DCNS and Thales to design and demonstrate UAV deck landing system
December 17, 2008
Paris, 16 December 2008 – The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has awarded
DCNS and Thales an advanced study contract for a deck landing system for unmanned
aerial vehicles. The three-year contract calls for the design and demonstration of an
automatic take-off, landing and deck landing system for rotorcraft UAVs.
The system will be a vital component of future tactical UAV programmes, notably for the
French Navy and the French Army.
The project aims to provide reproducible, risk-controlled demonstrations of deck take-offs
and landings with the required discretion in a range of environmental, weather and sea state
conditions, as needed for fully autonomous UAV operation. Initial landing tests are scheduled
for 2009 with a view to demonstrating fully autonomous deck landing in high sea states on a
French Navy frigate in 2011.
DCNS and Thales have combined their expertise and experience for this project and will
develop the system under a co-contracting agreement. Thales is responsible for the landing
system, the UAV system and the trajectory control system. DCNS is responsible for ship
motion prediction, the deck landing strategy and for securing the UAV to the flight deck.
DCNS will draw on its experience in flight deck operations and the naval UAV integration
study contract it won in 2005. In October this year, DCNS demonstrated its know-how in this
area when it automatically recovered a lightweight rotorcraft UAV on the flight deck of a
French frigate off Toulon. The DCNS subsidiary Sirehna also has proven expertise in ship
motion prediction.
Thales will leverage its experience on tactical UAV programmes in the United Kingdom,
including its automatic all-weather landing system for fixed-wing UAVs, which was
successfully tested by the UK Ministry of Defence in mid-2008 as part of the Watchkeeper
programme. It will also draw on the results of the joint forces VTOL UAV study contract
undertaken for the DGA in 2005 with the support of Boeing. Boeing will also be associated
with this latest contract.
About a dozen small- and medium-size enterprises based in France will also contribute to the
new-generation UAV take-off and landing system.
About Thales
Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group, addressing defence, aerospace and
security markets worldwide. Thales’s leading-edge technology is supported by 22,000 R&D engineers
who offer a capability unmatched in Europe to develop and deploy field-proven mission-critical
information systems. To this end, the Group’s civil and military businesses develop in parallel and
share a common base of technologies to serve a single objective: the security of people, property and
nations. The Group builds its growth on its unique multidomestic strategy based on trusted
partnerships with national customers and market players, while leveraging its global expertise to
support local technology and industrial development. Thales employs 68,000 people in 50 countries
with 2007 revenues of €12.3 billion
About DCNS
The DCNS Group is one of Europe’s leading players on the world market for naval defence systems.
To meet customer demands for more comprehensive and integrated systems, DCNS acts as prime
contractor for naval shipbuilding, integration and support by combining its own development,
marketing and production capabilities with those of selected partners. To manage the complexity of
such projects, the Group draws on in-house expertise in naval architecture and systems engineering,
ship assembly and integration and equipment design and production, as well as through-life support.
The DCNS Group employs 13,000 people and generates annual revenues of around €2.8 billion.
A400M: EPI TP400 engine takes off
December 17, 2008
The TP400 power-plant developed for the A400M by EuroProp International (EPI) took to the air for the first time on 17th December 2008 on the Lockheed C-130K flight test-bed. The TP400 is installed on the inner left engine mount of the C-130K which is otherwise powered by three of the usually four Allison T56 turbopropellers The aircraft took off at 10h44 local time from Cambridge airfield (UK) where Marshall Aerospace, which is conducting the flight test-bed trials, is based, and touched down at 11h59 local time. The flight lasted one hour and 15 minutes.
During the flight, various flight characteristics such as aircraft basic handling and TP400 response at a thrust equivalent to the maximum power generated by each of the other T56 engines were tested to satisfaction in several aircraft configurations up to a speed of 165kts and an altitude of 8,000ft. This was a first step in the aircraft envelope opening. It will allow progress towards the completion of the approximately 50 flight test hours planned to reach sufficient maturity for the engine itself. Once this is achieved and sufficient maturity and satisfactory integration is also reached for the global propulsion system, it will be able to subsequently fly on the A400M.
EPI, which comprises Rolls Royce, SNECMA, MTU and ITP, started testing the TP400 in October 2005. More than 2,100 hours of ground testing have been performed with three engines on the ground test bench. To complete the trials, Marshall Aerospace was contracted by Airbus Military to perform the Flying Test Bed trials on a Lockheed C-130K. The aircraft was specifically modified to accept the new engine which develops about twice the power of the C-130K’s standard T56 engine.
