US AgentNot sure how many “flight hours”…but the ‘Project Helix’ program is intended to maintain the capability of the Nimrod R out to 2025.
US AgentGlobal Hawk Simulation to Participate in North West Shelf Counter-Terrorism Trial
(Source: Northrop Grumman; issued July 19, 2006)
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY — Northrop Grumman Corporation and the Australian government will examine how the company’s Global Hawk high-altitude unmanned reconnaissance system can help protect Australia’s vital North West oil and gas platforms from terrorist attack.
Northrop Grumman has been awarded a 4.7 million Australian dollar contract (U.S. $3.5 million) by Australia’s Defence Materiel Organisation to conduct a virtual trial in the company’s Cyber Warfare Integration Network (CWIN) in San Diego, Calif. this October. The trial will be supported by Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Organisation. Northrop Grumman will work with Australian industry during the trial, drawing upon the considerable skills and experience of local companies in areas such as communications and mission planning.
“Working in the CWIN rather than with production air vehicles allows us to consider future systems and how they would perform in the Australian environment, and it allows Global Hawk aircraft to continue their important missions,” said Jerry Madigan, vice president of High-Altitude, Long-Endurance Systems for Northrop Grumman.
Using a virtual Global Hawk interacting with other entities in the CWIN will provide options and flexibility that would be difficult to replicate with an actual air vehicle. Factors such as sensor configurations, target densities, geographic locations and flying conditions can easily be changed in a virtual environment. A virtual trial also is less costly than one using an actual air vehicle.
The Global Hawk system is the only unmanned system of its type deployed with U.S. forces in the Middle East, accumulating more than 5,800 combat hours. It was flown to Australia in 2001 to conduct maritime surveillance demonstrations. Flying for more than 30 hours, without refueling, at altitudes of up to 19,812 meters (65,000 feet), Global Hawk can cover large geographic areas to pinpoint critical targets.
The Australian government will examine the results of the CWIN trial to determine how Global Hawk would perform in a variety of counter-terrorism scenarios. One scenario could be detecting suspicious activity and cueing other assets such as the Australian Navy’s Armidale-class patrol boats to respond.
Surveillance over wide areas of ocean and land is critical to Australia’s security. While Global Hawk has proven its land surveillance credentials in operations around the globe, the system’s maritime surveillance capabilities are just now coming on line.
The U.S. Navy recently acquired two Global Hawks to show how the system can be used in maritime surveillance. Recent demonstrations in the U.S. Navy’s Trident Warrior 05 exercise used Global Hawk maritime surveillance capabilities, initially developed in Australia, to show the system’s ability to monitor activity over large ocean areas.
US AgentNot wanting to start a brand new thread, this one appears to be appropriate enough to post this news…
Sikorsky Aircraft to Develop New Versatile Black Hawk Offerings
(Source: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation; issued July 17, 2006)
FARNBOROUGH, England — Sikorsky Aircraft today announced plans to develop two new Black Hawk helicopter offerings for global market that will provide additional firepower and mission flexibility while building upon the combat-proven heritage of the world’s most successful medium lift utility rotorcraft. Sikorsky Aircraft, based in Stratford, Conn., is a business unit of United Technologies Corp.
Sikorsky President Jeffrey Pino outlined the new Black Hawks during a media briefing at the Farnborough International Air Show.
— An International Black Hawk helicopter produced with global partners and delivered from outside the United States. The International Black Hawk will provide multi-mission, 10-ton utility lift capability at a price comparable to helicopters in the 6-to-8 ton class.
— An Armed Battlehawk helicopter with an integrated electronics warfare suite and full compliment of armaments either as a new build aircraft or as a kit that can be retrofitted onto existing Black Hawk platforms. Battlehawk will provide a combination of medium lift capability and firepower that cannot be duplicated by current dedicated utility or attack platforms
“The International Black Hawk and Armed Battlehawk will incorporate new technologies, state-of-the-art systems and modern manufacturing techniques,” Pino said. “These new models build upon the legacy of excellence and continuous improvement that has characterized the Black Hawk throughout its history. As technology has changed and improved, the Black Hawk platform has evolved so that it continues to set the standard for versatile multi-mission medium lift utility helicopters.”
