The AW149 Performs Its First Flight
November 16, 2009
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the first prototype of the AW149 multi-role military medium twin helicopter successfully completed its maiden flight on November 13th at AgustaWestland’s Vergiate plant. The aircraft, flown by AgustaWestland Chief Test Pilot Giuseppe Lo Coco, performed as expected undertaking a 20 minutes flight that included an assessment of the helicopter’s general handling and basic systems. The first helicopter will be followed by a second prototype in 2010 with the aim to achieve initial operational capability in 2014.
Giuseppe Orsi, CEO, AgustaWestland, commented “The maiden flight of the AW149 adds to the recently accomplished first flights of the T129, the AW101 in the latest variant and AW159, confirming the company’s capability to continuously develop new products to maintain its competitive edge and to offer the market the most complete and modern product range”.
Bruno Spagnolini, COO, AgustaWestland said “We are proud to have achieved this major milestone seeing the only new generation medium twin military helicopter take to the air. AgustaWestland is once more demonstrating its ability to develop the very latest rotorcraft technology designed to meet a range of requirements”.
The first AW149 prototype is fully representative of the AW149 final configuration with respect to the airframe and avionics, whilst the second prototype will fly in the final configuration incorporating two 2000 shp class GE CT7-2E1 turbines with FADEC and an all new transmission system. With a fully digital avionics system with open architecture and fully integrated mission equipment, a modern glass cockpit and a 4-axis auto-pilot, the AW149 8 ton class helicopter is specifically designed for modern battlefield operations. The AW149 is fitted with the latest all weather day-night operational capabilities, dedicated avionics and a NVG-compatible cockpit, while rotor ice protection will be available as an option.
The AW149, by its open architecture design, will be capable of being fitted with role equipment and systems as required by the customer to perform a wide range of roles and also to be easily re-roled or upgraded to meet future requirements. Advanced sensors, communication and data sharing systems provide high situational awareness for network-centric environments. The AW149, capable of seating up to 18 troops, is perfectly suited to perform a wide range of duties such as troop transport, battlefield and logistic operations, fire support, SAR and combat SAR, special forces operations, reconnaissance, surveillance, CASEVAC, command control & communication, external load lifting as well as VIP military transport.
The AW149 has been developed to meet the Italian Air Force requirement for a new medium class SAR helicopter. The AW149 is also being offered in the marketplace to meet the demand for a modern technology helicopter to replace thousands of older generation helicopters in service with military operators worldwide. A customised version of the AW149, named the TUHP149, is the candidate for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Programme (TUHP).
GOL Joins International Biofuel Development Group
November 16, 2009
SAO PAULO, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes S.A. (Bovespa: GOLL4 and NYSE: GOL), the largest low-cost and low-fare airline in Latin America, has joined the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG), which unites airlines and technology providers in a joint drive to accelerate the development of new, sustainable aviation fuels for commercial use.
Initially, the group is working on two preliminary sustainability research projects, one of which involves a comprehensive investigation into Jatropha curcas as a sustainable fuel source, including its life cycle, CO2 emissions and the potential social or economic impact on growers in developing countries. The second project is taking an in-depth look at algae and the associated fuel production processes, to ensure they are in line with strict sustainability guidelines. Both Jatropha curcas and algae have the potential to become viable biomass aviation fuel sources. The group plans additional studies on other possible fuel sources in the future.
The initiative is a groundbreaking step for GOL. In addition to actively working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Company is now also investing in reducing its future fuel costs. “This is a major opportunity for GOL to join a select group of aviation companies actively involved in controlling their own future, particularly around fuel and the entire fuel production process, including origin, sustainability and environmental impact,” says GOL’s Technical Vice President, Fernando Rockert de Magalhaes.
In joining the group, GOL adopts the premise that any sustainable biofuel must have an equal or superior performance to that of kerosene, but with reduced CO2 emissions. Additionally, the group stipulates that new biofuels can only be produced from renewable sources that minimize the impact on biodiversity and do not compete with food production or the production of drinking water. SAFUG also requires that the development of new crops for biofuel production should bring social and economic benefits to the communities involved.
Among the affiliates of the SAFUG program and a supporter of the initiative is Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA), which manufactures and provides equipment for GOL’s standardized fleet of Boeing 737-700 and 800 NGs. The company will provide technical support for the development of the new fuels. “Our top priority is to carry out and conduct research into sustainable fuel sources. This includes research into plants as well as their cultivation, harvesting and economic impact, all of which can help us achieve our goal,” affirmed Billy Glover, BCA’s Managing Director for Environmental Strategy.