“The successful completion of this first flight of the TP400 engine is a significant step in the A400M programme development”, says Rafael Tentor, Head of the A400M programme. “This and the subsequent flights will comfort us in the performance of the new engine itself, as well as its reliability, in a real flying environment. This objective also applies to the global propulsion system,” he added.
EADS and Airbus Military are still in negotiation with their customers. The time schedule of the A400M is not yet determined.
The EuroProp International (EPI) TP400 engine is a three shaft free turbine turbopropeller which drives an eight bladed five-metre-diameter propeller. Developing 11,000 SHp at take-off, it is themost powerful turboprop ever built in the western world. It allows for the wide range of speeds and flight levels required, while reducing fuel burn and weight. Powered by four of these, the A400M can cruise at altitudes as high as 37,000 ft at speeds between Mach 0.68 and 0.72 while retaining the capability of flying at speeds as low as 110 kt at 5,000 ft. The arrangement of the propellers, which turn in opposite directions inboard and outboard on each wing, allows a structural weight reduction, and improves, amongst other things, the lift at low speed.
The A400M is an all new military airlifter designed to meet the needs of the world’s Armed Forces in the 21st Century. Thanks to its most advanced technologies, this excellent aircraft will be able to fly higher, faster and further, while retaining high maneuverability, low speed, and short, soft and rough airfield capabilities. It combines both tactical and strategic/logistic missions. With its cargo hold specifically designed to carry the outsize equipment needed today for both military and humanitarian disaster relief missions, it can bring this material quickly and directly to where it is most needed. Conceived to be highly reliable, dependable, and with a great survivability, the multipurpose A400M can do more with less, implying smaller fleets and less investment from the operator. The A400M is the most cost efficient and versatile airlifter.
Cessna Sets Industry Record with 1,000th European Citation Delivery
December 16, 2008
WICHITA, Kan., Dec. 16, 2008 – – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, this week became the first business aircraft manufacturer to achieve a European fleet size of 1,000 jets, with the delivery of a Citation XLS to Turkish charter operator BONAIR.
BONAIR president Ates Hanibu was presented with the aircraft in a ceremony yesterday at Cessna’s manufacturing facility in Wichita, Kansas, by Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Roger Whyte, and Vice President of International Sales, Trevor Esling.
BONAIR, which is based in Florya, Istanbul, has operated Cessnas in its fleet for 22 years and considers itself part of the Cessna family. BONAIR has added the Citation XLS to its fleet to meet the rising demand for business aviation in Turkey.
“BONAIR has enjoyed great success in meeting the air travel needs of Turkey’s business leaders. The Citation Bravo and Cessna Caravan have both performed well for us, and we are delighted to now offer the additional cabin space and range of the Citation XLS,” Hanibu said.
“This delivery marks a significant milestone both for Cessna and our industry. It underlines that European companies increasingly value business aviation as a tool when time is of the essence and further demonstrates how well suited the Citation product family is for the travel requirements of the region. We are proud of the strong relationships we enjoy with European customers and look forward to the continued growth of our fleet,” Pelton said.
Globally, Cessna has to date delivered more than 5,400 Citations, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world.
Ministry Of The Interior Of Estonia Orders A Third AW139 Helicopter
December 16, 2008
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that on December 4th the Government of Estonia gave approval for the Ministry of the Interior of Estonia to sign a contract with AgustaWestland for the purchase of a third AW139 helicopter. This aircraft will be delivered in the last quarter 2010 and operated by the Border Guard to perform search and rescue, medical evacuation and border patrol duties. This third AW139 will be based at Kuressaare Airport (Saaremaa Island), from 2011 when a new base will be opened, that will allow faster coverage in the Western area of Estonia. Meanwhile the second AW139 was delivered in early December and is based in Tallinn together with the first aircraft.
These helicopters will ensure that the work of guarding the external borders and the border control infrastructure are in compliance with the European Schengen zone requirements. The order for a third AW139 follows the successful introduction into service of the initial aircraft and highlights the customer’s satisfaction with the helicopter, training and support provided by AgustaWestland.
Since the start of operations in October 2007, the first Estonian Border Guard AW139 has successfully accomplished a number of search and rescue and patrol missions in demanding conditions, dramatically enhancing operational effectiveness and border security.
The AW139’s superior performance allows greater coverage of the areas for longer periods compared to any other helicopter in the medium twin class. Excellent one engine inoperative capability ensures the helicopter can deliver while on-station, safely accomplishing the rescue mission. Cutting edge technology reduces pilot workload and allows the crew to concentrate on the mission. With the largest cabin in its class the AW139 can easily accommodate the crew, rescue equipment and survivors.