Both will remain true to the Black Hawk’s legendary combat-proven heritage. To emphasize the point, Pino displayed a photo of a Black Hawk flown by an international customer that returned home safely after a rocket propelled grenade blasted a gapping hole in the fuselage. “The Black Hawk has proven time after time that it is capable, durable and survivable,” Pino said.
The International Black Hawk will be designed with a modular platform that can be configured to meet specific customer requirements. Common elements will include a digital cockpit with four-axis advanced flight control systems, coupled flight director, active vibration controls, and dual pilot IFR. “This platform will accommodate customer demand with an affordable, capable, and adaptable aircraft,” Pino said.
Sikorsky plans to build, assemble and deliver the International Black Hawk for global customers outside the United States. Doing so will allow Sikorsky to focus domestic operations on U.S. military production and ensure that the company can build the International Black Hawk for the global market within an affordable cost structure.
Sikorsky is currently evaluating several companies from various countries to take part in the project. “This is part of Sikorsky’s long-range strategic objective to globalize operations and expand our supply base with qualified, cost-competitive manufacturers and service providers from across the world,” Pino said.
Key milestones in the program will be validation of the financial model and formalization of agreements with the international participants in the program.
The Armed Battlehawk will come equipped with a full suite of armed reconnaissance and attack capabilities, including an integrated helmet display, C4I system, missiles, rockets, and a turreted gun. “Shrinking budgets and changing battlefield environments call for an effective multi- purpose aircraft for governments that have both an attack and utility requirement,” Pino said.
Armed Battlehawk will provide medium lift capability that can be used in either combat or peace time, including troop transport, search and rescue, and disaster relief. “Armed Battlehawk will save resources and provide operational efficiencies by reducing the need for additional platforms, training facilities, and support infrastructure,” Pino said.
More than 2,800 Black Hawk variants have been delivered to 25 governments worldwide since 1978, accumulating more than 7 million combined flight hours.
US AgentAirbus unveils more than 60 new jet orders
Associated Press
July 19, 2006
FARNBOROUGH, England – European planemaker Airbus announced orders for more than 60 new jets Wednesday, outstripping U.S. rival Boeing Co. so far in the number of deals unveiled at the Farnborough International Airshow — but not in their value.
Airbus arrived at the airshow on the backfoot following costly new production delays to its A380 superjumbo and the subsequent departure of key executives. It unveiled a string of deals with both airlines and leasing companies. Boeing, meanwhile, picked up orders for just 14 new jets on Wednesday.
Since the show opened Monday, Airbus had received orders or commitments for 85 planes, worth about $6.3 billion.
Boeing has gained orders and commitments for 76 aircraft but sold more larger jets than Airbus, topping $10 billion in new business.
All values are based on catalog prices, since the discounts that airlines typically negotiate aren’t disclosed.
The majority of the orders announced Wednesday at the show, one of the biggest events on the aviation calendar, were for Airbus’ A320-family single-aisle passenger jets.
Malaysia’s AirAsia ordered 40 of the planes, with an option for 30 more, while ILFC, a unit of American International Group Inc., ordered six of the jets.
Greece’s Aegean Airlines picked up three more A320s to replace aging aircraft in its fleet.
“We are very proud to see a renewed order from Aegean Airlines so quickly after becoming a new Airbus customer in December 2005,” said Airbus Chief Executive Christian Streiff.
In another, nonbinding agreement, Spanish carrier Grupo Marsans agreed to buy 12 Airbus A330-200 airplanes, with an option for a further 10 planes.
Grupo Marsans President Gonzalo Pascual said that the wide-bodied A330-200 “perfectly fits our operations and will support our sustained growth in Latin America.”
Airbus also said that its corporate jetliner arm had won a new order from an undisclosed European customer, taking firm orders of the company’s executive and private aircraft in 2006 to a record 14. Airbus did not disclose which of its corporate jets was ordered or its list price.
Chicago-based Boeing’s major order for the day came from ILFC, which exercised an option to purchase a total of 10 planes — six 737-800s, two 777-300ERs and two 787 Dreamliners — in a deal worth around $1.2 billion at list prices.
“These airplanes reflect our confidence in the market going forward and our commitment to Boeing and its product line,” said ILFC Chief Executive Steven F. Udvar-Hazy.
