Sikorsky Aircraft and Terma sign MOU to explore potential collaboration on Danish Maritime Helicopter Program opportunity
February 16, 2010
STRATFORD, Conn., Feb. 15, 2010 – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and Terma A/S today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to explore potential collaborations if the Danish government decides to procure Sikorsky MH-60R SEAHAWK® helicopters. The government is currently evaluating alternatives including the MH-60R aircraft for a replacement maritime helicopter. The MH-60R aircraft would be procured via the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) channel with the U.S. government and supported by Sikorsky, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). Terma A/S is a leading defense, aerospace and security company in Denmark with subsidiaries in the U.S., the Netherlands, Singapore and Germany.
“We see potentially strong synergies between our companies and the combined support they could bring to the Danish Maritime Helicopter Program,” said Leonard Wengler, Vice President, Navy Programs for Sikorsky. “The MH-60R helicopter, dubbed the ‘Romeo,’ is the most advanced multi-mission naval helicopter available today with demonstrated effectiveness during deployment with the U.S. Navy in 2009. Terma’s aerospace experience and expertise, including the production of advanced aerostructures and electronic warfare equipment, provide promising opportunities for collaboration.”
We identify a substantial match between the two companies and are happy and proud to announce the signing of an MOU,” said Jørn Henrik Levy Rasmussen, Vice President, Strategic Marketing, Terma. “We look forward to combining Sikorsky’s and our core capabilities in respect of the maritime helicopter program and to investigating a shared number of exciting business opportunities in the international market.”
The multi-mission MH-60R helicopter is built by Sikorsky, with Lockheed Martin providing mission systems integration, and is designed to perform anti-submarine and surface warfare, search and rescue operations, vertical replenishment, medical evacuation, communications and data relay. The U.S. Navy plans to purchase a total of 300 MH-60R helicopters, and in July 2009 completed a highly successful six-month deployment of an MH-60R squadron with the U.S.S. John C. Stennis carrier strike group in the western Pacific.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. 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.
Headquartered in Aarhus, Denmark, Terma provides products and systems for a number of defense and non-defense applications, including command and control systems, radar systems, electronic warfare systems, space technology, and aeronautic structures for high-performance military aircraft. The company realized 2008/09 sales of approximately USD 200 million and employs approximately 1,250 people worldwide.
Donaldson IBF’s Extend Pacific Valley’s Engine Life
February 16, 2010
St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 15, 2010 – More helicopter operators in a wide range of operations are choosing Inlet Barrier Filters (IBF) from Donaldson’s Aerospace & Defense Group, a division of the Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE:DCI). In the current economic conditions, business owners like Pacific Valley Aviation’s Jim Miller know they can not afford to wait when it comes to protecting their engines.
Miller and his Pacific Valley team operate two Bell UH-1H ‘Huey’ helicopters for aerial spraying/application flights in the fertile Sacramento River Valley of northern California. During a typical mission, the aircraft carries out many takeoffs and landings in very dusty conditions on remote roads to refill its spray tanks. The company equipped its ships with Donaldson IBF systems following major expenses from engine damage.
“Previously, we would only get 1400 flight hours from an engine before needing overhaul due to degradation, meaning reduced flight time and increased expenses,” said Miller. “I’m now at 2100 hours into the 2400 hour engine overhaul cycle, and I expect to make it without interruption. We were never able to do that before equipping with the IBF.”
Donaldson’s IBF captures more than fine grit and damaging particulates. Pacific Valley feels that spray residue ingestion into the turbine has also been reduced, which results in less power loss over time. In addition, turbine operating temperatures are typically reduced as much as 20 C, which adds power.
“We could not afford to wait to protect our engines, and the IBF has really made a positive impact to our bottom line,” added Miller. Many operators recover the investment in the IBF in one engine overhaul cycle, frequently sooner.
Donaldson Bell 205/UH-1H IBFs are in operation worldwide in aerial spraying, firefighting, seismic/utility and military applications. Bottom line, operators can now realize reduced operating costs along with enhanced performance and expanded operational capabilities when choosing Donaldson IBFs.
