Michelin Teams With NASA On Lunar Rover for Inaugural Parade
January 20, 2009
| Michelin logo. (PRNewsFoto/MICHELIN) GREENVILLE, SC UNITED STATES |
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| Michelin North America will once again team with NASA to showcase the latest technology for the next generation of moon rover vehicles. NASA astronauts will pilot the Small Pressurized Lunar Rover, which is fitted with a specially engineered MICHELIN Tweel assembly, during the 56th presidential inauguration celebration parade. (PRNewsFoto/Michelin North America) GREENVILLE, SC UNITED STATES |
“Michelin and NASA have a long history of successful collaboration. For more than 20 years, Michelin has supplied tires for the space shuttle. Over the past three years, we have also worked with NASA to develop a revolutionary tire/wheel assembly for the next generation of lunar rovers,” said
The Small Pressurized Lunar Rover, NASA’s latest lunar rover prototype, will roll from the U.S. Capitol to the White House on the MICHELIN TWEEL(R) non-pneumatic tire/wheel assembly, which was named one of Time magazine’s innovations of the year in 2005. As a result of this engineering breakthrough, NASA helped fund a project for Michelin to develop a highly specialized Lunar Wheel for the space agency’s latest collection of moon rover vehicles.
Introduced in 2008, the MICHELIN Lunar Wheel withstands extreme conditions while maintaining flexibility and constant ground contact pressure that enables moon rovers to traverse loose soil and lunar craters. It also has a low mass yet maintains a high load capacity that is 3.3 times more efficient than the original Apollo Lunar Rover wheels.
“Field data taken last November demonstrated that the MICHELIN Lunar Wheel provides a 50 percent improvement in rolling efficiency over loose soil, compared to a traditional inflated tire,” said Dr.
Designed to provide astronauts with mobility over extreme terrain, the Small Pressurized Lunar Rover features 12 wheels driven by two electric motors through a two-speed transmission, allowing it to perform in “bulldozer” mode with up to 4000 pounds of force or cruise at up to 20 kilometers per hour. The modular design also means that the tubular frame can be fitted with several different crew and payload combinations, including the crew cabin that attaches to the rover’s chassis to form the Small Pressurized Lunar Rover configuration.
In addition to engineering wheels for the Small Pressurized Lunar Rover, Michelin has developed Lunar Wheels for NASA’s ATHLETE moon rover designed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory, as well as for the Scarab moon rover. Both are unmanned lunar vehicles designed to perform various tasks on the moon.
Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in
Pratt & Whitney-Powered Joint STARS Aircraft Unveiled
January 20, 2009
The Joint STARS aircraft roll out showcased the first successful re-engining of the B707-based aircraft with four JT8D-219 engines under a contract Pratt & Whitney was awarded in 2007. Pratt & Whitney and SQS will deliver complete propulsion systems to power the U.S. Air Force’s fleet of 19 Joint STARS aircraft.
“We are proud of this milestone for the JT8D-219 engine and the Joint STARS aircraft,” said
The JT8D-219 Joint STARS engine configuration offers a cost-effective, simplified installation approach. This fuel-efficient propulsion system affords the Joint STARS aircraft fuel burn improvement, which will increase the Joint STARS time on-station in its surveillance orbit.
“Pratt & Whitney and our partner Seven Q Seven are ready to support the U.S. Air Force in its critical Joint STARS mission,” Deachin said. “We are confident in our product and our team, and we look forward to ensuring the continued success of the U.S. Air Force.”
Pratt & Whitney’s JT8D-219 engine is a derivative of one of the world’s most popular commercial jet engines. Commercial, FAA-certified JT8D-200 series propulsion systems are currently in operation on Boeing 727 and MD80 aircraft.
Production deliveries of the JT8D-219 propulsion system for the Joint STARS fleet will begin in 2010. Joint STARS aircraft, powered by Pratt & Whitney engines, are projected to be in service for more than 20 years.
Pratt & Whitney will be responsible for delivering the JT8D-219 engines and Seven Q Seven will supply the propulsion nacelle system, which includes the struts, cowl doors, inlet, reversers, and systems in collaboration with its key suppliers: Goodrich Corporation’s Aerostructures team and The Nordam Group.
Pratt & Whitney military engines include the F100 family that powers the F-15 and F-16, the F119 for the F-22 Raptor, the F135 for the F-35 Lightning II, the F117 for the C-17 Globemaster III, the J52 for the EA-6B Prowler, the TF33 powering AWACS/Joint STARS/B-52/KC-135 aircraft, and TF30 for the F-111. In addition, Pratt & Whitney offers a global network of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and military aftermarket services (MAS) focused on maintaining engine readiness for our customers.
