ABSOLUTE FIRE SYSTEMS’ FAST BUCKET EARNS PATENTS IN TWO COUNTRIES
May 25, 2010
CALGARY, CA, (May 24, 2010) – The innovative actuator and control technology that makes FAST Bucket a superior aerial firefighting solution has been patented in Australia and the United States. The proprietary control system design distinguishes FAST Bucket from older technology bucket products because it enables operators to control water volume from the cockpit, regardless of bucket size, and uses less than 2 amps of down-line power. FAST Bucket is available from Absolute Fire Solutions in Calgary, Canada.
The technology uses the weight of water in the bucket to create hydraulic pressure in a small closed actuator. The pressure then operates a simple base valve each time the pilot depresses the drop switch. This fundamental change has created new options for operators, including cockpit selectable automatic volume control, data-logging, and a line of simplified accessories that use the “weight of the water” concept to enhance performance.
Cockpit volume control and multiple drops in every size enable firefighting agencies to apply more retardant on the fire more effectively, as pilots have the option to increase their loads as they burn fuel. “The moment we saw the original bucket, we knew it was a breakthrough that would result in new possibilities and a change in conventional thinking,” said AFS President Steve Matthews. “Plus, it’s a heckuva lot of fun to fly.”
Matthews purchased the technology in 2006 and spent two years improving the design to simplify field maintenance and increase reliability. Most of the fine-tuning and improvements, and almost all the accessory concepts, are the result of suggestions from supportive operators, which has been critical, Matthews explained.
Key enhancements driven by operator feedback include manual and auto volume control, foam injection, powered fill, gel injection and data-logging. “The patents are a nice recognition of the unique concept behind each FAST Bucket, but the operator contribution is what really takes the FAST system to the next level,” Matthews said.
Piaggio America Announces New Addition to Sales Team
May 25, 2010
West Palm Beach, Fla. (May 21, 2009) –Piaggio America, Inc. announced today that it has hired James E Cochran III, as Sales Director for the North Eastern United States and Eastern Canadian region.
With a proven track record in regional sales, extensive experience in business development along with a strong knowledge of the commercial and business aircraft marketplace, Cochran will play a major role in Piaggio America’s sales force and further expansion of the company’s P. 180 Avanti II within this key territory.
Cochran’s wealth of experience stems from his background where he served as a Regional Sales Director for Augusta Westland Aerospace, Gulfstream Aerospace and Raytheon Aircraft Company (now known as Hawker Beechcraft Corporation).
“We are very pleased to welcome Jim to our sales team,” said Piaggio America President and CEO, John M. Bingham. “He is joining us at an essential time as we grow the company and his vast knowledge, experience and broad network of contacts in the industry will boost sales and Piaggio Aero’s presence in the important market he will be managing for us.”
Cochran will be based out of Philadelphia, PA.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Awarded $20 Million Contract From Missile Defense Agency
May 25, 2010
CANOGA PARK, Calif., May 24 /PRNewswire/ — Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne received a $20.3 million contract for the first phase to design, develop and test a High-Performance Liquid Upper-Stage propulsion system that will support early intercept capabilities for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company.
“With emerging ballistic missile threats, the MDA needs to develop faster interceptors that can stop enemy missiles early in flight when their countermeasures are less effective,” said Bruce Janeski, program manager, Liquid Upper-Stage propulsion system, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. “We are confident our propulsion system will increase the speed of interceptors by reducing weight and increasing performance.”
Under the contract, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne will develop components and conduct risk-reduction tests on a liquid upper-stage propulsion system, which could be integrated into an advanced land-based interceptor to augment the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne will demonstrate the propulsion system’s capability by conducting a static hot-fire test of the integrated system in simulated altitude conditions.
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.
Phoenix Mars Lander Does Not Phone Home, New Image Shows Damage
May 25, 2010
PASADENA, Calif., May 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander has ended operations after repeated attempts to contact the spacecraft were unsuccessful. A new image transmitted by NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) shows signs of severe ice damage to the lander’s solar panels.
“The Phoenix spacecraft succeeded in its investigations and exceeded its planned lifetime,” said Fuk Li, manager of the Mars Exploration Program at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. “Although its work is finished, analysis of information from Phoenix’s science activities will continue for some time to come.”
