NASA Orbiter Reveals Details of a Wetter Mars
October 28, 2008
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — NASA’s Mars
Reconnaissance Orbiter has observed a new category of minerals spread
across large regions of Mars. This discovery suggests that liquid water
remained on the planet’s surface a billion years later than scientists
believed, and it played an important role in shaping the planet’s surface
and possibly hosting life.
Researchers examining data from the orbiter’s Compact Reconnaissance
Imaging Spectrometer for Mars have found evidence of hydrated silica,
commonly known as opal. The hydrated, or water-containing, mineral deposits
are telltale signs of where and when water was present on ancient Mars.
“This is an exciting discovery because it extends the time range for
liquid water on Mars, and the places where it might have supported life,”
said Scott Murchie, the spectrometer’s principal investigator at the Johns
Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. “The
identification of opaline silica tells us that water may have existed as
recently as 2 billion years ago.”
Until now, only two major groups of hydrated minerals, phyllosilicates
and hydrated sulfates, had been observed by spacecraft orbiting Mars.
Clay-like phyllosilicates formed more than 3.5 billion years ago where
igneous rock came into long-term contact with water. During the next
several hundred million years, until approximately 3 billion years ago,
hydrated sulfates formed from the evaporation of salty and sometimes acidic
water.
The newly discovered opaline silicates are the youngest of the three
types of hydrated minerals. They formed where liquid water altered
materials created by volcanic activity or meteorite impact on the Martian
surface. One such location noted by scientists is the large Martian canyon
system called Valles Marineris.
“We see numerous outcrops of opal-like minerals, commonly in thin
layers extending for very long distances around the rim of Valles Marineris
and sometimes within the canyon system itself,” said Ralph Milliken of
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.
Milliken is lead author of an article in the November issue of
“Geology” that describes the identification of opaline silica. The study
reveals that the minerals, which also were recently found in Gusev Crater
by NASA’s Mars rover Spirit, are widespread and occur in relatively young
terrains.
In some locations, the orbiter’s spectrometer observed opaline silica
with iron sulfate minerals, either in or around dry river channels. This
indicates the acidic water remained on the Martian surface for an extended
period of time. Milliken and his colleagues believe that in these areas,
low-temperature acidic water was involved in forming the opal. In areas
where there is no clear evidence that the water was acidic, deposits may
have formed under a wide range of conditions.
“What’s important is that the longer liquid water existed on Mars, the
longer the window during which Mars may have supported life,” says
Milliken. “The opaline silica deposits would be good places to explore to
assess the potential for habitability on Mars, especially in these younger
terrains.”
The spectrometer collects 544 colors, or wavelengths, of reflected
sunlight to detect minerals on the surface of Mars. Its highest resolution
is about 20 times sharper than any previous look at the planet in
near-infrared wavelengths.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the Mars Reconnaissance
Orbiter mission for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver, is the prime contractor for the
project and built the spacecraft. The Applied Physics Laboratory led the
effort to build the spectrometer and operates the instrument in
coordination with an international team of researchers from universities,
government and the private sec
BAE Systems Selects AAR for Military Shelters
October 28, 2008
WOOD DALE, Ill., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — AAR (NYSE: AIR)
announced today that it has received an order from BAE Systems to
manufacture mobile shelters for the U.S. Army’s Family of Medium Tactical
Vehicles (FMTV) program. The one-year agreement has a one-year renewal
option with a combined total value of $115 million. Work is scheduled to
begin November 2008.
The AAR shelters include an expansible van for a 5-ton truck and a
non-expansible shop van for a 2.5-ton truck that are equipped with heaters,
air conditioners and basic electrical and lighting systems. The shelters
are used as maintenance shops, parts warehouses, command and control
centers, and mobile offices to support and sustain operations in the field.
“We are proud to be selected by BAE Systems to provide mobility
products that are now an integral part of the U.S. Army’s ground
operations,” said David P. Storch, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
AAR CORP. “AAR shelters play an important role in the Army’s ongoing
efforts to execute and support ground activity, improve mobility and employ
a more flexible deployment strategy.”
The shelters will be built by AAR’s Mobility Systems division, which
designs, builds, integrates and supports rapid deployment equipment,
expeditionary systems and command and control systems for defense customers
and prime contractors.