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
Airbus Military initiates testing of the A330 MRTT as a receiver
January 19, 2009
Air Force completed another major program milestone when the A310 Boom demonstrator, used as test bed for the new EADS fly-by-wire boom, made a series of contacts during a flight test over waters off the coast of southwest Spain. Both aircraft departed from EADS facilities in Getafe, Madrid, where Airbus Military has the tanker conversion centre.
The A330 MRTT is equipped with two wing-tip mounted ‘hose-and-drogue’ refuelling pods, an advanced aerial refuelling boom in the tail, as well as complete capabilities in Military Navigation, Military Identification, MIL-COMs including a Tactical Data Link and Defensive Countermeasures equipment.
“This flight test represents a significant milestone in the program, as it is the first time that a contact between two different tankers developed on Airbus platforms has been performed” said Carlos Suarez, CEO of Airbus Military. “We are very pleased about the progress of the final test phase that commenced in December 2008 and look forward to completing the flight test program that will lead to final military certification and qualifica-tion.”
During this phase of the flight test campaign the aerodynamic configura-tion of the pods has been proven and several hose-deployed tests have been conducted at different altitudes and airspeeds. In addition several contacts between the A310 Boom and the A330 MRTT Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) system located on top of the A330 MRTT aircraft have been made, showing, as expected, the excellent flying qualities of the A330 as a receiver aircraft. Also, the mili-tary avionics system has been tested successfully.
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of € 39.1 billion and employed a work-force of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Air-bus, the world’s largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programmes from Ariane to Galileo. Its De-fence & Security Division is a provider of comprehensive systems solutions and makes EADS the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium as well as a stakeholder in the missile systems provider MBDA. EADS also develops the A400M through its Military Transport Aircraft Division.
Airbus Military inicia los ensayos del A330 MRTT como avión receptor
January 19, 2009
Fuerza Aérea Australiana ha conseguido un nuevo hito en el programa de ensayos cuando el avión A310 utilizado como demostrador del boom y usado para los ensayos en vuelo del sistema de reabastecimiento “fly-by-wire” desarrollado por EADS, ha realizado una serie de contactos durante un vuelo de prueba fuera de la costa en el suroeste de España. Ambos aviones partieron de las instalaciones de EADS en Getafe, Madrid, donde Airbus Military tiene su centro de conversión de aviones de reabastecimiento en vuelo.
El A330 MRTT está equipado con dos sistemas “hose and drogue” (manguera y cestillo de reabastecimiento) en las alas y con el boom de reabastecimiento en vuelo bajo el fuselaje posterior, además de los correspondientes equipos de navegación e identificación militar MILCOMs, incluyendo un Datalink y equipo de contramedidas defensivo.
“Este ensayo representa un importante hito en el programa porque es la primera vez que se lleva a cabo utilizando dos plataformas desarrolladas por Airbus” ha dicho Carlos Súarez, CEO de Airbus Military. “Estamos muy satisfechos del avance conseguido en la fase final de ensayos que comenzó en diciembre de 2008. Esperamos completar el programa de ensayos en vuelo que nos conducirá a la certificación y cualificación militar definitiva”.
Durante la fase de ensayos se ha probado la configuración aerodinámica de los “pods” (dispositivos bajo las alas que contienen el mecanismo de extensión y recogida de las mangueras) y se han desplegado las mangueras varias veces a diferentes altitudes y velocidades. Además se han producido múltiples contactos entre el A310 equipado con el boom y el A330 MRTT a través de su mecanismo de recepción (UARRSI), sistema localizado en la parte superior fuselaje delantero del A330 MRTT, demostrándose las excelentes capacidades de vuelo del A330 MRTT como avión receptor, tal y como estaba previsto. También el sistema de aviónica militar ha sido probado con éxito.
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 & 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.
Curtiss-Wright Acquires Nu-Torque
January 19, 2009
Provides Opportunity to Expand in Domestic and International Defense Markets
“The acquisition of Nu-Torque is a significant addition to our existing portfolio of highly engineered valves, controls and actuators,” said Curtiss-Wright Chairman and CEO
Nu-Torque was founded in 1980 and acquired in 2002 by Tyco Flow Control, a unit of Tyco International Ltd. With annual sales of approximately
Raytheon’s Mid-Range Munition Completes First Cartridge Integration Test
January 19, 2009
YUMA PROVING GROUND, Ariz.,
MRM is a gun-fired, precision-guided projectile that provides beyond-line-of-sight engagement capabilities to brigade combat teams.
“This was the first completely autonomous imaging infrared-guided shot in the history of the MRM program,” said
The test verified two primary modes of operation: designate and autonomous. In designate mode, the round was initially guided to the target with a laser designator before switching to imaging infrared seeker guidance. In autonomous mode, the round was fired in the general direction of the target before the IIR seeker searched for and acquired the target.
Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of
ATK Propulsion and Composite Technologies Help Launch National Reconnaissance Office Satellite
January 19, 2009
ATK designed and produced the nozzle for the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne-built RS-68 engine as well as the nozzle’s thermal protection material, which is capable of shielding it from the extreme heat of launch when external temperatures can exceed 4,000 degrees F. The Delta IV’s RS-68 is the largest hydrogen-fueled engine in the world, utilizing an ATK nozzle that is the first of its kind in a liquid booster engine. The nozzle is manufactured at ATK’s
ATK also supplied 12 key composite structures for the Delta IV Heavy launch vehicle: the interstage that provides the interface between the Common Booster Core (CBC) and the cryogenic second stage, two nose cones for the port and starboard strap-on CBC’s, three centerbodies that integrate the liquid oxygen (LO2) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) tanks, three thermal shields that protect the RS-68 engines during ignition and flight, and three LO2 skirts.
The composite structures are five meters in diameter and range from one to eight meters in length. They are produced using advanced hand layup manufacturing techniques at the company’s manufacturing facility in
ATK is a premier aerospace and defense company with more than 17,000 employees in 21 states and approximately
India Embraces ATCi’s Warrior Satellite Surveillance and Monitoring Systems Deployed for Foreign Indian Defense Networks
January 19, 2009
Recent Mumbai Terrorist Events Call for Warrior Surveillance System
The Warrior Satellite Monitoring System can simultaneously provide complete observation for satellite activities spread over 140 degrees. However, with the added upgrades, the system goes beyond the basic TT&C monitoring that is being offered by rival systems today. Designed for the unique requirements of government and military entities, Warrior allows the operator an in-depth view of not only the spectrum usage/geo-location issues involved in satellite carriage, but also the ability to manage, control, and archive the data, voice and video content being carried on any given satellite on any given transponder in its viewing arc simultaneously. Moreover, the proprietary search and retrieval technology loads key information METADATA into an interlinked network of IP storage servers to provide unparalleled surveillance tools for today’s fluid and ever-changing communication markets. These highly cost-effective systems must provide the best information immediately in order to make vitally important decisions.
“Due to recent incidents in
All hardware, software, engineering, and installation services are included with the turnkey Warrior Satellite Monitoring System.
Three Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-68 Rocket Engines Boost Classified Spy Satellite
January 19, 2009
“We’re proud to be part of a mission that will ensure the safety and security of our nation,” said
The upper-stage RL10B-2 helped place the satellite into orbit. “This engine has over 40 years of flight performance with the highest reliability of any cryogenic upper-stage engine in the world,” said
The U.S. National Reconnaissance Office is responsible for operating overhead reconnaissance missions for the Department of Defense and the intelligence community.
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
Bell Helicopter Delivers First Nine Safety Enhancement Program OH-58Ds Ahead of Contract
January 16, 2009
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (Jan. 14, 2009) — Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, closed out 2008 with delivery of the ninth OH-58D aircraft to be modified under the current Kiowa Warrior Safety Enhancement Program contract.
“We delivered a total of nine aircraft in 2008 – six more aircraft than were required by the contract schedule,” said Amy Tedford, Director of Military Fielded Systems at Bell Helicopter.
“We’re keenly aware of the Army’s need to have additional OH-58D aircraft available for deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Tedford, “and it’s been a real team effort by everyone involved in the Safety Enhancement Program to get these aircraft completed and back to the Army ahead of schedule.”
Bell’s Safety Enhancement Program (SEP) line had been closed down and put into storage after work was completed on the previous SEP lot in December 2007. As workers prepared to restart the line for Lot 11 in May 2008, they applied Textron Six Sigma processes and tools to accomplish a lean restart of the SEP line.
“The direct involvement of employees from every part of the process allowed Bell’s SEP team to significantly reduce the footprint for both assembly and flight operations, and to increase their aircraft production rate by fifty percent,” said Tedford.
The first aircraft completed by the team was delivered back to the Army on Sept. 24, 2008, two months ahead of contract schedule. Bell’s SEP team has maintained that lead and continues to deliver all completed SEP aircraft two months ahead of schedule.
A total of 27 OH-58D Kiowa Warrior aircraft are being upgraded in Lot 11 of the Safety Enhancement Program. The $30 million contract was awarded April 30, 2008. All work is being done at Bell Helicopter’s Plant 1 facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The 18 remaining aircraft in Lot 11 are planned to be completed in 2009.
The OH-58Ds are being upgraded with an improved engine and improved computer control systems that include related new wiring harnesses. The improvements are part of a series of safety and performance modifications the Army has implemented to keep the OH-58D armed reconnaissance helicopter safe and mission effective until it is retired.
The US Army fleet of Kiowa helicopters has accumulated more than 1.6 million flight hours and over 400,000 combat flight hours. Despite high usage rates, daily combat scenarios and harsh environmental conditions, the OH-58D continues to achieve readiness rates above 80 percent.
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