff and will reach its proper
orbit about 90 minutes after launch. In order to achieve the proper orbit,
the launch window will only be open for 84 seconds. Once in orbit, GeoEye-1
will undergo system calibration and testing. The company expects to offer
imagery and products to customers in the mid- to late-October timeframe.
The GeoEye-1 Satellite
GeoEye-1, designed and built by General Dynamics Advanced Information
Systems, is the world’s highest resolution commercial imaging satellite.
Designed to take color images of the Earth from 423 miles (681 kilometers)
in space and moving at a speed of about four-and-a-half miles (seven
kilometers) per second, the satellite will make 15 earth orbits per day and
collect imagery with its ITT-built imaging system that can distinguish
objects on the Earth’s surface as small as 0.41-meters (16 inches) in size
in the panchromatic (black and white) mode. The 4,300-pound satellite will
also be able to collect multispectral or color imagery at 1.65-meter ground
resolution. While the satellite will be able to collect imagery at
0.41-meters, GeoEye’s operating license from NOAA requires re-sampling the
imagery to half-meter resolution for all customers not explicitly granted a
waiver by the U.S. Government.
The satellite will be able to see an object the size of home plate on a
baseball diamond but also map the location of an object that size to within
about nine feet (three meters) of its true location on the surface of the
Earth without need for ground control points. Together, GeoEye’s IKONOS and
GeoEye-1 satellites can collect almost one million square kilometers of
imagery per day.
With the ability to revisit any location on the globe every three days,
and at lesser resolution more frequently, GeoEye-1 will enable customers to
receive imagery updates on a regular basis and is ideal for large-scale
mapping projects. This capability will benefit a broad array of industries
including national defense and intelligence, online mapping, state and
local governments, environmental monitoring and land use management, oil
and gas, utilities, disaster management, insurance and others.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne to Launch Next-Generation of Commercial Satellite to Map, Measure and Monitor the Earth
August 29, 2008
CANOGA PARK, Calif., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Pratt & Whitney
Rocketdyne, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, will help
scientists map, measure and monitor the environment by boosting the
next-generation GeoEye-1 commercial satellite into orbit from Vandenberg
Air Force Base on Sept. 4. GeoEye-1 will be onboard a United Launch
Alliance Delta II rocket, procured by Boeing Launch Services, which will be
powered by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne’s RS-27A engine. It will be the 224th
flight boosted by the RS-27 family of engines.
GeoEye-1 will have .41-meter resolution (in the panchromatic mode),
which is the highest resolution of any commercial imaging system in the
world. The satellite is designed to map natural and man-made features to
within three meters of their actual location on Earth without ground
control points. This degree of accuracy has never been achieved in a
commercial image system, and may be applied to everything from national and
homeland security, to natural resource and environmental monitoring.
“We’re proud to be part of this cutting-edge technology that will
ultimately change the way we view Earth,” said Elizabeth Jones, RS-27
program manager, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. “Our goal is 100 percent
mission success and providing the best-quality product to our customers.
The bonus with GeoEye-1 is the knowledge that we are helping scientists
monitor and take care of our planet and natural resources.”
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., a part of Pratt & Whitney, is a
preferred provider of high-value propulsion, power, energy and innovative
system solutions used in a wide variety of government and commercial
applications, including the main engines for the space shuttle, Atlas and
Delta launch vehicles, missile defense systems and advanced hypersonic
engines.
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and
service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas
turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified
company providing high technology products and services to the global
aerospace and building industries.
Boeing Delivers Two 777 Models to Emirates
August 29, 2008
– Emirates first Middle East Carrier to receive two 777 variants on the
same day
SEATTLE, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and
Dubai-based airline Emirates celebrated the delivery of a 777-300ER
(Extended Range) and a 777-200LR (Longer Range) Thursday, marking the first
double 777 delivery to a Middle East airline. Representatives from the
Emirates and Boeing team are pictured here prior to the airplanes’
departure for Dubai.
These new 777s are the 62nd and 63rd of the model type delivered to
Emirates, one of the world’s biggest operators of the most successful large
twin-engine airplane flying today. To date, 56 customers from around the
world have ordered 1,092 777s. Boeing has more than 355 unfilled orders for
the 777, worth more than $91 billion at current list prices.