Last week, NASA’s Mars Odyssey orbiter flew over the Phoenix landing site 61 times during a final attempt to communicate with the lander. No transmission from the lander was detected. Phoenix also did not communicate during 150 flights in three earlier listening campaigns this year.
Earth-based research continues on discoveries Phoenix made during summer conditions at the far-northern site where it landed May 25, 2008. The solar-powered lander completed its three-month mission and kept working until sunlight waned two months later.
Phoenix was not designed to survive the dark, cold, icy winter. However, the slim possibility Phoenix survived could not be eliminated without listening for the lander after abundant sunshine returned.
The MRO image of Phoenix taken this month by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment, or HiRISE, camera on board the spacecraft suggests the lander no longer casts shadows the way it did during its working lifetime.
“Before and after images are dramatically different,” said Michael Mellon of the University of Colorado in Boulder, a science team member for both Phoenix and HiRISE. “The lander looks smaller, and only a portion of the difference can be explained by accumulation of dust on the lander, which makes its surfaces less distinguishable from surrounding ground.”
Apparent changes in the shadows cast by the lander are consistent with predictions of how Phoenix could be damaged by harsh winter conditions. It was anticipated that the weight of a carbon-dioxide ice buildup could bend or break the lander’s solar panels. Mellon calculated hundreds of pounds of ice probably coated the lander in mid-winter.
During its mission, Phoenix confirmed and examined patches of the widespread deposits of underground water ice detected by Odyssey and identified a mineral called calcium carbonate that suggested occasional presence of thawed water. The lander also found soil chemistry with significant implications for life and observed falling snow. The mission’s biggest surprise was the discovery of perchlorate, an oxidizing chemical on Earth that is food for some microbes and poisonous to other forms of life.
“We found that the soil above the ice can act like a sponge, with perchlorate scavenging water from the atmosphere and holding on to it,” said Peter Smith, Phoenix principal investigator at the University of Arizona in Tucson. “You can have a thin film layer of water capable of being a habitable environment. A micro-world at the scale of grains of soil — that’s where the action is.”
The perchlorate results are shaping subsequent astrobiology research, as scientists investigate the implications of its antifreeze properties and potential use as an energy source by microbes. Discovery of the ice in the uppermost soil by Odyssey pointed the way for Phoenix. More recently, the MRO detected numerous ice deposits in middle latitudes at greater depth using radar and exposed on the surface by fresh impact craters.
“Ice-rich environments are an even bigger part of the planet than we thought,” Smith said. “Somewhere in that vast region there are going to be places that are more habitable than others.”
NASA’s MRO reached the planet in 2006 to begin a two-year primary science mission. Its data show Mars had diverse wet environments at many locations for differing durations during the planet’s history, and climate-change cycles persist into the present era. The mission has returned more planetary data than all other Mars missions combined.
Odyssey has been orbiting Mars since 2001. The mission also has played important roles by supporting the twin Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity. The Phoenix mission was led by Smith at the University of Arizona, with project management at JPL and development partnership at Lockheed Martin in Denver. The University of Arizona operates the HiRISE camera, which was built by Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp., in Boulder. Mars missions are managed by JPL for NASA’s Mars Exploration Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
Honeywell Sending 220 Teachers From 17 Countries and 44 States to Participate in Astronaut Training
May 25, 2010
Scholarship Program Provides Effective Teaching Techniques for Science and Math
MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J., May 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today that it has awarded 220 scholarships to its Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy program. Teachers from 17 countries and 44 states will attend the program at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama from June 11 to June 23, 2010. This event is one element of the company’s award winning math and science education initiative.
Created in partnership with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in 2004, the Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy program is designed to help teachers move beyond the standard math and science curriculum with supplemental teaching techniques developed through real-life astronaut training.
“Through the Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy program we have trained more than 1,100 science and math teachers to become more engaging and inspiring educators,” said Thomas Buckmaster, President, Honeywell Hometown Solutions. “This unique hands-on learning experience reinvigorates science, technology, engineering and math education in classrooms around the globe.”
