Boeing Delivers Its 2,000th Airplane to China

Delivery milestone reflects rapid growth in world's largest commercial aviation market

More than half of all commercial jetliners flying in China are made by Boeing

SEATTLE, Nov. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today delivered its 2,000th airplane to a Chinese operator, a 737 MAX for Xiamen Airlines. The milestone and the pace at which it was reached reflect the accelerating growth in the world's largest commercial aviation market.

Boeing delivered its first 1,000 airplanes to Chinese airlines over four decades. The next 1,000 Boeing jets have now been delivered over the past five years. The rapid pace continues as one in four Boeing-made commercial jet goes to a Chinese operator, either through direct purchase or lease.

"We are deeply honored to have achieved this delivery milestone in close partnership with our great partners in China. Our long-standing industrial relationship in this market has been mutually beneficial, fueling significant growth in Boeing's business, the U.S. economy, and the Chinese aviation industry," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing of The Boeing Company.  "We are grateful for the trust and confidence of great customers like Xiamen Airlines. Our teams are focused on supporting them by designing and delivering the best airplanes and services in the industry."

The new 737 MAX delivered today sports a special logo commemorating the milestone. It is the eighth MAX airplane to join fast-growing Xiamen Airlines, which operates the largest all-Boeing fleet in China with more than 200 jets. The carrier also uses Boeing Global Services to improve the efficiency of its network and operations. Xiamen is the first Chinese airline to use Optimized Maintenance Program, which leverages Boeing AnalytX to recommend customized airplane maintenance plans.

"We're pleased to be a part of this historic delivery for Boeing and China," said Che Shanglun, chairman of Xiamen Airlines. "In our 34-year history of operations, Xiamen Airlines has steadily grown, doubling our fleet size over the past five years and achieving profits for 31 years in a row. Throughout that time, Boeing has been a valued partner in our growth and expansion by providing safe and reliable airplanes."

Xiamen Airlines is one of Boeing's more than 30 commercial customers in China. In all, Boeing-made jets comprise more than half of the greater than 3,000 jetliners flying in the country.

China's commercial fleet is expected to more than double over the next 20 years. Boeing forecasts that China will need 7,690 new airplanes, valued at $1.2 trillion, by 2038. Boeing also forecasts Chinawill experience strong growth in the commercial services market with demand growing $1.5 trillionover the next 20 years, accounting for 17 percent of world demand.

China also plays a major role in building the world's jetliners. The Chinese aerospace manufacturing industry supplies parts for every Boeing jet, including the 737 MAX, 777, and 787 Dreamliner. In December, Boeing and the Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC) are set to deliver the first 737 MAX airplane from a completion and delivery center in Zhoushan, China. The facility will handle interior work and exterior painting of 737 MAXs for the Chinese market. Final assembly work will continue to be done at Boeing's factory in Renton, Wash.

Boeing activity in China is valued at more than $1 billion in economy activity in China. This includes procurement from Boeing's extensive supply base, joint venture revenues, operations, training, and research and development investment.

Leonardo: Mitsui Bussan Aerospace of Japan signs four-helicopter contract

Order by official  distributor  of  the  AW169,  AW139 and  AW189  types in Japan  

Leonardo  is  the  leader  in  the  new  generation  light-intermediate,  intermediate  and super  medium segments 

Japan has  around  130  Leonardo  helicopters  performing  a  wide  range  of  missions 

Tokyo,  30  November  2018  –  Leonardo  and  Mitsui  Bussan  Aerospace,  the  official  distributor  in Japan  for  the  AW169,  AW139  and  AW189  helicopter  models,  announced  yesterday  a  contract  for four  additional  aircraft  during  an  official  ceremony  held at  the  Japan  Aerospace  2018  exhibition.   

This  contract  further  strengthens  the  partnership  between  Leonardo  and  Mitsui,  and  is  a  key  factor in  the  continued  growth  of  Leonardo’s  fleet  in  the  country  where  the  AW139  is  the  best-seller  in  its segment.  The  AW169  light  intermediate  and  the  AW189  super  medium  twin-engine  helicopters  are the  most  successful  new  generation  models  in  their  class  worldwide,  paving  the  path  for  a  further growth also in Japan. 