Neg. K64543
SOURCE Boeing
Sikorsky’s UH-60M Upgrade BLACK HAWK Helicopter Achieves First Flight
August 29, 2008
| The UH-60M Upgrade aircraft conducted a flawless first flight today at Sikorsky’s West Palm Beach facility in Florida. Pilot Mike Skaggs maneuvered the aircraft through hover into forward and sideward flights up to 50 knots during the 67-minute test flight. (PRNewsFoto/Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Steven Kaeter) WEST PALM BEACH, FL UNITED STATES |
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| Sikorsky Logo. (PRNewsFoto/SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT) STRATFORD, CT UNITED STATES |
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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ — Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
today successfully completed the first flight of its UH-60M Upgrade BLACK
HAWK helicopter. The UH-60M Upgrade is currently the only fly-by-wire
rotary wing aircraft in flight test development within the Department of
the Army. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:
UTX).
In a test flight that lasted approximately 60 minutes, Sikorsky Chief
Test Pilots Mike Skaggs and Steve Silder maneuvered the aircraft through a
variety of exercises including hover, forward flight, and a hover turn. The
test flight was conducted at Sikorsky’s West Palm Beach facility in
Florida.
Sikorsky President Jeffrey P. Pino said today’s milestone represents a
major step forward in the company’s continuing efforts to provide the U.S.
military with superior technology.
“The UH-60M Upgrade will reduce pilot workload, increase lift, offer
better protection and enhance survivability,” said Pino. “The next
generation of BLACK HAWK helicopters is ideally suited for its mission and
will provide a safer, more responsive, deployable, versatile and effective
weapon system for the Army.”
U.S. Army Col. L. Neil Thurgood, Utility Helicopter Project Manager for
the U.S. PEO Aviation office, said, “Today’s first flight of the UH-60M
Upgrade aircraft, with fly-by-wire technology represents the next step in
providing the U.S. military the best capability to execute its mission.
This aircraft contains dramatic technological advances, yet retains and
improves on the proven design of the world’s most capable and robust
utility helicopter.”
Col. Thurgood added, “The U.S. Army Utility Helicopters Project Office
and Sikorsky Aircraft remain committed to the right technologies, equipment
and support infrastructure to empower our most important customer, the
soldier. The UH-60M Upgrade demonstrates the balance Sikorsky and the U.S.
Army have applied to address both current and future needs. Today’s
achievement is the result of dedicated effort and hard work by the entire
Upgrade Program Team.”
The UH-60M BLACK HAWK has become an integral part of the U.S. Army’s
command and control system, providing brigade commanders with real time
digital situational awareness and command and control options. UH-60M
Upgrade crews will benefit from a new standard of protection resulting from
reduced pilot workload through the fly-by-wire system, and improved pilot
situational awareness and aircraft handling qualities for more precise
control in degraded visual environments.
Among the innovative technologies the UH-60M Upgrade BLACK HAWK
helicopter employs are:
— Fly-by-wire flight control system that incorporates “active stick”
technology and dual channel – triple redundant flight control computers
— Glass cockpit which incorporates the Common Avionics Architecture
System (CAAS)
— Fully authorized digital engine control (FADEC)
Fly-by-wire flight control systems electronically link the controls
inside the cockpit with the exterior actuators, the movement of which
enable the aircraft to maneuver where and how the pilot intends.
Eliminating the traditional mechanical linkage saves weight, reduces
maintenance costs, adds capability and improves performance.
Key suppliers for the UH-60M Upgrade helicopter are:
— General Electric T700-GE-701E engine equipped with the FADEC.
— Rockwell Collins provides the all glass cockpit with multi-function
displays integrated with primary flight, navigation, and tactical
information.
— BAE Systems provides the active control sticks that provide pilot
tactile cueing.
— Hamilton Sundstrand’s flight control computers host the FBW flight
control software. Hamilton’s subsidiary, Claverham, provides the ballistic
tolerant main and tail rotor servos.
— Eaton Aerospace provides the hydraulic pumps and heat exchangers.
Pall Aeropower provides the hydraulic transfer and reservoir module for the
fly-by- wire system.
In 2007, the Pentagon and U.S. Army approved the full rate production
of 1,227 UH-60M aircraft and long lead procurement for 11 Upgrade LRIP
aircraft. In June, the 4-101st Aviation Battalion became the First Unit
Equipped with the UH-60M baseline model of the aircraft. The first delivery
of approximately 900 UH-60M Upgrade aircraft is planned for the fourth
quarter of 2010.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader
in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. The company’s long
commitment to safety and innovation is reflected in its mission statement:
“We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere … every
time(TM).” United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a
broad range of high-technology products and support services to the
aerospace and building systems industries.