Honeywell Educators participate in 45 hours of professional development, as well as an intensive educator curriculum focused on space science and exploration. Activities include classroom, laboratory and field training exercises, which are linked to U.S. science and math teaching standards. Each teacher will also undergo real-life astronaut training including a high-performance jet simulation, scenario-based space missions, land and water survival training, and a state-of-the-art flight dynamics programs.
“As a teacher I love the idea of exposing students to new experiences. The week at Huntsville gives me plenty of material to do just that in my classroom,” said Steve Chance, 2009 Space Camp alumni. “The frosting-on-the-cake was to spend time with so many dedicated and enthusiastic teachers. That always refreshes me for the new year.”
Each Honeywell Educator receives a full scholarship following a rigorous application and selection process involving competing teachers from around the world. Scholarships include tuition for the six-day program, roundtrip airfare, meals, accommodation and program materials, all underwritten by Honeywell and contributions from Honeywell employees.
“Once again, Honeywell is sending a stellar group of teachers to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, and we are honored to have the opportunity to provide them with relevant professional development in science, technology, and mathematics,” said Larry Capps, Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. “Teachers who have participated in previous sessions are now making a difference in classrooms around the world as they inspire the next generation of explorers. We look forward to working with the Honeywell Educator Class of 2010 as we continue our mission.”
Since the program’s inception, Honeywell and its employees have sponsored more than 1,100 scholarships for teachers from 37 countries and 49 U.S. states, to participate in the Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy programs.
Cirrus Aircraft Inc. Selected TAT Technologies Ltd. as Preferred Supplier for $10M of Heat Exchangers for Bleed Air Supply System and Ice Protection System Onboard Cirrus Aircraft SF 50 Vision Jet
May 25, 2010
GEDERA, Israel, May 24, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — TAT Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq: TATT – News), a leading provider of services and products to the commercial and military aerospace and ground defense industries, today announced that Cirrus Aircraft Inc. (Cirrus) has issued a letter of intent designating TAT as the preferred supplier of heat exchangers for Bleed Air Supply System and Ice Protection System onboard the new Cirrus Aircraft SF 50 Vision Jet. The parties will now begin the formalization of a Supply Agreement as well as the next phase of integrating TAT’s Heat Exchangers into the Cirrus SF 50 Vision Jet systems. The program is estimated at $10M value over 10 years. Following the 10 years of production additional significant business volume may be generated by “after market” services to be provided by TAT.
TAT’s President and CEO, Dr. Shmuel Fledel, commented: “the notification by Cirrus demonstrates that TAT’s aggressive marketing efforts have resulted in enlarging its customer base as well as its leading position in the aviation industry and its advanced capabilities as Original Equipment Manufacturer for Heat Management Solutions. It is also demonstrates the reliability and trust between TAT and its customers. TAT is proud to partner with a new prestigious and leading customer such as Cirrus. This awards notification is aligned with TAT’s strategy to increase volume of new long-term programs with manufacturers of aviation systems and aircrafts.
Cirrus Aircraft
Cirrus is the world’s leading innovator of single-engine, piston-powered aircraft. Cirrus design began in 1984 as a kit airplane design and manufacturing company in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Its first airplane, the VK-30, became an inspiration for developing technologically advanced production aircraft. For the last five years Cirrus SR22 has been the world’s best selling airplane in its class. The new Cirrus SF50 is Cirrus’s new innovative aircraft.
About TAT Technologies LTD
TAT Technologies LTD is a leading provider of services and products to the commercial and military aerospace and ground defense industries.
TAT operates under three operational segments: (i) OEM of Heat Transfer products (ii) OEM of Electric Motion Systems; and (iii) MRO services, each with the following characteristics:
OEM of Heat Transfer products primarily includes the (i) design, development, manufacture and sale of a broad range of heat transfer components (such as heat exchangers, pre-coolers and oil/fuel hydraulic coolers) used in mechanical and electronic systems on-board commercial, military and business aircraft; and (ii) manufacture and sale of environmental control and cooling systems and (iii) a variety of other electronic and mechanical aircraft accessories and systems such as pumps, valves, power systems and turbines.