Other global airline partners supporting sustainable fuels are Air France, Air New Zealand, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Cargolux, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, KLM, SAS and Virgin Atlantic Airways.
Pratt & Whitney Wins US$112 Million Share of Order for V2500 Engines from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise
November 16, 2009
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — DUBAI AIR SHOW — DAE Capital, the aircraft leasing and financial business arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has selected the International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500 SelectOne(TM) for 20 Airbus A320-family aircraft. The contract would be valued at more than $112 million to Pratt & Whitney at list prices with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2011. Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, is a major participant in IAE.
The V2500 is available in seven different thrust settings, from 22,000 to 33,000 lb., to power the Airbus A319, A320 and A321 family of aircraft as well as the A319 Corporate Jet.
The V2500 SelectOne(TM) build standard delivers an additional one percent fuel burn advantage, along with a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions. It improves time on-wing by up to 20 percent and is compliant with the most stringent CAEP/6 NOx standards. It entered service in October 2008.
IAE is a multinational aero engine consortium whose shareholders include Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, the Japanese Aero Engines Corporation and MTU Aero Engines. There are more than 5,500 V2500s in service or on firm order with more than 190 customers around the world.
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.
Pratt & Whitney Delivers F100-229 Engines to Pakistani Air Force
November 16, 2009
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — DUBAI AIR SHOW — Pratt & Whitney has delivered the first Pakistani Air Force F100-PW-229 Engine Enhancement Package (EEP) engine to Pakistan this week, for installation in their F-16 Block 52 aircraft. The engine program is valued at approximately $150 million and is scheduled for delivery in 2009 and 2010. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company.
“We are honored by the Pakistani Air Force’s decision to continue with Pratt & Whitney as the propulsion for their F-16 Fleet. Building on the legacy of the F100-PW-220 in operation for more than 25 years, we look forward to providing new F100-PW-229 EEP engine to power their latest purchase of F-16s,” said Bill Begert, Vice President of Military Business Development and Aftermarket Services for Pratt & Whitney. “We look forward to continuing the long and successful relationship by delivering high quality, dependable engines to our customers in Pakistan.”
The F100-PW-229 EEP engine offers the Pakistani Air Force a lower total cost of ownership and an outstanding record of safety. The EEP is the latest evolution of the F100 family of fighter aircraft engines. The EEP configuration will aid the Pakistani Air Force in reducing the life cycle cost associated with scheduled engine maintenance by up to 30 percent through extending the depot inspection interval from 4300 to 6000 TACs. The EEP engine builds on the excellent safety record of the F100-PW-229 and incorporates the latest technologies for today’s F-15 and F-16 fighter aircraft around the world.
Pratt & Whitney military engines include the F135 for the F-35 Lightning II, the F119 for the F-22 Raptor, the F100 family that powers the F-15 and F-16, the F117 for the C-17 Globemaster III, the J52 for the EA-6B Prowler, the TF33 powering AWACS, Joint STARS, B-52, and KC-135 aircraft, and the TF30 for the F-111. In addition, Pratt & Whitney offers a global network of MRO and 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 Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.
Boeing Completes Side-of-Body Installations on Two More 787 Dreamliners
November 16, 2009
EVERETT, Wash., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) has completed installing reinforcements within the side-of-body section of two more 787 Dreamliners.
Over the weekend, employees at Boeing’s facility in Everett, Wash., finished reinforcing the full-scale static test airframe and the second Dreamliner designated for flight test. Installations were completed Nov. 11 on the first flight-test airplane.
The modification entails installing new fittings at 34 stringer locations within the joint where the wing is attached to the fuselage.
“Our focus now is on completing the static test later this month, which will validate the modification,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. “Concurrently we are restoring the airplanes and completing the functional tests required to fly by the end of the year.”
The static test airframe is being refitted with strain gauges and instrumentation required for testing. Access doors, systems, seals and fasteners removed from airplane No. 2 to provide access are being restored in preparation for continued testing on the airplane. The first 787 also is being restored.
Fancher said the program is on track to fly the 787 by the end of the year.
“We are building momentum with each milestone we achieve,” Fancher said. “This team is focused on its goals and bringing us ever closer to first flight.”
Aviall Announces Senior Leadership Changes
November 16, 2009
– Aviall, Inc.’s Paul Fulchino Announces Retirement
– Dan Komnenovich Named Aviall’s President and CEO Beginning January 1
– Ed Dolanski Promoted to Executive VP and COO of Aviall Services
DALLAS, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ — Aviall, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) today announced a series of changes to its senior leadership.