Boeing also announced a nonbinding agreement to sell Indian cargo airline Flyington Freighters four 777 freighters. The planemaker said that deal was subject to the carrier obtaining the necessary statutory clearances.
Airbus is seeking to reassure investors at Farnborough that it is back on track after the A380 delays and management changes last month at both Airbus and its parent company European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co. It used the first day of the airshow to unveil a $10 billion revamp of the A350 jet, the original design of which had been criticized by airlines.
The new A350XWB — for “extra-wide body” — seeks to beat the Dreamliner at its own game. It offers bigger windows, a roomier cabin, even greater fuel efficiency and a larger stretch version that seats 350 passengers — 15 fewer than the 777-300ER.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060719/ap_on_bi_ge/britain_air_show
US AgentBmused …
US AgentFew can foresee whither their road will lead them, till they come to its end. 😉
US AgentWill this be the appropriate place to list all orders from the show?
—————————————————
Lion Air Orders 30 Additional Boeing 737-900ERs
(Source: Boeing Co.; issued July 17, 2006)
FARNBOROUGH, England — The Boeing Company and Jakarta-based Lion Air today announced that the airline exercised its purchase rights and ordered an additional 30 737-900ERs (Extended Range). Valued at more than $2.2 billion at list prices, deliveries of these additional 737-900ERs are scheduled to begin in early 2010 and continue through 2012.
The agreement was announced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Alan Mulally and Lion Air President Director Rusdi Kirana at the Farnborough Air Show. Lion Air, the launch customer for the 737-900ER, announced its first order for 30 737-900ERs and 30 purchase rights in July 2005. These two orders combined total 60 airplanes. Deliveries of the first order are scheduled to begin in 2007.
The order was recently included on the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Orders and Deliveries Web site, attributed to an unidentified customer.
“The Next-Generation 737 is the most efficient single-aisle family today, and we are thrilled that Lion Air has selected the 737-900ER to support its expansion and fleet modernization plans,” Mulally said. “The 737-900ER increases the 737 family’s range and seat capability, and it shares the same industry-leading reliability of the world’s most successful airplane family. Lion Air has been a great launch customer, and we are looking forward to delivering the very first 737-900ER to Lion Air in 2007.”
The 737-900ER, the newest member of the Next-Generation 737 airplane family, increases the capability of the 737 by carrying more passengers and flying farther.
“Maximizing the unprecedented economic advantages of the 737-900ER is the key to our future growth as we expand our routes and add new destinations within our growing market,” said Kirana. “We look forward to introducing the 737-900ER into Lion Air’s fleet and to our growing base of customers.”
The 737-900ER is the same size as today’s 737-900, but with the addition of a pair of exit doors and a flat-rear pressure bulkhead, it can carry 26 additional passengers, raising the maximum capacity from 189 to 215 in a single-class configuration. Additionally, Blended Winglets, advanced technology wing enhancements and auxiliary fuel tanks will give the 737-900ER an increased range of 3,200 nautical miles (5,925 kilometers) – 500 nautical miles more than the 737-900.
“This fleet will help meet Lion Air’s strategic expansion goals,” said Dinesh Keskar, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales, South-Southeast Asia. “With more range and the lowest operating cost of any single-aisle jet in its class, the 737-900ER is an ideal fit to deliver superior economics and premier service.”
Lion Air operates an all-Boeing fleet and is the largest low-cost airline in Asia with traffic reaching one million passengers a month since the airline’s inception in June 2000.
-ends-
US AgentBoeing Lobbies to Extend C-17 Production Run
(Source: Office of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones; issued July 14, 2006)
WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones released this statement about a recent announcement by Boeing Co. regarding their pending decision to discontinue production of the C-17 cargo plane.
“Yesterday The Boeing Co. announced that it expects to make a decision in mid-August about whether or not to close its production line for the C-17 cargo plane due to a lack of congressional funding,” said Rep. Tubbs Jones.
“Over the last decade, the C-17 has served as the critical link in six military operations, a number of peacekeeping missions as well as every major disaster relief project. Goodrich Landing Gear Division in my Congressional District as well as 11 other suppliers across Northeast Ohio would be impacted by the decision to close production as they supply several parts and supplies for the C-17.