The AW139 has already been chosen for SAR and border patrol duties by a number of customers in the UK, Italy, Spain, Japan, Ireland, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Korea and Malaysia. Over 430 AW139 helicopters have been ordered so far by almost 110 customers in nearly 40 countries to perform a wide range of roles such as search and rescue, emergency medical service, law enforcement, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport and utility.
Cessna Delivers First Retail Citation XLS+
December 16, 2008
WICHITA, Kan., Dec. 16, 2008 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, yesterday completed the first Citation XLS+ retail delivery to an undisclosed customer based on the East Coast of the United States. The XLS+ is the latest version of the world’s best-selling business jet model.
First announced in October 2006, the Citation XLS+ achieved Federal Aviation Administration certification on May 30; European Aviation Safety Agency certification is in process and expected to be complete in early 2009.
The order book exceeds 200 for the XLS+, an upgrade of the mid-size XLS. The original Citation Excel was delivered in July 1998, followed by the Citation XLS in July 2004. The series has accumulated a global fleet of nearly 680 planes and more than 1.5 million flight hours.
“With the XLS+, Cessna continues the tradition of the Excel and XLS as the most affordable stand-up cabin business jet,” said Roger Whyte, senior vice president of Sales & Marketing. “We’ve incorporated “Voice of The Customer” throughout the design of the XLS+, including increased serviceability. This aircraft has the most advanced diagnostic system on any Cessna Citation to date.”
The Citation XLS+ features the fully integrated Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite and electronically controlled (FADEC) engines from Pratt & Whitney Canada. Exterior and interior restyling is also integrated into the new model, most prominently the extended contour of the nose and expanded seat widths, both introduced to more closely resemble Cessna’s Citation X and Citation Sovereign models.
The Citation XLS+ travels as fast as 441 knots (817 kilometers per hour) with a range of more than 1,858 nautical miles (3,441 kilometers). At maximum takeoff weight it will depart from runways as short as 3,560 feet (1,085 meters) at standard, sea-level conditions. It will land on runways as short as 2,700 feet (823 meters) at its typical landing weight.
EADS: hacia una organización más racional
December 16, 2008
Ámsterdam, 16 de diciembre de 2008 – El Consejo de Administración de EADS ha aprobado, a fecha 12 de diciembre, una estructura divisional más racional y simplificada, dentro del ámbito del programa ‘Future EADS’. Esta decisión, que dará lugar a una mayor integración de EADS, consiste en dos ajustes principales:
La División de Aviones de Transporte Militar (MTAD) será integrada en Airbus, lo que simplificará la gestión del programa A400M y permitirá una adaptación optimizada de los recursos. MTAD se convertirá en la división militar de Airbus con el nombre de Airbus Military. Mantendrá sus actuales capacidades básicas para diseñar y certificar aviones, para integrar sistemas de misiones en aeronaves militares y operará la Línea de Montaje Final del A400M. También estará a cargo de todos los derivados militares de Airbus, incluyendo el programa de reabastecimiento en vuelo (tanqueros), y mantendrá los programas CN235/C295. Esta integración tiene por objeto reforzar la gestión de los programas de derivados militares de Airbus, así como maximizar sinergias con otras funciones y entidades de Airbus.
Carlos Suárez, responsable de MTAD, permanecerá como miembro del Comité Ejecutivo de EADS y se convertirá en miembro del Comité Ejecutivo de Airbus; será el responsable de Airbus Military y, como tal, reportará al CEO de Airbus, Tom Enders. Este ajuste de la estructura divisional reforzará la importancia y contribución de las capacidades industriales aeroespaciales españolas dentro de los principales programas militares europeos de EADS.
Una coordinación de las Divisiones EADS Astrium y EADS Defence & Security (DS) será establecida. Tanto EADS Astrium como DS seguirán siendo Divisiones de pleno derecho, y su coordinación asegurará un enfoque coherente de cara a clientes comunes y fomentará el desarrollo de sinergias comerciales, técnicas y estratégicas.
François Auque, CEO de EADS Astrium, coordinará personalmente las actividades de Defensa, Seguridad y Espacio, por delegación del CEO. Stefan Zoller, responsable de la División DS, reportará a François Auque y permanecerá, al igual que los responsables de las otras Divisiones, como miembro del Comité Ejecutivo de EADS.
Estos pasos marcan el siguiente hito dentro del programa ‘Future EADS’, tras las primeras decisiones que fueron presentadas a mediados del pasado noviembre.