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Fulchino announced his intention to retire in early 2010. Since joining Aviall in January, 2000, Fulchino has profitably led and grown the company even amid the post September 11 challenges that faced the aerospace industry. His leadership enabled the company to position advanced technologies that leapfrogged competition and to enter into contracts with leading aerospace manufacturers such as General Electric, Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce. These efforts led to the acquisition of Aviall by Boeing in September, 2006. Since that time Fulchino has continued to lead Aviall as part of Commercial Aviation Services, a division of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Aviall has named Dan Komnenovich to Fulchino’s leadership role, effective January 1. Komnenovich, a 21-year veteran of Aviall, has been serving as executive vice president as well as president and chief operating officer of Aviall Services since 2000. In this capacity, Dan managed the day-to-day activities of Aviall including operations, sales and information technology.
Ed Dolanski, currently senior vice president of Operations, will step into Komnenovich’s role as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Aviall Services. Dolanski is credited with elevating the company’s continuous improvement culture. His contributions include leading Aviall’s Lean Sigma operations improvements; expanding employee education and development; accelerating OEM contract integration, as well as leading Aviall’s synergy projects with other Boeing business units.
Additionally, Jeff Murphy, Aviall, Inc.’s senior vice president, Law and Human Resources, Secretary and General Counsel; and Lou Koch, vice president of Human Resources, have announced their retirements at the end of the year. Murphy will be succeeded by Robin Everly, currently Aviall’s corporate assistant and general counsel. Koch’s position will be filled by Curt Brusto, currently assistant vice president of Human Resources.
NASA’s Shuttle Atlantis Headed for Delivery Stop at Space Station
November 16, 2009
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Space shuttle Atlantis and its six-member crew began an 11-day delivery flight to the International Space Station on Monday with a 2:28 p.m. EST launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The shuttle will transport spare hardware to the outpost and return a station crew member who spent more than two months in space.
Atlantis is carrying about 30,000 pounds of replacement parts for systems that provide power to the station, keep it from overheating, and maintain a proper orientation in space. The large equipment can best be transported using the shuttle’s unique capabilities.
“We appreciate all the effort making this launch attempt possible. We are excited to take this incredible vehicle for a ride to another incredible vehicle, the ISS,” Commander Charlie Hobaugh said shortly before launch.
The flight will include three spacewalks and the installation of two platforms to the station’s truss, or backbone. The platforms will store the spare parts needed to sustain station operations after shuttle fleet is retired.
Hobaugh is joined on Atlantis’ STS-129 mission by Pilot Barry E. Wilmore and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Bobby Satcher. Atlantis will return with station resident Nicole Stott, marking the final time the shuttle is expected to rotate station crew members. Wilmore, Bresnik and Satcher are first-time space fliers.
Atlantis’ first landing opportunity at Kennedy is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 27 at 9:43 a.m. This mission is the 129th space shuttle flight, the 31st to the station, the 31st for Atlantis and the fifth in 2009.
NASA is providing continuous television and Internet coverage of Atlantis’ mission. NASA Television features live mission events, daily mission status news conferences and 24-hour commentary.
Lockheed Martin Flies Optimized Conventional F-35
November 16, 2009
FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/ — Lockheed Martin’s (NYSE: LMT) first optimized conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) F-35 Lightning II fighter made its inaugural flight on Saturday, Nov. 14, the fourth F-35 to begin flight operations.
Piloted by Lockheed Martin test pilot David “Doc” Nelson, the F-35A, called AF-1, left Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth plant and flew to 20,000 feet and Mach 0.6. Nelson raised and lowered the landing gear, performed 360-degree rolls and lifted the nose to 20 degrees angle of attack during an 89-minute flight. AF-1 was built on the same production line as the 31 Low Rate Initial Production aircraft now in assembly. The aircraft incorporates many evolutionary improvements and updates derived from the test program of AA-1, the first F-35. AF-1 joins two F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing variants currently in flight test.
“The initial flight of the first optimized CTOL aircraft represents a significant achievement for the program and sets the stage for what’s promising to be a successful flight test program,” said Maj. Gen. C.D. Moore, deputy program executive officer for the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office. “We are excited to see AF-1 taking flight, as it portends a bright CTOL future for the USAF and the partner nations. The hard work on the production line and the flight line has paid off, and the workers deserve a hearty congratulations.”