OEM of Electric Motion Systems primarily includes the design, development, manufacture and sale of a broad range of electrical motor applications for airborne and ground systems. TAT activities in this segment commenced with the acquisition of Bental in August 2008 and accordingly, the results in this segment for fiscal year 2008 are not compared with the previous years.
MRO services include the remanufacture, repair and overhaul of heat transfer equipment and other aircraft components, APUs, propellers and landing gear. TAT’s Limco subsidiary operates FAA (Federal Aviation Administration ) certified repair stations, which provide aircraft component MRO services for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military.
TAT also holds approximately 37% of the equity of First Aviation Services, a world-wide distributor of products and services to the aerospace industry and a one-stop-shop for MRO services (wheels, breaks, propellers and landing gear) for the General Aviation Industry.
Air China lidera a indústria chinesa de aviação no lançamento do EMD – Documento Miscelâneo Eletrônico
May 25, 2010
PEQUIM, 19 de maio /PRNewswire/ -- Depois de lançar os bilhetes
eletrônicos em 2003, a Air China Limited (Air China) assumiu a liderança
lançando o primeiro Documento Miscelâneo Eletrônico (Electronic Miscellaneous
Document, referido daqui por diante por sua sigla em inglês EMD) em Pequim no
dia 11 de maio de 2010.
Atualmente o EMD da Air China pode ser usado para remarcar vôos de
bilhetes domésticos na mesma classe. No futuro, o EMD irá proporcionar aos
passageiros da Air China um volume mais amplo e conveniente de serviços,
incluindo cobrança de mudanças nos bilhetes, seguro de aviação, reserva de
hotéis, aluguel de carros e outros produtos adicionais.
O EMD da Air China foi autenticado pela Associação Internacional do
Transporte Aéreo (IATA - International Air Transport Association) e é o
primeiro sistema entre as companhias aéreas chinesas a alcançar este marco. A
IATA notificou formalmente a Air China que seu EMD está em linha com o padrão
da IATA para EMD - Resolução 725, e a Air China se tornou a primeira companhia
aérea a utilizar o EMD no norte da Ásia. Ao mesmo tempo, a Air China é a
segunda companhia aérea em todo o mundo a utilizar o EMD, após a Vargem
Atlântica.
A IATA disse que, durante os anos, a Air China sempre liderou a indústria
da aviação no norte da Ásia na iniciativa Simplificando o Negócio (StB -
Simplifying the Business), promovida pela IATA. A IATA parabenizou a Air China
por suas conquistas com o projeto EMD e acredita que a Air China irá continuar
a liderar o norte da Ásia e toda a indústria de forma geral em outros projetos
StB.
Copa Airlines adds two new Boeing 737-800s
May 20, 2010
Panama’s “model airline” has taken delivery of two B737-800s as part of its plan to expand service in the region. With these two, the airline has received five B737-800s and will receive three additional units this year. Copa Holdings operates one of the youngest fleets in the region, with a total of 60 aircraft, including 20 B737-700s, 14 B737-800s and 26 Embraer 190s.
Bombardier to make Mexico its manufacturing center
May 20, 2010
Flavio Diaz Miron, Bombardier’s chief representative for Mexico and Latin America announced this week that Mexico is the second biggest market after the United States and Bombardier will be replacing something like 20,000 aircraft during the next decade. Mexico will become the Canadian company’s manufacturing center.
The “Model Airlines” continue to report profit in Q1
May 20, 2010
According to an article in the May 17 issue of Airline Weekly – one of our favorite sources for up to the minute news – Latin America’s “model airlines” report Q1 financial results which continue to lead not just the region, but the world, in terms of profitability. The four “model airlines” Q1 results are as follows:
Airline Revenue Op Profit Net margin Net profit* Net margin
TAM $1,447 mil $53 mil 3.7% $ 15 mil 2.0%
GOL $ 961 $107 11.1% $ 46 4.8%
LAN $1,035 $143 13.8% $ 88 8.5%
Copa $ 335 $ 71 21.2% $ 57 17.0%
* excluding special items
The four are also recording significant growth in their shares on the New York Stock Exchange. The fact is these are really the “model airlines”, not just in the region but in the world. Copa has the highest net operating margin in the business, with a 21.2% margin in the quarter – as well as in 2009.
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