Providing the most comprehensive line of IBF solutions, Donaldson Aerospace & Defense is the industry leader in the design, development and manufacture of high-performance engine IBF systems for commercial and military propulsion systems. Through its St. Louis, Missouri location, Donaldson provides certified IBF solutions for the AgustaWestland AW119 Koala, AW119Ke and AW139, Bell 205A1, 206B, 407, 206L-3/4, 206L-1(C30), 429 and 430; Eurocopter EC130, AS350 B/BA/B1/B2/B3, AS350’s with Soloy or Heli-Lynx Honeywell engine conversions and MD Helicopters MD 369H Series, MD 500D/E/F and MD 900/902. IBF solutions for the AgustaWestland AW109 Power and Grand, Eurocopter EC135 as well as the Bell 206L are currently in development.
Visit Donaldson at the upcoming Heli-Expo 2010 Booth: #2847 in Houston, Texas, February 21-23, 2010.
“Eurocopter reinforces its commitment to India at Defexpo 2010”
February 16, 2010
Marignane, February 12, 2010 Defexpo 2010
Eurocopter, the world leading helicopter manufacturer, will show a significant presence at Defexpo 2010, with its star product, the AS 550 C3, participating in the ongoing trials for the Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopter requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. The premiere defence Airshow in Asia, being organized by the Indian Ministry of Defence will see Eurocopter present its range of military helicopters and state-of-the-art technology.
As Norbert Ducrot, Eurocopter Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Asia points out,
“By participating in the key RFPs with our best products, we hope to continue to support India acquire the right mission equipment and develop a strengthened aerospace industry. Over the next few months we will also further our relationship with India by exploring opportunities for setting up joint ventures with our long time partners and establish a stronger footprint to provide end-to-end service to the country. “
The AS550 C3 which is undergoing trials for the Indian Army and Air Force requirement of Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopters will be one of the key products to be showcased at the event. Also showcased will be specification and mock-up models of the EC 725, which is Eurocopter’s key offering for the Indian Multi-role Helicopter requirements and the Panther, which is best suited for the requirements of the Indian Coast Guards.
With reference to both the Indian military and civil markets, Eurocopter currently holds a leading position achieved through strong partnerships. In the military space, Eurocopter has had a fruitful association with India for over 4 decades through two co-operation agreements with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).The relationship started with a license production enabling HAL to manufacture more than 600 helicopters of the Alouette 3 and Lama type (Cheetah/Chetak). In 1984, HAL associated with Eurocopter in the development of the Advanced Light Helicopter. The cooperation with HAL has been further strenghtened with Eurocopter outsourcing metallic and composite work packages and today, HAL is part of Eurocopter global supply chain by producing Ecureuil/Fennec airframes, joining the ranks of very few select tier one suppliers.
In the civil space, Eurocopter has successfully formed partnerships in both public and private sector with Pawan Hans Helicopter Limited and Indocopters. These partnerships cover the entire spectrum of helicopter activities, from manufacturing to operations, maintenance and product support.
LAP is forecasting Jorge Chavez airport will reach 9 million passengers in 2010
February 16, 2010
Lima Airport Partners, (LAP) – which manages Lima’s Jorge Chavez airport, believes that passenger flow in 2010 will reach 9.05 million for a growth of 4% to 5% over 2009. It also points out that passenger traffic flow in 2009 reached 8.8 million for a 6% growth.
Qatar Airways could launch flights to Brazil and Argentina
February 16, 2010
The airline, according to sources in Brazil, is interested in expanding its presence in Latin America by launching daily B777-200LR service between Doha-Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires. No date has been announced but the source is convinced that it is going to happen in 2010.