BAE Systems’ Mobility and Protection Systems (M&PS) produces the FMTV
at its facility in Sealy Texas. The FMTV is the Army’s main medium tactical
in the Army’s 2.5- and 5-ton cargo vehicle class. More than 40,000 FMTVs
have been produced in 21 variants during the vehicle’s 18-year production
run.
About AAR
AAR is a leading provider of products and value-added services to the
worldwide aerospace and defense industry. With facilities and sales
locations around the world, AAR uses its close-to-the-customer business
model to serve aviation and defense customers through four operating
segments: Aviation Supply Chain; Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul;
Structures and Systems; and Aircraft Sales and Leasing. More information
can be found at http://www.aarcorp.com.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company
delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval
forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions
and customer support services. With approximately 100,000 employees
worldwide, BAE Systems’ sales exceeded 15.7 billion pounds Sterling (US
$31.4 billion) in 2007.
Boeing, IAM Reach Tentative Agreement on New Contract
October 28, 2008
SEATTLE, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and the
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers today reached
a tentative agreement on a new four-year contract covering 27,000 employees
in Washington, Oregon and Kansas. Union leadership is recommending that
employees vote to ratify the contract.
The company retained the flexibility necessary to manage its business,
while making changes to the contract language to address the union’s issues
on job security, pay and benefits. The offer provides general wage
increases every year and increases pension benefits. In addition, Boeing is
proposing no changes to the cost share employees currently pay for a
selection of outstanding health care plans.
“This is an outstanding offer that rewards employees for their
contributions to our success while preserving our ability to compete,” said
Scott Carson, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “I thank
both negotiating teams and the federal mediator for their hard work and
commitment in reaching this agreement. We recognize the hardship a strike
creates for everyone — our customers, suppliers, employees, community and
our company — and we look forward to having our entire team back.”
By mutual agreement, details of the agreement will be released first by
the union. If employees vote to approve the offer, it will end the strike
by approximately 27,000 employees in Washington, Oregon and Kansas.
Elbit Vision Systems Wins Orders From Two Leading US-Based Aerospace Manufacturers
October 28, 2008
Combined Orders in Excess of $1 Million
QADIMA, Israel, October 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Elbit Vision
Systems (OTCBB: EVSNF) today announced that it has a won two orders for
ultrasonic inspection systems, with total value in excess of $1 million.
The orders are to be delivered, and revenues recognized, during the first
quarter of 2009.
The orders are from two leading US-based Aerospace manufacturers, for
the supply of Ultrasonic inspection systems to check for structural flaws
in aircrafts and jet-engine parts prior to assembly.
David Gal, CEO and Chairman of the Board, “Again, we are proud to be a
key supplier of Ultrasonic inspection solutions to leading US-based
aerospace manufacturers, both well known for their focus on the safety and
quality of the engines they manufacture. Aircraft engine inspection is a
very much a mission-critical task, and we take this responsibility very
seriously. Our customers appreciate our attention to detail, and our
success in this field is very much evident by the fact that leading
manufacturers continue to use our equipment for the most important safety
checks – that of structural integrity.”
Mr. Gal continued, “This order is another testament to our competitive
advantages, as well as the dependability of our solutions. These customers
also represent strong references for us and we can leverage these order
wins to bring additional business in the aerospace sector.”
About Elbit Vision Systems Ltd. (EVS): http://www.evs-sm.com
EVS offers a broad portfolio of automatic State-of-the-Art Visual and
Ultrasonic Inspection Systems for both in-line and off-line applications,
and quality monitoring systems used to improve product quality, safety, and
increase production efficiency.
EVS’ systems are used by over 600 customers, many of which are leading
global companies. The headquarters, manufacturing and R&D of EVS are all
located in Israel.
A worldwide Sales and Service network supports markets as well as
systems already installed, in Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia and the
Americas.
Six-Time Champion TAM Airlines Wins ‘Best in Travel and Tourism’ Award
October 28, 2008
Company Emerges Once Again as the Preferred Airline According to Readers of
the Tourism Magazine Published by Editora Abril
SAO PAULO, Brazil, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — TAM (BOVESPA:
TAMM4 and NYSE: TAM) has just been chosen, for the sixth consecutive time,
the best Brazilian airline by the readers of Viagem e Turismo magazine,
which annually selects the best in the Brazilian tourism industry. “It’s an
honor to receive this recognition from the readers of the magazine, an
award that reflects the effort and dedication of the company’s more than
24,000 employees,” said David Barioni Neto, president of TAM.