EADS es un líder global de la industria aeroespacial, de defensa y servicios relacionados. En 2007, EADS generó ingresos por valor de 39.100 millones de euros con una plantilla de unos 116.000 empleados. EADS incluye al fabricante de aviones Airbus, a Eurocopter, el mayor proveedor de helicópteros del mundo, y a EADS Astrium, líder europeo en programas espaciales que abarcan desde el Ariane a Galileo. Su División de Defensa y Seguridad es proveedor de soluciones de sistemas globales además de convertir a EADS en el socio principal del consorcio Eurofighter y accionista de la empresa de misiles MBDA. EADS desarrolla también el A400M a través de su División de Aviones de Transporte Militar.
Goodrich to Supply Lightweight Composite Fairings for the Spanish Navy’s New S-80 Diesel Submarines
December 16, 2008
Goodrich will supply a cylindrical array sonar support structure and four shipsets of passive ranging sonar and flank array sonar fairings for the Spanish Navy’s new S-80 diesel submarines, which are being built by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia. The support structure and composite fairings house and protect the submarine’s acoustic sensors, which are used for undersea detection, location and identification. The acoustic sensors are part of the S-80’s Integrated Combat System provided by Lockheed Martin. The hydrodynamic shape of Goodrich’s lightweight, non-metallic fairings allows for smooth laminar flow of water over their surface, thereby reducing noise and drag on the submarine.
Navantia, the Spanish shipbuilding leader, has been contracted to design and produce four S-80 submarines for the Spanish Navy. Lockheed Martin received a contract from Navantia to develop the new submarines’ combat management system, which is based on a Spanish industry design. Lockheed Martin is collaborating with Spanish contractors as well as Goodrich to develop the combat management system, which includes command-and-control equipment, weapons control and sonar parts.
“This award presents an important progression in advancing our manufacturing capabilities in the international submarine sector,” said
Goodrich’s Engineered Polymer Products team specializes in researching, developing, manufacturing, testing and servicing acoustic and structural composite products. Its technology is used in both marine and aerospace applications. For more information visit http://www.epp.goodrich.com
Goodrich Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a global supplier of systems and services to aerospace, defense and homeland security markets. With one of the most strategically diversified portfolios of products in the industry, Goodrich serves a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and service facilities. For more information visit http://www.goodrich.com.
American Airlines Announces Re-Opening of Flagship Lounge at Miami International Airport
December 16, 2008
The re-opening of the Miami Flagship Lounge continues a tradition of comfort and strengthens American’s premium product for First Class international customers traveling to
“We’re focused on enhancing the travel experience for our valued customers, and the Flagship Lounge facility is an important element in this experience,” said
Located in Concourse E on the departure level directly beyond the security checkpoint, the Miami Flagship Lounge spans approximately 3,600 square feet with seating for 62 guests.
Travelers can stay productive while on the go with the Flagship Lounge Business Center featuring two work stations, two Lenovo personal computers with high-speed Internet access, a copier and a fax service. The lounge also offers a global print solution, powered by Printer On, making it possible for users to submit print requests via e-mail or Web page uploads from any location and pick up printed materials right in the lounge.
The Flagship Lounge offers a wide array of complimentary wines, liquors and other beverages, as well as a complimentary lounge buffet complete with china and silverware providing distinctive food offerings throughout the day. Selections include:
— “The Fresh Start” continental breakfast featuring an assortment of muffins, bagels, Danish, cereal, oatmeal, fresh fruit and yogurt;
— “Flagship Cafe” light lunch featuring a salad bar, soup, cheese and crackers and dessert;
— “Afternoon Tea” featuring soup, sandwiches and wraps, scones, cheese and crackers and dessert;
— “Flagship Supper” featuring appetizers, soup, salad bar, cheese and crackers and dessert; and
— “Late Night Bite” (at U.S. locations) featuring cheese and crackers and dessert.
Four spa-like shower facilities, complete with towels, shampoo, body gels and blow-dryers, are available for travelers wishing to freshen up before continuing on their journey. Or for those visitors preferring to be entertained, the lounge provides DirecTV, newspapers and select magazines for use in the club, and complimentary T-Mobile wireless access. The
“American Airlines is delighted to offer the quiet, comfortable retreat of a Flagship Lounge here in
EADS North America Delivers the 50th UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter to the U.S. Army
December 16, 2008
Milestone Aircraft Is Assigned to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard
COLUMBUS, MI–(Marketwire – December 16, 2008) – EADS North America today delivered the 50th UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter to the U.S. Army. This delivery marks another on-time milestone in the acquisition and fielding of the UH-72A to satisfy the Army’s Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) requirement.