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning
potential production. Actual results may differ materially from those
projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not
limited to changes in government procurement priorities and practices,
budget plans or availability of funding or in the number of aircraft to be
built; challenges in the design, development, production and support of
advanced technologies; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including
but not limited to those detailed from time to time in United Technologies
Corporation’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
Embraer Delivers First EMBRAER 190 Jet to TACA Airlines
August 29, 2008
EMBRAER DELIVERS FIRST EMBRAER 190 JET TO TACA AIRLINES
Embraer and TACA executives raise a toast to the delivery of the first EMBRAER 190 jet
Mauro Kern, Embraer Executive Vice President, Aviation Market, during the delivery ceremony of the first EMBRAER 190 to TACA
Arnulfo Avelar, TACA’a Corporate Treasury Vice President, during the delivery ceremony of the first EMBRAER 190 to TACA
TACA will use the aircraft on several routes in the Caribbean and Central America
São José dos Campos, August 29, 2008 – Embraer delivered the first EMBRAER 190, today,
to TACA Airlines, from El Salvador. The deal was announced last October, and the aircraft
will be used on several routes in the Caribbean and Central America. TACA has a total of 11
firm orders for the EMBRAER 190, with options to purchase another 15.
“We are especially proud to deliver the first aircraft to one of the most important and fastest
growing airlines in Latin America,” said Mauro Kern, Embraer Executive Vice President,
Airline Market. “We are certain that the EMBRAER 190 is the right airplane for TACA’s
expansion on the continent, providing the right capacity for midsize markets, where TACA is
growing very quickly.”
In order to offer even more convenience to travelers, TACA’s new EMBRAER 190s have a
dual-class layout, comfortably seating 96 passengers – eight in executive class and 88 in coach.
“The EMBRAER 190 incorporates all of the advanced technologies and is an economically
efficient airplane, as well as having an undeniably high level of comfort, which is one of the big
reasons for our choice,” stated Roberto Kriete, TACA Chairman and CEO. “With point-to-point
flights, the EMBRAER 190 will help us increase our profitability, since they allow us to better
adapt to our operations by increasing frequencies, or serving growing or developing markets.”
On June 30, 2008, the EMBRAER 170/190 family of E-Jets had logged 847 firm orders and 827
options, totaling 1,674 aircraft, with more than 400 E-Jets delivered to over 45 customers in 30
countries, worldwide, surpassing 1.5 million flight hours.
About TACA
TACA is one of the most important airlines in Latin America, connecting Central America to
the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America, with flights to 38
destinations in 21 countries. The airline has more than 5,500 employees who operate 140
daily flights, for an average of 12 hours per day for each airplane and a 93% punctuality rate,
and provide world-class service with a Latin flavor. In 2007, TACA carried approximately 4
million passengers and recorded sales of around US$ 1 billion. More information about the
company and its services are available at www.taca.com.
About the EMBRAER 170/190 Family of E-Jets
The EMBRAER 170/190 family of E-Jets consists of four commercial jets with 70 to 122
seats, featuring advanced engineering design, efficient performance, outstanding operating
economics, low emissions levels, and a spacious cabin.
The E-Jets can fly at a maximum cruising speed of Mach 0.82, at 41,000 feet (12,497 meters),
with ranges of up to 2,400 nautical miles (4,448 km). The high degree of commonality among
the four aircraft results in exceptional reductions for carriers, in terms of crew training, spare
parts and maintenance costs. Another key feature of the E-Jets is the fly-by-wire technology
used in the flight control systems, similar to that deployed on larger commercial jets and
advanced military aircraft.
The EMBRAER 170/190 family provides superior comfort with its double-bubble fuselage
design that includes two main passenger entrances and two service doors that minimize
aircraft turn-around time. The E-Jets offer much more space for passengers, in a single or
dual-class layout, than other aircraft with similar seating capacities.
Bombardier Highlights Performance, Range and Reliability at Jet Expo With a Star Aircraft Line-Up
August 29, 2008
Bombardier will showcase aircraft from each of its innovative product families at International Russian Aviation
Exhibition, Jet Expo 2008, to take place at the Crocus Expo International Exhibition Center in Moscow, Russia,
September 17-19, 2008. The aircraft will be on static display at Avia Terminal, Vnukovo-3 Airport.