The winners receive the “2008 Best in Travel and Tourism” award. This
year’s awards ceremony was held at the Morro da Urca, in Rio de Janeiro, on
Friday, October 24.
During the same event, TAM Viagens received a Viagem e Turismo merit
award, given to companies that distinguish themselves during the year in
each sector, as assessed by the publication’s staff. “We are very proud and
happy to have been chosen by the magazine, especially when we have just
completed ten years of service,” said Sylvio Ferraz Junior, director of TAM
Viagens.
The Best in Travel and Tourism award, which was founded in 2001 and is
now in its eighth edition, selects the best in the Brazilian and
international tourism industry. The 22 categories include hotels,
restaurants, beaches, parks and travel agencies.
New Aerospace Vice President Slated for SAE International
October 28, 2008
WARRENDALE, Pa., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Charla K. Wise,
Corporate Vice President of Lockheed Martin, is the 2009 nominee for
Aerospace Vice President of SAE International.
This elected position entails serving a three-year term on the SAE
Board of Directors starting in January 2009. Wise would succeed Ronald E.
York, former Chief Operating Officer of Rolls-Royce North American Tech.
As SAE International’s Aerospace Vice President, Wise will be
responsible for providing leadership and continuity for the SAE aerospace
initiative and for integrating the needs of the aerospace industry in the
Society’s standards, events and educational programs. SAE also elects vice
presidents for its automotive and commercial-vehicle sectors.
Wise has served in the capacity of Vice President at Lockheed Martin
for more than 10 years. Her positions have included: Corporate Vice
President, Technology, Environment, Safety and Health; Vice President,
Engineering, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics; Vice President and Program
Director, F-22 Program, Fort Worth; Vice President and Deputy, Company
Operations, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics; Program Director, F-16 United
States Air Force Programs.
Wise is a Fellow of SAE International. She is an Adjunct Professor for
the University of Michigan, College of Engineering, Aero Department. She is
immediate past chair of the Technical Operations Council of the Aerospace
Industries Association. She holds a degree in aeronautical and aerospace
engineering from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
SAE International is a global association of 115,000 engineers and
related technical experts in the automotive, aerospace and
commercial-vehicle industries. SAE International’s core competencies are
life-long learning and standards development. SAE International’s
charitable arm is the SAE Foundation, which supports many programs,
including A World in Motion(R) and the Collegiate Design Series.
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico Informs Regarding Denial of Avolar Concession Renewal
October 28, 2008
GUADALAJARA, Mexico, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Grupo
Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: PAC; BMV: GAP) (“the
Company” or “GAP”) announced that on Friday, October 24, 2008, the Mexican
Ministry of Communications and Transportation denied Avolar Aerolineas
(“Avolar” or “the airline”) the renewal of its concession to provide
passenger, cargo and mail services in the national air space, given the
airline’s inability to comply with the necessary safety, service, coverage
and quality guidelines.
To date, Avolar operates at three of the Company’s twelve airports.
These are the airports of Tijuana, Guadalajara and Morelia.
During 2008, Avolar gradually reduced its operations in GAP’s various
airports, from 891 scheduled departures in September 2007, to 162 scheduled
departures in September 2008.
Scheduled Departures AVOLAR September 2007 vs 2008
Airport Operations Operations
Sep-07 Sep-08 Difference Change %
Guanajuato 43 0 -43 -100.00%
Guadalajara 267 34 -233 -87.27%
Hermosillo 36 0 -36 -100.00%
La Paz 60 0 -60 -100.00%
Morelia 68 21 -47 -69.12%
Tijuana 417 107 -310 -74.34%
GAP 891 162 -729 -81.82%
For the twelve months of 2007, Avolar transported 1,626,186 passengers
throughout GAP’s airport network, representing 10.3% of the Company’s
domestic passengers and 6.9% of total passengers. For the first nine months
of 2008, the airline gradually reduced its operations, transporting only
791,956 passengers, representing 6.9% of domestic passengers and 4.6% of
the Company’s total passengers. During the month of September 2008, Avolar
transported approximately 0.69% of GAP’s total passengers.
As a result of Avolar’s reductions, the Company expects that Avolar’s
suspension of operations will not materially affect GAP’s results for the
remainder of 2008.