Last  March,  Mitsui Bussan Aerospace  and  Leonardo  renewed  their  Distributorship  Agreement  for three years.  The  partners  also renewed  a Basic  Ordering  Agreement  to increase spare parts  stock, further  strengthening customer  support  services. 

The  AW139  has  proven  extremely  successful  in  Japan.  It  performs  a  number  of  public  utility  roles including  search  and rescue  and coast  guard duties with the  Japan  Coast  Guard;  law  enforcement, firefighting  and  disaster  relief  with  the  Japan  National  Police  Agency,  Tokyo  Metropolitan  Police and  Fire  and  Disaster  Management  Agency;  as  well  as  supporting  several  prefectures  and  city authorities.   

Around  130  Leonardo  helicopters  of  various  models  are  in  service  in  Japan  today  performing  a wide  range of  missions  including  law  enforcement,  emergency  medical  service,  search and rescue, firefighting,  disaster  relief,  VIP/corporate  transport,  electronic  news  gathering  and naval  utility.   

Leonardo  Japan  headquarters,  based  in  Tokyo,  has  been  supporting  the  company’s  growing helicopter  business  in  the  Country  since  2008.  The  Japanese  turbine  helicopter  market  shows significant  potential  in  the  next  few  decades  to  replace  ageing  fleets  with  modern  technology  and up  to  30  new  units  could  enter  the  market  every  year.  With  nearly  25  years  of  maintenance services  supplied  through  a  growing  support  network  nationwide,  also  including  the  forthcoming setup  of  helicopter  MRO  (Maintenance,  Repair  and  Overhaul)  capabilities  in  Mt.  Fuji  Shizuoka Airport,  Leonardo  is  set  to strengthen  the  level  of  service in  the  future.   

The Royal Thai Air Force receives two new H225Ms

Thailand, The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has taken delivery of its seventh and eighth H225M (previously known as EC725) multirole utility helicopters.

Since 2012, the RTAF has placed orders for a total of 12 H225Ms under its fleet modernisation programme. Belonging to a contract signed in 2016, these new additions will join the air force’s existing fleet of six H225Ms for combat search and rescue, search and rescue flights and troop transport missions.

The 11-ton-catergory twin-turbine H225M is relied  upon as a force multiplier by many air forces worldwide thanks to its outstanding endurance and fast cruise speed. Featuring state-of-the-art electronic instruments and the renowned 4-axis autopilot system, the multirole helicopter may be fitted with various equipment to suit any role. Close to 90 units are currently in service in six countries across the globe, surpassing the 100,000 flight hour milestone.

Air Lease Corporation takes delivery of its first U.S.-manufactured A321 aircraft

Air Lease Corporation (ALC) has taken delivery of its first U.S.-produced A321. The aircraft, delivered from the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama, will be leased to Denver-based Frontier Airlines and features Xavier the Mountain Goat on its vertical tail and Sharklets. The aircraft is also the first U.S.-made A321ceo to enter Frontier’s fleet. The airline has previously taken direct delivery of six A320neos from Airbus’s Mobile production facility.

The milestone delivery was celebrated in Mobile by Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of ALC, joined by Frontier Airlines CFO Jimmy Dempsey and Airbus Americas Chairman & CEO Jeff Knittel.

ALC is the eighth U.S.-based customer to receive aircraft from Airbus’ Alabama-based A320 Family production facility.

Lockheed Martin Selected For NASA's Commercial Lunar Lander Payload Services Contract

Only Company to Build Four Successful Mars Landers will Offer Commercial Lunar Payload Deliveries

DENVER, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) will apply its expertise in interplanetary spacecraft to a new program designed to deliver commercial payloads to the surface of the Moon. NASA announced today they have selected Lockheed Martin's McCandless Lunar Lander to provide payload delivery services as part of the agency's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) contract.

Lockheed Martin's lander design builds on four decades of experience engineering deep space missions, including Mars landers. The McCandless Lunar Lander is based on the proven design of the InSight lander – which just touched down on the Martian surface on Monday, Nov. 26 – and the Phoenix lander – which successfully arrived at Mars in May 2008.