Doug Pearson, Lockheed Martin vice president for F-35 test and verification, said, “AF-1 is one of the most important aircraft in our test fleet because knowledge gained from its use expanding the flight envelope will benefit the other two variants, and every F-35 ever built. AF-1 is also the first F-35 to roll off our moving assembly line, having achieved the maximum production speed of 50 inches per hour during a trial high-speed assembly sequence. The moving assembly line, designed to improve production quality and speed, is the first ever for a modern fighter.”
The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully-fused sensor information, network-enabled operations, and lower operational and support costs. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two separate, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.
GOL Adere a Grupo Internacional Para Desenvolvimento de Biocombustíveis
November 16, 2009
São Paulo, 16 de novembro de 2009 – A GOL Linhas Aéreas
Inteligentes S.A. (Bovespa: GOLL4 e NYSE: GOL), a maior companhia
aérea de baixo custo e baixa tarifa da América Latina, anuncia sua
entrada ao SAFUG, Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (“Grupo de
Usuários de Combustível de Aviação Sustentável”, em português). O
programa reúne empresas aéreas e provedores de tecnologia, com o
objetivo de acelerar o desenvolvimento de novas fontes sustentáveis
de combustível para aviação, alcançando seu uso comercial.
Inicialmente, o grupo está trabalhando em dois projetos preliminares
de pesquisa sobre sustentabilidade. O primeiro deles prevê a revisão
extensiva sobre a sustentabilidade do cultivo do pinhão manso como
alternativa para geração de combustível sustentável, o que inclui seu
ciclo de vida, emissão de CO2 e o impacto socioeconômico para
produtores de nações em desenvolvimento. A outra frente de estudos é
relacionada ao uso de algas, com o objetivo de certificar que seu
grupo de processos produtivos e também seu emprego atendem aos
rígidos critérios de sustentabilidade. Ambas as espécies têm potencial
para tornar-se parte do portfólio de bases com biomassa renovável na
produção de combustíveis. O grupo também prevê estudos futuros com
outros tipos de matérias-primas.
Com a medida, a GOL dá um passo pioneiro para colaborar com a redução
da emissão de gases causadores do efeito estufa, ao mesmo tempo em
que poderá estudar alternativas para uma possível futura redução de
custos com combustíveis. “Essa é uma grande oportunidade para
estarmos em meio ao seleto grupo de companhias aéreas que visam
tornar-se componentes atuantes no controle de seu futuro,
especialmente no seu suprimento de combustíveis, em termos de origem,
sustentabilidade e impacto ambiental”, analisa o Comandante Fernando
Rockert de Magalhães, Vice-presidente Técnico da GOL.
Ao aderir ao grupo, a GOL adota como premissa que qualquer
biocombustível sustentável deve apresentar um desempenho igual ao
superior aos combustíveis à base de querosene, mas com taxas mais
reduzidas de emissão de dióxido de carbono. Adicionalmente, o grupo
estipula que só poderão ser desenvolvidos novos biocombustíveis
baseados em materiais provenientes de fontes renováveis, que
minimizem os impactos sobre a biodiversidade, sem competir com a
produção de alimentos ou fontes de água potável. Além disso, também
faz parte do compromisso que o desenvolvimento de novas culturas para
a produção de biocombustível possam trazer benefícios socieconomicos
às comunidades em que estiverem localizadas.
Uma das afiliadas ao programa SAFUG e apoiadora da iniciativa é a
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, fabricante de aeronaves e fornecedora
dos equipamentos que compõem a frota padronizada da GOL, composta por
Boeing 737-700 e 800 Next Generation. A Boeing dará suporte técnico
para o desenvolvimento dos novos combustíveis. "A prioridade número
um é levar adiante e completar os estudos sobre fontes sustentáveis,
como as plantas, seu cultivo, colheita e impactos econômicos, o que
pode nos ajudar a atingir nossa meta”, afirma Billy Glover, diretor e
gerente de Estratégia Ambiental da Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Dentre as linhas aéreas que apóiam os combustíveis sustentáveis estão
a Air France, Air New Zealand, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Cargolux,
Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, KLM, SAS e Virgin Atlantic Airways.
AeroSur is adding a B747-400 to its fleet in Bolivia
November 16, 2009
The Bolivian airline is replacing a B747-300 with a new generation B747-400 which has been operating for Virgin Atlantic. The airline is also operating a fleet of B737-300s and a B767-200 which operates the Miami route. The 747 will be used to operate to Madrid.
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