Learjet 60 XR: In service since July 2007, the Learjet 60 XR is a model of performance, comfort, value and versatility in
the midsize jet market. With a high cruise speed of Mach 0.81 (861 km/hr), the Learjet 60 XR jet is one of the fastest
aircraft in its category.The aircraft can fly Moscow-Delhi non-stop and delivers superior climb capabilities, with proven fuelefficiency
and low direct operating costs per nautical mile*.
Challenger 605: In service since January 2007, the Challenger 605 jet features the widest stand-up cabin of any large
category business jet available today. It is equipped with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite and an all new
cabin electronic system. It can whisk five-passengers from Moscow-Seoul non-stop*, in superior comfort.
Global 5000: The high-speed Global 5000 jet combines superior transatlantic speed with the largest cabin in the super
large segment. It features high-speed Internet connectivity and unmatched entertainment options as standard equipment
as well as a heads-up flight display system, with the largest field-of-view of any business aircraft. With a recent range
increase of 400 NM (741 km) the jet can now connect Moscow-Jakarta non-stop with eight passengers and three crew*.
Come visit us at Crocus Expo, International Exhibition Centre, exhibit #C160, Pavillion 2, Hall 7.
*under certain operating conditions.
Stefan Schaffrath New Head Of Media Relations Maggie Bergsma As Deputy
August 29, 2008
Stefan Schaffrath (41) has been appointed new Head of Media Relations at Airbus S.A.S., effective 1 September 2008. In this position he will be responsible for the management and coordination of the Airbus’ press activities worldwide and act as the company’s spokesperson. Maggie Bergsma (42) is appointed as his Deputy. Stefan Schaffrath and Maggie Bergsma will report to Rainer Ohler, Senior Vice President Public Affairs and Corporate Communications.
Stefan Schaffrath joined Airbus in July 2007 as Deputy to the Vice President Media Relations. Before joining Airbus he held several positions at Lufthansa in the Corporate Communications, Corporate Politics and Corporate Environmental Issues departments. Stefan Schaffrath started his professional career in 1993 and holds a Master of Science degree in Geophysics.
Maggie Bergsma has been with Airbus since 2003 when she joined as regional press manager. Before she worked for 15 years as marketing and communication specialist in the international travel and tourism industry mainly in developing countries. With a Bachelor of Science in hospitality management she later undertook a management programme with IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain.
Airbus is an EADS company.
Continental Airlines to Offer PayPal Payment Option For Online Flight Reservations
August 29, 2008
HOUSTON, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Continental Airlines (NYSE:
CAL) today announced that it now offers travelers the opportunity to
utilize PayPal when purchasing flights at continental.com.
“Continental works to provide the most convenient online booking
experience for our customers. We are pleased to work with PayPal to broaden
payment options for travelers by providing an additional way to purchase
flights online,” said Mark Bergsrud, Continental’s senior vice president of
marketing programs and distribution.
Continental customers with a PayPal account can use several different
payment options to fund transactions, including PayPal account balances,
bank accounts, debit cards, and credit cards, all while keeping their
financial information private and secure.
“Continental Airlines is known for its convenience and award-winning
customer service, and PayPal is excited to be offered as part of that
service when customers buy their tickets at continental.com,” said Mary
Anne Gillespie, vice president of sales at PayPal. “With the addition of
Continental Airlines we continue to give our customers more great places to
shop online with the convenience and security of their PayPal accounts.”
About Continental Airlines
Continental Airlines is the world’s fifth largest airline. Continental,
together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than
3,000 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving
140 domestic and 139 international destinations. More than 550 additional
points are served via SkyTeam alliance airlines. With more than 46,000
employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and
Guam, and together with Continental Express, carries approximately 69
million passengers per year.
Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its
operation and its corporate culture. For the fifth consecutive year,
FORTUNE magazine named Continental the No. 1 World’s Most Admired Airline
on its 2008 list of World’s Most Admired Companies. For more company
information, visit continental.com.
About PayPal
PayPal is the safer, easier way to pay and get paid online. The service
allows anyone to pay without sharing financial information and gives
consumers the flexibility to pay in any way they prefer, including through
account balances, bank accounts, or credit cards. With more than 63 million
active accounts in 190 markets and 19 currencies around the world, PayPal
enables global ecommerce. PayPal is an eBay company (Nasdaq/EBAY). More
information about the company can be found at https://www.paypal.com.