"We are excited to leverage our interplanetary lander designs and experience to help NASA build a new economy on and around the Moon, and beyond," said Lisa Callahan, vice president and general manager for Commercial Civil Space at Lockheed Martin. "Lockheed Martin has built more interplanetary spacecraft than all other U.S. companies combined, including four successful Mars landers. With our expertise on Orion and the NextSTEP lunar habitat, we can maximize the value of CLPS for lunar science operations as well as the path forward to tomorrow's reusable human lander."

The McCandless Lunar Lander is capable of transporting large payloads weighing hundreds of kilograms – including stationary scientific instruments, deployable rovers, or even sample return vehicles – to the surface of the Moon. The lander uses a proven propulsive landing approach that relies upon on-board radars and a set of rocket thrusters firing 10 times a second to slow to just five mph before touching down. Once on the lunar surface, the lander can provide power, communications and thermal management for sophisticated payloads.

"We're no stranger to commercial space business models, having built more than 100 commercial satellites and launched numerous Atlas and Titan commercial payloads," said Callahan. "On our last 10 interplanetary missions for NASA, we delivered on or ahead of schedule, and on budget. We want to assure payload customers who select Lockheed Martin can be confident that we'll deliver on-time and on-budget."

The McCandless Lunar Lander is named in honor of the late Bruce McCandless, a NASA astronaut and longtime Lockheed Martin employee who was a pioneer in space exploration. McCandless is best known for conducting the first ever untethered spacewalk using the Lockheed Martin-built Manned Maneuvering Unit during a flight on the space shuttle. He originally joined the astronaut corps during the Apollo program and served as the voice of mission control for Neil Armstrong's famous moonwalk. After retiring from NASA he was instrumental in the design of exploration technology and training the next generation of planetary explorers during his tenure at Lockheed Martin.

Coast Guard rescues 4 from demasted, disabled sailboat 100 miles off NC

Four mariners are brought back to shore near Morehead City, North Carolina, aboard a 47-foot Coast Guard boat, after being rescued by the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba, Nov. 28, 2018. Their sailboat was demasted more than 100 miles southeast of Cape Lookout, two days prior, and they used an EPIRB to broadcast their distress. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas Healy.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Coast Guard crews returned four mariners to shore Wednesday, after their sailboat was demasted in a storm more than 100 miles off Cape Lookout, North Carolina.

Rescue Coordination Center Norfolk received a satellite emergency distress notification Monday night. Later that evening, an Air Station Elizabeth City HC-130 Hercules airplane crew located the 55-foot Beneteau Oceanis sailboat and contacted the crew by radio.

The men did not report any injuries, but the boat’s mast was broken and the steering gear was damaged. The Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba reached them Tuesday and the cutter’s crew assessed the damage and rendered assistance. They took the four men aboard and headed back toward North Carolina.

“I am extremely proud of the professionalism and performance of the entire crew of Escanaba, to safely locate and rescue these four mariners,” said Capt. Michael Turdo, the commanding officer of the Escanaba. “With the on scene weather continuing to deteriorate throughout the day, this could have quickly taken a turn for the worse."

Wednesday morning, a Coast Guard Station Fort Macon 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew headed out to meet the Escanaba and bring the four men back to shore.

The crew of the Beneteau sailboat had departed Annapolis, Maryland, on Saturday and were headed to Miami to deliver the boat when they encountered heavy wind and seas.

The owner of the boat is coordinating salvage of the vessel.

-USCG-

Northrop Grumman Announces Next Generation Jammer-Low Band Team

BALTIMORE – Nov. 28, 2018 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has teamed with Harris Corporation and Comtech PST for the U.S. Navy’s Next Generation Jammer–Low Band (NJG-LB) Demonstration of Existing Technologies (DET).