LAN reports January traffic grows 17.6%
February 16, 2010
The Chilean-based “model airline” reports another month of growth, with passenger traffic growing 17.6% over the same month last year, with capacity growth of 11.4%, moving the load factor up 4.3 points to 82.3%. International traffic – which represents approximately 70% of the total – grew 20.6% as capacity increased 13.4% moving the international passenger load factor up five points to 82.8%. Domestic traffic in Chile, Argentina, Peru and Ecuador rose10.9% as capacity grew 7.2%, moving the domestic passenger load factor up 2.7 points to 81.0%. Cargo traffic increased 25.5% mainly due to the recovery in import and export markets in Latin America, along with increased operations to Europe. Cargo capacity grew 17.9%, as a result cargo load factor increased 4.1 points to 66.9%.
Cessna Names Propel Aviation Sales & Services a Caravan Authorized Sales Representative
February 16, 2010
WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 11, 2010 Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has named Propel Aviation Sales & Services, LLC, based at the Kendall-Tamiami Airport (KTMB) in Miami, Fla., a Caravan Authorized Sales Representative (ASR) for the states of Florida, Georgia and Alabama.
“The extremely versatile and efficient Caravan has continued to see strong demand even during the recent downturn. Now that economic conditions are improving interest in the Caravan is getting even stronger,” said John Doman, Cessna’s vice president of Worldwide Propeller Sales. “Continuing to partner with outstandingly capable, customer-oriented companies like Propel Aviation is vitally important as demand for the Caravan increases in the market.”
In addition to being a Caravan ASR, Propel Aviation is a Cessna authorized single-engine, multi-engine and propjet service center and an FAA Part 145 Repair Station.
Susi Air Adds Piaggio P. 180 Avanti II to its Fleet
February 16, 2010
Singapore (February 10, 2010)- Susi Air and Piaggio Aero Industries announced today, at the end of the Singapore Air Show, the agreement for two additional P.180 Avanti II delivered to Indonesia. Susi Air ordered 2 P.180 Avanti II and signed an agreement for 1 further option.
The 2 new Avanti II have been selected by Susi Air after an extensive evaluation process that took into consideration the performance, the efficiency and the reliability of the first Piaggio Aero P.180 Avanti II aircraft operated by Susi Air since July 2009. The new P.180 Avanti II aircraft will join Susi Air existing fleet in first quarter 2010.
Susi Pudjiastuti, founder, owner and CEO of Susi Air, said: “We are pleased to announce that Susi Air has decided to grow its fleet with 2 new Piaggio Aero P.180 Avanti II. Our choice was predominantly based on the requirements of our customers, the Piaggio Aero aircraft will allow us to increase frequency and enter new routes at the lowest possible costs, while offering our passengers a high level of comfort. We have been very satisfied operating our first P.180 and after a careful analysis of current and future needs. We concluded that the P.180 Avanti II is well suited for this purpose. Thanks to its unique design and characteristics, we feel that the Piaggio Aero P.180 Avanti II is the ideal aircraft for all our different applications.”
“We are very pleased that Susi Air has chosen two Piaggio Aero P.180 Avanti to enhance its fleet of aircraft dedicated to executive and Med Evac transport. It’s a sign of the satisfaction found amongst the selective customers of Susi Air with the Piaggio Aero aircraft operated by this successful Indonesian operator since 2009. It makes us particularly proud that this agreement confirms the customer satisfaction with our aircraft and the appreciation, all over the world, of the high technology of products Made in Italy” said Alberto Galassi, Piaggio Aero CEO. “We know that the P.180 Avanti II was selected by Susi Air thanks because of its unmatched operational flexibility, cost efficiency, performance and also because it is the most environmentally friendly airplane in business aviation” remarked Mr. Galassi.