The 50th and 51st UH-72As were delivered to the Eastern Army National Guard Aviation Training Site (EAATS) from American Eurocopter’s Mississippi production facility, where the Light Utility Helicopter, based on Eurocopter’s EC145, is built. Based in Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., the EAATS may operate as many as 18 UH-72As in the qualification of Army and Army National Guard aviators on the new LUH. These were the third and fourth Lakotas provided to the EAATS unit which received its initial two UH-72As in June and July 2008.
“The assignment of the 50th aircraft to the Army National Guard is particularly significant because the Guard will be the primary operator of UH-72As within the U.S. Army,” said Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., the chairman and CEO of EADS North America. “We are proud to be a partner with the Army in modernizing its rotary-wing fleet. Our primary goal is to meet — and exceed — our commitments on this key program.”
The UH-72A first entered service in 2007, and deliveries to date have provided aircraft to Army and Army National Guard units in California, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Army plans call for the acquisition of 345 Lakotas through 2016. With its recent order of 39 aircraft, the U.S. Army has now confirmed orders for 123 UH-72As. The UH-72A is used for missions ranging from homeland security and drug interdiction, to support, logistics and medical evacuation flights (MEDEVAC).
Introduction of the UH-72A enables aging Army National Guard OH-58 and UH-1 rotary-wing aircraft to be retired, while Lakota deliveries to the active component of the Army free up UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for assignment to warfighting missions.
The Lakota fleet has an operational availability rate of over 90 percent, with more than 7,000 flight hours accumulated so far in U.S. Army operations — demonstrating the twin-engine aircraft’s excellent performance, reliability, and successful mission execution.
In addition to their continental U.S. basing assignments, overseas deployments of UH-72As are anticipated with the U.S. Army in Europe, Japan and the Pacific region.
The UH-72A has attracted interest from other U.S. military services, including the U.S. Navy which ordered five additional Light Utility Helicopters through the Army contract. The Navy will use the helicopters for pilot training at the Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, Md.
Production of the UH-72A is averaging three to four helicopters per month — with the capability of reaching five aircraft monthly at the Mississippi production facility located at the Golden Triangle Industrial Park. The state-of-the-art production site is a 220,000 sq. ft. addition to American Eurocopter’s Mississippi rotary-wing aircraft center of excellence. The facility has brought high-value jobs into the region with total employment planned to surpass 200 as UH-72A production is fully transferred to the facility.
EADS North America is the North American operations of EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $10 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 190,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. Operating in 17 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.
Cessna’s Pelton Marks Wright Brothers 105th Anniversary
December 15, 2008
Cessna’s Pelton Marks Wright Brothers 105th Anniversary
WICHITA, Kan., Dec. 15, 2008 – On the eve of the 105th anniversary of the first powered flight on Dec. 17, 1903, Cessna Aircraft Company Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton paid tribute to the Wright brothers’ world-changing feat. Cessna is a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company.
“As we wrap up a year in which Cessna – and the general aviation industry as a whole – delivers more business jets than ever before, we’d be remiss if we did not pay tribute to Orville and Wilbur. Not only did their 12-second flight on Dec. 17 transform the world by giving us the power of controlled flight, but their application of scientific methodology displayed the passion needed to make the most of flight as a tool,” Pelton said.
The Wright Brothers, Pelton said, inspired many others at that time who went on to make great contributions to aviation, including Wichita’s Clyde Cessna, who taught himself to fly a few years after the Wright’s North Carolina flight. Cessna Aircraft Company took its present form in 1927 and has since produced nearly 200,000 aircraft, more than any other aircraft maker in history.
“The Wrights’ legacy lives on today by inspiring our engineers, who continue to design and develop aircraft based on new ideas and technologies,” Pelton said. “General aviation – business aviation – will continue to play a vital role in rebuilding the global economy by enhancing productivity – by continuing to shrink the world.
“While the mainstream media often portray general aviation as an extravagant perk only available to the wealthy, it’s clear to those of us in the industry that general aviation provides an incredible productivity tool that allows unequaled capabilities and access to the world,” Pelton said.
Pelton said that general aviation aircraft make possible scores of medical, agriculture, utility and community service activities across the globe. This is a business value now being realized around the world, with the development of the global business aircraft market as evidence. Pelton believes that these global transportation needs will only continue to increase.
“Like many others, I marvel at what our industry has accomplished in just 105 years of powered flight, and I can only dream of what we might achieve in the next 100,” Pelton said. “There’s no doubt general aviation faces many near-term challenges. But in taking a long-term perspective, my outlook for the industry is positive and my vision is that the best is yet to come for the businesses, communities and families benefiting from general aviation.”
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