The U.S. Navy selected Northrop Grumman, teamed with Harris Corporation and Comtech PST, to demonstrate existing technologies for the Next Generation Jammer Low Band, which will fly on the EA-18G Growler to provide advanced airborne electronic attack capabilities. The NGJ system will give Growlers – including this aircraft assigned to the Cougars of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 – the ability to defeat increasingly advanced and capable threats, making the carrier strike group more survivable. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Bill M. Sanders/Released)

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) awarded Northrop Grumman a $35 million, 20-month contract Oct. 25 to demonstrate existing jammer capability for the NJG-LB program. Northrop Grumman is the airborne electronic attack integrator for the Navy’s current EA-18G Growler electronic warfare (EW) system.

Harris Corporation is providing cutting-edge electronic attack equipment developed at its North Amityville, New York, operation to Northrop Grumman for NGJ-LB DET. Comtech PST, a subsidiary of Comtech Telecommunications based in Melville, New York, is providing high-power radio frequency (RF) amplifier systems.

“The Northrop Grumman team brings extensive electronic warfare expertise and a long history of building and deploying systems that support the challenging carrier-based aviation environment. We are proud to be working with Comtech and Harris to help the Navy maintain its warfighting edge,” said Paul Kalafos, vice president, surveillance and electromagnetic maneuver warfare, Northrop Grumman.

Harris’ equipment is integrated within Northrop Grumman’s NGJ-LB pod system to provide a modular, scalable and reconfigurable capability that will allow the Navy to stay current with rapidly evolving threats. Harris draws on its expertise in coherent electronic attack technologies and deployed jamming techniques.

“Harris is a leader in EW solutions worldwide and has extensive experience with the EA-18G Growler. Our significant investments in open architecture systems are ready made for the U.S. Navy NGJ-LB DET,” said Ed Zoiss, president, Harris Electronic Systems. “Our work on NGJ-LB also advances the company’s strategy to extend into new EW markets through pods and unmanned systems.” 

“Comtech is very pleased to be part of the Northrop Grumman team. Our long standing relationship and position as a premier provider of high power RF systems positions the team well to support the Next Generation Jammer program for years to come. We look forward to a very successful partnership,” said Michael Hrybenko, president, Comtech PST.

The NGJ system will augment, and ultimately replace the EA-18G Growler aircraft’s legacy ALQ-99 tactical jammer system with advanced airborne electronic attack capabilities for defeating increasingly advanced and capable threats. Developed in three frequency-focused increments – high-, mid- and low-band – NGJ will bring a significant increase in airborne electronic attack capability to counter complex air defense and communications systems.

Coast Guard assists ASTs to locate overdue hiker on Inian Island, Alaska

MH-60 Jayhawk (helicopter shot from Kodiak) ©USCG (archive)

KODIAK- A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew located an overdue, 21-year-old female hiker on Inian Island, Alaska, Tuesday. 

The Jayhawk aircrew safely located the woman at approximately 11:43 p.m. and transported her to Sitka for further care. She was reported to be mildly hypothermic and disoriented, but otherwise in good condition. 

Sector Juneau Command Center watchstanders received an agency assist request from the Alaska State Troopers to search for the missing female hiker. She was reported to have been last seen wearing hiking boots, gray sweatpants and a sweatshirt. She departed her cabin located in Hobbit Hole for a thirty minute to one-hour hike with no means of communication. AST’s began a ground search Tuesday at approximately 10:00 a.m.. District 17 Command Center granted the Sector Juneau request and launched an Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew to search with forward-looking infrared radar technology to conduct an extended shoreline search.

"This case had a great outcome and it serves as a recurring reminder how easy it is for people to get disoriented in Southeast Alaska's rugged environment,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jason Condon, an Air Station Sitka Aircraft Commander on the case. “Even a thirty minute hike can turn into an eight hour ordeal. When we venture outside in Southeast Alaska, we should be prepared for the elements, be informed about our surroundings, and have a way to communicate if something unexpected happens."

Weather on scene was clear with no wind in the area, and an air temperature ranging from 37 to 44 degrees.

-USCG-

Airbus Helicopters expands presence in Japan

Tokyo, 29 November 2018 – Riding on its growing business, Airbus Helicopters will be adding a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) complex adjacent to its existing facility in the Kobe Airport Facility in Japan. Construction will commence in June 2019, with the new facility expected to be operational in November 2019.