Eurocopter celebra el primer vuelo del helicóptero militar CH-53GA en la fecha prevista
February 16, 2010
Donauwörth, 10 de febrero de 2010
El helicóptero medio de transporte CH-53GA ha llevado a cabo su vuelo inaugural en el cielo bávaro de Donauwörth y en presencia de cerca de 150 invitados. A los mandos del helicóptero militar iban Rene Nater, piloto de pruebas de Eurocopter, y Antoine Van Gent, ingeniero de vuelo. Este primer vuelo se produce justo tres años después de la firma del contrato y significa un hito importante, tanto para el programa CH-53GA como para el centro de apoyo de Eurocopter Deutschland a los helicópteros del Ejército alemán. Las mejoras introducidas prolongarán la vida útil de este helicóptero hasta el año 2030. Una vez terminados los vuelos de entrenamiento, a principios de 2011, las primeras entregas de los helicópteros modernizados tendrán lugar ese mismo año. Las Fuerzas Armadas alemanas podrán entonces desplegar estos CH-53GA dotados de modernos equipos en misiones internacionales (por ejemplo, en Afganistán).
Como vicepresidente de contratos militares alemanes de Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH, Ralf Barnscheidt precisó: “En los últimos 30 años, el centro de apoyo de Eurocopter para los helicópteros del Ejército alemán ha realizado muchas importantes modernizaciones en los helicópteros de transporte CH-53G, trabajando en cooperación con la Oficina Federal de Tecnología de Defensa y Adquisiciones BWB (Bundesamt für Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung). Me complace enormemente ver al CH-53GA en vuelo hoy, como una prueba más de la exitosa colaboración con las Fuerzas Armadas alemanas, que nos ha llevado a hacer realidad el programa en plazo y dentro del presupuesto”.
Requisitos funcionales: transformación óptima
El CH-53G ha sido modernizado para que el helicóptero se pueda desplegar en una amplia gama de misiones nacionales e internacionales. Los requisitos funcionales esenciales exigidos al CH-53GA han sido definidos y cumplidos:
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Mejora de los instrumentos de indicación y sistemas de control de vuelo con aviónica avanzada.
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Sistema de navegación de precisión avanzado y mejora de las capacidades de vuelo, en línea con las regulaciones internacionales de vuelo instrumental (IFR).
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Integración de un nuevo sistema de control de vuelo automático (AFCS, con piloto automático de cuatro ejes), con vuelo estacionario automático.
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Instalación de depósitos de combustible auxiliares en la cabina para incrementar el alcance hasta 1.200 km.
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Modernización de los equipos de comunicaciones para misiones conjuntas con los helicópteros Tigre y NH90.
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Integración de un conjunto de equipos modulares de misión, incluyendo un sistema de observación por infrarrojos FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared System), sistema de comunicación por satélite (SatCom), así como un moderno sistema de guerra electrónica EWS (Electronic Warfare System) destinado a la autoprotección e identificación de amenazas.
La producción en serie del CH-53GA comenzará en la planta de Donauwörth en 2011 y se prolongará hasta 2013. Los primeros helicópteros estarán a disposición del Ejército alemán antes de finales de 2011.
El CH53G en acción: misiones nacionales e internacionales
Los CH53G han estado en servicio en los últimos 35 años y continuarán siendo la columna vertebral en los despliegues del Ejército alemán en misiones en el extranjero, sometidos a exigencias extremas. Desde su entrada en servicio han sido no sólo el pilar donde descansa la versatilidad de las tropas y el transporte de equipos del Bundeswehr, en cumplimiento de las obligaciones del país en el marco de la OTAN, y ha sido una importante plataforma para las operaciones en las misiones en el extranjero en cooperación con otras fuerzas de la OTAN. Este helicóptero ha servido en conflictos de Kosovo a Kabul desde principios de los años noventa. Además, se ha desplegado en numerosas misiones para proporcionar ayuda durante catástrofes, tanto en su país como en el extranjero, tales como incendios forestales o inundaciones. El CH-53GA satisfará las necesidades del Ejército alemán de cara a expandir sus capacidades en las misiones de helicópteros de transporte medianos a escala nacional y en el exterior.