Pratt & Whitney Canada Establishes State-of-the-Art Aerospace Centre at Montreal-Mirabel International Airport
October 27, 2008
LONGUEUIL, QUEBEC–(Marketwire – Oct. 27, 2008) – Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) announced today that it is establishing a world-class aerospace centre at Montreal-Mirabel International Airport for the final assembly and test of the new generation PW800 family of engines. P&WC is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.
A total of $575.3 million will be invested in the Mirabel Aerospace Centre and Pratt & Whitney Canada’s other Quebec facilities over the next five years. This investment is expected to generate 565 jobs.
“The Government of Quebec’s decision to invest $141.9 million for infrastructure and equipment at Mirabel in support of P&WC’s overall investment reinforces its firm commitment to continued innovation and growth in the aerospace sector. I commend the Government of Quebec for its vision and leadership in propelling the high-value aerospace industry,” said Alain M. Bellemare, president, P&WC, and executive vice president, Pratt & Whitney Group Strategy and Development.
At its new Mirabel Aerospace Centre, Pratt & Whitney Canada will conduct the final assembly and test of the PurePowerTM PW810C, set to power the Cessna Citation Columbus large business jet. As announced in April 2008, the new facility will also be the global hub for Pratt & Whitney’s integrated flight test operations.
“The Pratt & Whitney Canada Mirabel Aerospace Centre will ensure we have ample capacity to meet the anticipated strong demand for the PW800 engines for years to come while supporting our growing flight test operations needs. The fact that the Bombardier CSeries will also be assembled at Mirabel was a major factor in the decision to also perform final assembly and test of the PW1524G for the Bombardier CSeries at the new P&WC Mirabel Aerospace Centre,” said Bellemare.
Construction is expected to start in the coming months on a 300,000-square-foot facility and will open in the fall of 2009. The P&WC Mirabel Aerospace Centre will include two bays for the company’s Boeing B747SP test aircraft to support flight testing for the complete range of Pratt & Whitney engines, from turboprops to turbofans.
In addition, the Centre will incorporate state-of-the-art equipment and the most advanced manufacturing technologies and processes. This new facility will also apply best-in-class work practices and flexibility principles, which will allow the company to achieve a step change in the way it assembles and tests engines to meet customer expectations.
The PurePower PW800 engine raises the bar on performance and economics by taking advantage of the latest materials, aerodynamic and design technologies developed by the company. It incorporates advanced fan, compressor, turbine and low-emissions TALONTM combustion systems for exceptional fuel consumption, future thrust-growth capability and improved environmental friendliness. First run of the engine is targeted for mid-2009.
Pratt & Whitney Canada, based in Longueuil, Quebec, is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines powering business, general aviation and regional aircraft and helicopters. The company also manufactures auxiliary power units and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., USA, is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.
Continental Airlines Anuncia que Nene Foxhall Liderará Área de Comunicaciones Corporativas
October 27, 2008
27/10/2008 /PR Newswire Latinoamerica/ — Continental Airlines (NYSE:CAL) anunció hoy que ha ampliado el espectro de responsabilidades de Nene Foxhall para incluir la supervisión de las comunicaciones corporativas de la línea aérea, además de seguir controlando los asuntos internacionales y de estado. Foxhall asume responsabilidad por las comunicaciones corporativas de Continental luego de la reciente partida de Ned Walker, quien dejó la empresa aérea para asumir otro cargo en esta misma industria.
“Nene es un miembro clave de nuestro equipo de gerencia senior y es reconocida por su profesionalismo y credibilidad”, dijo Larry Kellner, Presidente y CEO de Continental. “Hará un trabajo estupendo como líder del grupo global de comunicaciones corporativas”.
Fuente: Continental Airlines
Boeing Director Edward Liddy Resigns Board Seat
October 27, 2008
CHICAGO, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The Boeing Company (NYSE:
BA) board of directors today accepted with regret the resignation of Edward
M. Liddy, who last month was named chairman and chief executive officer of
American International Group (AIG).
Liddy offered his resignation based upon his concerns that he would no
longer qualify as an independent director on the Boeing board under NYSE
director independence standards. AIG’s aircraft leasing subsidiary, ILFC,
and Boeing have a significant business relationship. The board shared that
view and accepted Liddy’s resignation with regret.
Boeing Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer Jim McNerney
called Liddy’s service to the Boeing board “exemplary and deeply
appreciated.” Liddy, 62, joined Boeing’s board in August 2007. He served on
the Compensation and Governance, Organization, and Nominating committees.
His resignation is effective immediately.
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