The company’s existing facility is capable of accommodating up to 25 medium-sized helicopters simultaneously. It also houses its regional engineering hub and the country’s first and only helicopter full motion full-flight simulator, which has trained over 500 pilots and engineers in Japan and across the region.

With this expansion, Airbus Helicopters will have the largest footprint in the aviation business sector of the Kobe Airport Facility, occupying a total space of 19,685 sqm. Its overall capacity will increase by 60% to handle about 40 medium-sized helicopters at one time. The new building will feature a state-of-the-art hangar, an administration office, and a purpose-built warehouse.

“Japan is an important market for Airbus Helicopters. This additional facility is part of our growth plan in the country and demonstrates our commitment to strengthening our support for our customers’ fleets while responding to their increasing demand for aftersale support services,” said Olivier Tillier, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters Japan. “We have been building up our capabilities in Kobe over the years and believe the site offers a lot of growth potential. With a larger capacity, we will be able to offer our complete suite of support and services to our customers, spanning after-sales customer support, MRO, engineering, technical support, simulator training and warehousing.”

Since the delivery of the first Alouette II helicopter to Mitsuya Air Service in 1961, Airbus Helicopters Japan has delivered more than 440 helicopters to operators and customers in the country for various missions across market segments. Currently leading the Japanese civil and parapublic market with a 54% market share, the company plans to strengthen its market position in tandem with Japan’s projected fleet growth of 2% annually over the next two decades. It has already secured 50% of the country’s new bookings for 2018.

Leonardo welcomes Polish Bielik M-346

Warsaw, 28th  November 2018  – Leonardo is proud to  welcome the Polish  Bielik  trainer to the M-346 family. "Fly across Poland and laud the Polish pilot’s name, bring glory to the Republic of  Poland - I name you Bielik." With  those words, the Polish First Lady solemnly christened the M-346, which serves in the Polish Air Force. The ceremony, which took place in the 4th Training Aviation Wing in Dęblin on 24th November, was attended by President Andrzej Duda, the Superior of the Polish Armed Forces and representatives  of the Polish Air Forces, National  Security Bureau and Leonardo.

Congratulating Polish aviators on the implementation of the new pilot training system based on the M-346 Master aircraft, President  Andrzej Duda said: “This was a gigantic operation that completely changed the face  of the Eaglets School  both in terms of infrastructure and training. It will lead to a  change of the face of Polish aviation.”   

In his speech, President Andrzej Duda emphasized that Polish aviation has  received the world’s most advanced training system. He  expressed hope that Poland would soon host another batch of these aircraft to  create a training squadron in Dęblin that would serve more than Polish aviation. President Andrzej Duda also added that  the Bielik  is  a “revolution in the training of Polish combat aircraft pilots.” 

Marco Lupo, Vice President Leonardo for Balkans and Eastern Europe,  Head of the Leonardo Corporate Office in Warsaw said: “We are particularly  proud that  the Polish Air Force entrusted Leonardo with the mission of  co-developing an advanced fighter pilot training program based on the M-346 aircraft.  It is with great satisfaction that we participated in the christening ceremony which named the M-346 planes  Bielik  and we remain very hopeful that new  Bieliks  will soon join the Polish Air  Force, building the core of advanced pilot training system.”  

With heritage and expertise in  military pilot training,  Leonardo’s M-346 is the most advanced jet trainer aircraft available on the  market and the only one  specifically designed to prepare pilots to fly next  generation aircraft.  The M-346 is in service with the air forces of Italy, Singapore, Israel and  Poland. Thanks to the capabilities of the  M-346 platform including the Embedded Tactical Training  Simulation and its advanced Ground Based Training System, Leonardo’s M-346 Integrated  Training System guarantees a significant reduction in cost to qualify an Air Force Cadet as combat ready on a latest generation fighter. 

BELL V-280 VALOR WINS POPULAR SCIENCE "BEST OF WHAT’S NEW IN AEROSPACE" AWARD

The award validates the rapid progress being made to bring revolutionary aircraft from Bell to the battlefield today.