Mano a mano con el Ejército alemán
El centro de apoyo de Eurocopter a los helicópteros del Ejército alemán radicado en Donauwörth es el destinatario del contrato de transformación de un total de 40 helicópteros medios de transporte del tipo CH53G a la configuración CH-53GA. Los trabajos incluyen la reparación de las partes del fuselaje con fatiga por el extensivo uso y el tiempo, aumentando con ello la vida útil de diseño de 6.000 a 10.000 horas de vuelo. Además, se renovará el sistema eléctrico completo, que tiene una antigüedad superior a 35 años. En el desarrollo del CH-53GA participa todo el centro de apoyo a los helicópteros del Ejército alemán, que ha experimentado un sustancial crecimiento en los últimos veinte años, pasando de tener una plantilla de 69 personas, en 1991, a más de 530 hoy. Y la tendencia al aumento prosigue.
Susi Air Adds Piaggio P. 180 Avanti II to its Fleet
February 10, 2010
Singapore (February 9, 2010)- Susi Air and Piaggio Aero Industries announced today, at the end of the Singapore Air Show, the agreement for two additional P.180 Avanti II delivered to Indonesia. Susi Air ordered 2 P.180 Avanti II and signed an agreement for 1 further option.
The 2 new Avanti II have been selected by Susi Air after an extensive evaluation process that took into consideration the performance, the efficiency and the reliability of the first Piaggio Aero P.180 Avanti II aircraft operated by Susi Air since July 2009. The new P.180 Avanti II aircraft will join Susi Air existing fleet in first quarter 2010.
Susi Pudjiastuti, founder, owner and CEO of Susi Air, said: “We are pleased to announce that Susi Air has decided to grow its fleet with 2 new Piaggio Aero P.180 Avanti II. Our choice was predominantly based on the requirements of our customers, the Piaggio Aero aircraft will allow us to increase frequency and enter new routes at the lowest possible costs, while offering our passengers a high level of comfort. We have been very satisfied operating our first P.180 and after a careful analysis of current and future needs. We concluded that the P.180 Avanti II is well suited for this purpose. Thanks to its unique design and characteristics, we feel that the Piaggio Aero P.180 Avanti II is the ideal aircraft for all our different applications.”
“We are very pleased that Susi Air has chosen two Piaggio Aero P.180 Avanti to enhance its fleet of aircraft dedicated to executive and Med Evac transport. It’s a sign of the satisfaction found amongst the selective customers of Susi Air with the Piaggio Aero aircraft operated by this successful Indonesian operator since 2009. It makes us particularly proud that this agreement confirms the customer satisfaction with our aircraft and the appreciation, all over the world, of the high technology of products Made in Italy” said Alberto Galassi, Piaggio Aero CEO. “We know that the P.180 Avanti II was selected by Susi Air thanks because of its unmatched operational flexibility, cost efficiency, performance and also because it is the most environmentally friendly airplane in business aviation” remarked Mr Galassi.
Susi Air is a scheduled and charter airline based in Pangandaran, West Java, Indonesia. The company currently operates from 4 main bases across the Indonesian archipelago. Established in late 2004 by husband and wife team Susi Pudjiastuti and Christian Von Strombeck, it was originally setup to transport the fisheries cargo of sister company PT ASI Pudjiastuti. Also during the recent Indian Ocean earthquake Susi Air aircraft were very quickly pressed into service transporting equipment and medicine for aid agencies. With 30 aircraft currently in operation, and further 2 Piaggio Aero Avanti II, Susi Air has become the largest private operator in Indonesia. In addition to the executive services Susi Air launched scheduled flights, survey services, freight services and Flight Training Center in Pangandaran as the first step to establish a world class flight training center in Indonesia.
The Piaggio Aero P.180 Avanti II offers the speed of a light jet aircraft, the comfort of a large, quiet, midsize jet and real stand-up cabin, with fuel efficiencies that are nearly 40% higher than most business jets. Additionally because of the aircraft’s excellent takeoff and landing performance and perfect pressurization, the Piaggio Aero P180 Avanti II is one of the most widely used aircraft for public services such as an air ambulance and air rescue which were a vital service that Susi Air provided after the recent earthquake in the Sumatra Island supported by Piaggio Aero pilots and technical personnel.
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