SOURCE Continental Airlines
Embraer Delivers First EMBRAER 190 Jet to China’s Kunpeng Airlines
August 29, 2008
EMBRAER DELIVERS FIRST EMBRAER 190 JET TO CHINA’S KUNPENG AIRLINES
Airline is the second operator of the E-Jets family in mainland China
São José dos Campos, August 29, 2008 –Embraer delivered, last Thursday, the first
of five EMBRAER 190 jets to China’s Kunpeng Airlines Co. Ltd., one of the
largest operators on the Chinese regional aviation market. In July 2008, during the
46th Farnborough Airshow, in the U.K, Embraer announced a firm order for five
EMBRAER 190 jets by Kunpeng.
“We are very glad to see our EMBRAER 190 serving more Chinese passengers through the
reliable operation of Kunpeng Airlines,” said Mauro Kern, Embraer Executive Vice
President, Airline Market. “We believe that the EMBRAER 190, with its superior
performance, economics and comfort, will meet our Chinese customer’s fleet needs, and
contribute to its growth plans and success.”
The aircraft is configured to comfortably accommodate 98 passengers in a dual-class layout,
and will enhance significantly Kunpeng’s operational capability.
“We are very pleased to take delivery of our first EMBRAER 190 jet, which we believe will be
an ideal aircraft for us to explore the emerging Chinese regional aviation market,” said Mr.
Li Kun, Vice Chairman of the Board and President of Shenzhen Airlines Co., Ltd.. “With this
reliable new model entering service, we will be dedicated to building our company into the
most sizable, characteristic, and competitive regional airline in mainland China.”
Kunpeng Airlines is a joint venture between China’s Shenzhen Airlines and the Mesa Air
Group, of the United States, with the Chinese party holding the larger share. It officially
started operations in September 2007, and has established more than 20 routes to date.
About the EMBRAER 170/190 Family of E-Jets
The EMBRAER 170/190 family of E-Jets consists of four commercial jets with 70 to 122
seats, featuring advanced engineering design, efficient performance, outstanding operating
economics, low emissions levels and a spacious cabin.
The E-Jets can fly at a maximum cruising speed of Mach 0.82 and at 41,000 feet (12,497
meters), with ranges of up to 2,400 nautical miles (4,448 km). The high degree of
commonality among the four aircraft results in exceptional reductions for carriers, in terms of
crew training, spare parts and maintenance costs. Another key feature of the E-Jets is the flyby-
wire technology used in the flight control systems, similar to that deployed on larger
commercial jets and advanced military aircraft.
The EMBRAER 170/190 family provides superior comfort with its double-bubble fuselage
design that includes two main passenger entrances and two service doors that minimize
aircraft turn-around time. The E-Jets offer much more space for passengers, in a single or
dual-class layout, than other aircraft with similar seating capacities.
On June 30, 2008, the EMBRAER 170/190 E-Jets had logged 847 firm orders and 827
options from more than 45 customers in 30 countries, worldwide, and had surpassed 1.5
million flight hours.
Finmeccanica and DRS Technologies Announce Early Termination of Hart-Scott- Rodino Waiting Period
August 29, 2008
ROME and PARSIPPANY, N.J., Aug. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ —
Finmeccanica, S.p.A. (FNC.MI) and DRS Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: DRS)
announced today that the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission
have granted early termination of the waiting period, effective August 27,
2008, under the Hart- Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as
amended (HSR), in connection with DRS’s proposed merger with Finmeccanica.
As announced on May 12, 2008, Finmeccanica and DRS entered into a
definitive merger agreement in which Finmeccanica will acquire DRS for
US$81 per share. Completion of HSR review was one of the conditions for the
consummation of the merger. The merger continues to be subject to, among
other conditions, certain other regulatory approvals, as well as the
approval of DRS’s stockholders. DRS has scheduled a special meeting of
stockholders for September 25, 2008 to vote on the merger.
About Finmeccanica
Headquartered in Italy, Finmeccanica is a leading global
high-technology company with core competencies in the design and
manufacture of helicopters, civil and military aircraft, aero structures,
satellites, space infrastructure, missiles, defense electronics and
security. The company employs more than 60,000 people worldwide, including
2,100 employees at 32 sites in North America. For more information about
Finmeccanica visit http://www.finmeccanica.com.
About DRS
DRS, headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, U.S.A., is a leading
supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces,
government agencies and prime contractors worldwide. The company employs
approximately 10,500 people. For more information about DRS, please visit
the company’s web site at http://www.drs.com.
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