27 November 2018

Today, the Bell V-280 Valor was recognized by Popular Science with a Best of What's New Award in the Aerospace category for 2018. This award validates all the fantastic work completed to date by Bell and its partners from Team Valor and the U.S. government.

From the outset, the Bell team had a mission: revolutionize vertical lift for U.S. warfighters. As part of a government technology demonstration partnership, the Bell V-280 Valor has been flying since late 2017 and is making steady progress through flight tests, including multiple flights with Army test pilots.

The V-280 Valor has moved from an innovative idea to a fully functional, high-performance aircraft that combines the best of vertical and fixed-wing flight in fewer than five years. In less than a year of flight-testing, the V-280 has already flown more than 70 hours and reached speeds that far outpace those of similarly sized helicopters, while showcasing extraordinary low-speed agility.

Mission effectiveness is not the only area where technological advances are included in the V-280 Valor. It is also being developed with sustainability and maintainability in mind. Digital design and modern manufacturing processes were incorporated from the start. The team has built in affordability and reliability to increase maintenance-free operating periods and reduce forward logistics burdens.

By providing unmatched speed, range, and agility, the V-280 proves Bell’s ability to deliver transformational capability that will redefine the battlefield for the coming decades.

The V-280 Valor team continues to make exceptional progress on the flight-test program.

Coast Guard, Honolulu City and County to hold response exercise off Oahu

MH-65 Dolphin ©USCG (archive)

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Honolulu Fire Department, Honolulu Police Department, and Oahu Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services are scheduled to conduct a search and rescue exercise in the vicinity offshore from Ko'olina to Kahe Point Wednesday and Thursday.

''The purpose is to continue building and improving operational cohesion between other agencies and us," said Ensign Seth Gross, a Sector Honolulu search and rescue coordinator. "We hold these exercises semi-annually, and they revolve throughout the islands. The west side of the island is known to be more remote with dynamic currents, but increasingly draws visitors and locals alike. It has also been the site of an aircraft incident in recent years."

Day one of the exercise, members from Coast Guard Sector Honolulu will meet with Honolulu officials to discuss safety, communication and demonstrate assets to understand each other's capabilities. The following day a multi-agency search and rescue exercise will be conducted for a simulated lost person in the water. The Coast Guard will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners regarding the activity at 7 a.m. Thursday and run it for the duration of operations. 

The exercise will take place on the water and in the air off Kahe Point with Coast Guard and local agencies working together to test and evaluate interagency communications, response plans, and responders' actions during a simulated exercise of a missing mariner. Operations will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Access may be limited to the public boat ramp in Kahe Point Beach Park where the Incident Command Post is stood up during this time. During the search and rescue exercise, multiple agencies' assets will be launched, including the use of an Oscar dummy in the water. Oscar is weighted and used to simulate a person in the water. The public is asked not to disturb Oscar if found.

Assets are expected to include: 
- The Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak (WPC 1126) and crew
- An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, 
- A 45-foot Response-Boat Medium and crew from Coast Guard Station Honolulu
- Boat and aircrews from the Coast Guard Auxiliary
- Honolulu Fire helicopter, boat, and fire crews
- Honolulu Police Department personnel and dispatchers 
- A Jet Ski operator from Oahu Ocean Safety 

The SAREX is being conducted to evaluate notification and response procedures between first responders and to identify shortfalls in communication and coordination of response during SAR incidents. Each agency holds individual capabilities that complement each other's efforts and bolsters the overall success of the SAR system.

Although people are requested to stay clear of any boating area involved in the exercise, designated by the presence of Oscar, boats and other assets, the general public should remain vigilant and call 911 to report any possible distress situations. Coast Guard duty personnel will not be affected by the exercise, and will and be available to respond to any ongoing and emergency search and rescue cases.

-USCG-

Lockheed Martin Drives Affordability In F-35 Training

Millions Saved on F-35 Trainers, Advanced Manufacturing Reduces Production Costs

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) reduced the cost of an F-35 Full Mission Simulator (FMS) by $3 million per copy since program inception, reflected in Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) lot 11. Comprised of 15 simulators, these LRIP 11 savings generate approximately $45 million savings for the F-35 program.