“The C-17 is critical to Ohio’s economy, generating $150 million in revenue each year and providing work for around 2,500 employees across the state. I urge Congress to fully fund production of the C-17 cargo plane.”
-ends-
US AgentBAE Joins Team for Nimrod R1 Recce Upgrade
(Source: L-3 Communications; issued July 17, 2006)
FARNBOROUGH, England — L-3 Communications announced today that BAE Systems has been selected to join L-3’s Project HELIX team. BAE Systems joins QinetiQ (UK) and LogicaCMG (UK) as partners with L-3’s Integrated Systems (L-3 IS) subsidiary to develop a reconnaissance upgrade to the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) fleet of Nimrod R1 aircraft.
The UK’s Nimrod R1 provides electronic support to military commanders and is viewed as a critical component of the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability. L-3 is exhibiting at the 2006 Farnborough International Airshow, from July 17-23, in Hall 4 at Stand A-14.
BAE Systems, as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the Nimrod aircraft, will provide aircraft modification, aircraft certification, long term support and logistics services, as well as contribute sensor technologies as a partner on the L-3 team. BAE Systems joins L-3’s other partners who include QinetiQ, which provides electronic reconnaissance technologies and LogicaCMG, which provides ground systems, information management and security services and technologies.
“We are excited that BAE Systems is joining us as a partner on our HELIX team. BAE Systems offers our team unparalleled expertise and experience with the Nimrod aircraft, as well as world class planning and execution of aircraft logistics services,” said Jack Cooke, vice president of Tactical Reconnaissance Systems at L-3 IS. “With BAE Systems, we are confident that our team can deliver a high performance system that is ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges at a low risk to the MOD.”
As the lead systems integrator, L-3 IS leads one of two teams selected by the MOD for the “program-definition” phase of Project HELIX. Project HELIX is a multi-stage acquisition program which will lead to the selection of one team to complete the risk reduction phase of this program later this year. The risk reduction phase will be followed by a demonstration and manufacturing contract to deliver the HELIX capability to the RAF.
BAE Systems is the premier transatlantic defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With more than 100,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems’ sales exceeded GB GBP 15.4 billion (US$28 billion) in 2005.
LogicaCMG is a major international force in IT services. It employs 30,000 people across 36 countries. Its focus is on enabling its customers to build and maintain leadership positions using LogicaCMG’s deep industry knowledge and its track record for successful delivery.
QinetiQ is a leading global defence technology and security company. Founded in July 2001 from the majority of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), the laboratories of the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), QinetiQ today has grown internationally with around 11,500 employees in the UK and U.S.
L-3 IS is recognized internationally as a system integration organization specializing in the modernization and maintenance of aircraft of all sizes, and the study, design, development and integration of special reconnaissance and communication systems for military and commercial purposes.
-ends-
US AgentThanks irish. 🙂
US AgentWhat some of you seem to want to ignore is the fact that the UN called for the disbandment of ALL armed militias in Lebanon…why was this ignored?
If Lebanon’s central government is too weak to take on and disband Hizbollah…then Israel has the right to do so to protect its own population.
I do not like to see civilians on either side being hurt by this conflict, but that is the nature of war…it never takes place in a “bubble” where only the combatants are injured/killed.
If only wars could be fought on desert islands between only each nations armies until there is a victor, then we could get a final resolution to certain ongoing conflicts, but since this will never happen, each side must deal with the political fallout from civilian casualties and weigh the consequences when initiating military operations.
US AgentWhat some of you seem to want to ignore is the fact that the UN called for the disbandment of ALL armed militias in Lebanon…why was this ignored?
If Lebanon’s central government is too weak to take on and disband Hizbollah…then Israel has the right to do so to protect its own population.
I do not like to see civilians on either side being hurt by this conflict, but that is the nature of war…it never takes place in a “bubble” where only the combatants are injured/killed.
If only wars could be fought on desert islands between only each nations armies until there is a victor, then we could get a final resolution to certain ongoing conflicts, but since this will never happen, each side must deal with the political fallout from civilian casualties and weigh the consequences when initiating military operations.
US Agentahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
US AgentMy understanding is that they are taking on the 787 & 777 with this new attempt.
US AgentHmmm…now where have I seen that nose and those wings before… :rolleyes:
Sign In