F-35 production teams at Training and Logistics Solutions (TLS) achieved these unit price reductions through several measures including:

• Executing long-term supply chain contracts and employing automation on the production line
• Leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques, highlighted by the integration of 3D printed simulator parts including component housings and brackets

Future use of this advanced technology, including the printing of simulator cockpits, is projected to save an additional $11 millionduring the next five years.

"We're serious about driving out costs and excited to generate continued production savings across all our programs using advanced manufacturing," said Amy Gowder, TLS vice president and general manager. "We aren't stopping here. In addition to our production savings, we're investing more than $30 millionthrough 2020 to reduce F-35 training sustainment costs while increasing concurrency and capability."

The $30 million sustainment investment includes:

• Modernizing the virtual training environment based on emerging threats and needs of F-35 operators
• Reducing costs by infusing new technologies to shrink hardware and software footprints in the computing and visual infrastructure, automating support tasks and reducing manpower support requirements
• Driving continuous concurrency between the training system and the F-35 aircraft

F-35 training milestones for 2019 include the initial Distributed Mission Training (DMT) capability and Block 4 training system upgrades. DMT allows physically separated aviators to train together and enables interoperability with 4thGeneration platforms in a virtual environment.

Coast Guard medevacs 2 burn victims from cruise ship off NC Coast

MH-60 Jayhawk ©USCG (archive)

PORTSMOUTH, V.a.—The Coast Guard medevaced two crewmembers who reportedly suffered from second-degree burns on the cruise ship Norwegian Escape approximately 24 miles southeast of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, Monday evening.

A crewmember aboard the cruise ship contacted watchstanders at the Fifth District command center at 3:50 p.m. and reported that the two Filipino crewmen, 25 and 26 years of age, suffered the burns due to an accident in the engine room and needed medical attention.

Watchstanders at the Fifth District command center dispatched a Jayhawk MH-60 helicopter crew to assist. Once on scene, the aircrew hoisted up the two men, accompanied by a doctor, and transported them to the Rocky Mount-Wilson Regional Airport in Nash County, North Carolina, to meet awaiting EMS.

“Our crews train for a wide range of situations, so when we are contacted we are prepared to get people the help they need in a timely fashion," said Thomas A. Botzenhart, Fifth District search and rescue coordinator.

-USCG-

PEGASUS AERO GROUP, LA EVOLUCIÓN DE GRUPO FAASA

La compañía reorganiza su estructura empresarial, desarrollando un plan que le permitirá reforzar su posición en el exterior, ser más competitiva y eficiente

Sus empresas hoy son líderes en el Sector Aeronáutico Europeo y Latinoamericano, generando más de 600 empleos

PEGASUS AERO GROUP nace como resultado  de la necesidad de unificar e integrar bajo un mismo paraguas, diferentes entidades líderes en el sector aeronáutico, tanto en Europa como Latinoamérica, siendo hoy referentes en el desarrollo de servicios de emergencias civiles con medios aéreos, en la preservación del Medio Ambiente, en el ámbito de la formación aeronáutica y la simulación aérea.

Supone un punto de inflexión necesario en la historia de nuestro negocio y de las sociedades que lo integran. En los últimos años, se han adquirido diferentes empresas en Europa y Latinoamérica  con el consiguiente aumento de mercados, aeronaves, empleo e inversiones, permitiendo crear un grupo aeronáutico internacional consolidado.

Su Presidente, Miguel Ángel Tamarit Campuzano, ha destacado que “el impulso y desarrollo experimentado por el Grupo en los últimos años nos ha llevado a una reorganización,  con el objetivo de ganar en competitividad, ser más eficientes y estandarizar procesos. Entre las acciones, destaca el desarrollo de una marca renovada que aspira a seguir con la misma vocación empresarial  y con los máximos estándares de seguridad y calidad. PEGASUS AERO GROUP es el resultado de lo que hemos hecho estos años y esta nueva imagen responde a nuestra estrategia de crecimiento y diversificación, desarrollada en los últimos años y que nos sitúa como referencia en los mercados en los que actuamos”.  

De esta forma, la multinacional española, PEGASUS AERO GROUP incorpora a sus señas de identidad a las Sociedades Pegasus Aviación, Pegasus OffShore, Pegasus South America, Elitellina, Seilaf y la Fundación Sebastián Almagro.

En cuanto a los futuros proyectos, ha querido señalar que “hoy nuestras operaciones aéreas ya se desarrollan de forma establece en más de 6 países, y esta línea seguirá siendo una de las acciones claras de ejecución. Para ello, se han suscrito acuerdos con operadores locales de referencia en países de Europa y Latinoamérica para seguir volando alto”.

PEGASUS AERO GROUP, emplea de forma directa a más de 600 profesionales, gestiona hasta 135 bases aéreas,  y posee una flota moderna que supera el centenar de aeronaves. Sus empresas acumulan un historial de vuelo superior  325.000 horas de vuelos, y cada año forman a más de 500 alumnos en acciones de formación ab initio y de mejora formativa. PEGASUS AERO GROUP nace como un referente de la aeronáutica,  capaz de ofrecer soluciones globales en el ámbito de las emergencias y los trabajos desarrollados con aeronaves, estando a la vanguardia de la tecnología como uno de nuestros principales respaldos.

Lockheed Martin's Legion Pod Receives Development And Production Contracts

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) secured two contracts from the F-15 prime contractor, Boeing, for the integration and production of Legion Pod®. These include a 28-month Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract and a Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contract to produce 19 systems.

Under the EMD contract, Lockheed Martin will integrate, test and qualify Legion Pod for the U.S. Air Force's F-15C fleet. The first EMD units will be available in early 2019.

The first production and spares deliveries will begin in 2020 supporting the U.S. Air Force's Initial Operational Capability and fielding.

"With a fully integrated Legion Pod on the F-15 Eagle, the U.S. Air Force will have a revolutionary capability to counter the most potent threats," said Michael Williamson, vice president of Sensors & Global Sustainment at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Concurrent integration and production is a testament to both Legion Pod's maturity and proven advanced capability that is urgently needed in the field."

In 2017, Legion Pod was selected as the Infrared Search and Track system for the U.S. Air Force's F-15C fleet. Transportable between platforms, future expansion plans for Legion Pod include the F-15E, F-16, as well as unmanned systems. Flexible by design and production-ready, Legion Pod is set to serve as the next sensor system of choice for fixed-wing aircraft.

Boeing, Turkish Airlines Announce Order for Additional 777 Jets

Amid record financial results and strong demand, Turkey's flag carrier adds three Boeing 777 Freighters

Turkish's freight business growing by double digits; aims to be one of the world's largest cargo carriers

Boeing to open engineering center in Istanbul, expanding strategic partnership with Turkey

SEATTLE, Nov. 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Turkish Airlines today announced an order for three 777 Freighters as the flag carrier of Turkey continues to soar on record financial results and double-digit passenger and cargo growth. The order adds more of the long-range freighter to Turkish's fleet as the airline pursues its goal of becoming the world's largest cargo carrier.

Based on the 777-200LR (Longer Range), the 777 Freighter can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload of 112 tons (102 metric tonnes or 102,000 kg). The long range means fewer stops and associated landing fees, less congestion at transfer hubs, lower cargo handling costs and shorter delivery times.

"We are excited to expand our efficient cargo fleet with the 777 Freighter. This aircraft has contributed greatly to Turkish Cargo, Turkish Airlines' successful sub brand, becoming the fastest-growing air cargo carrier in the world. The additional aircraft will provide us more flexibility to serve even more destinations as we continue to grow our global freight network," said M. İlker Aycı, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee.

The new order comes days after Turkish Airlines posted record profits for the first nine months of 2018 on strong passenger and cargo demand. The carrier's air freight business saw a 25-percent tonnage increase and a 29-percent revenue increase compared to the same period a year ago. The results extend the airline's success in recent years as Turkey has become one of the largest and fastest-growing aviation markets.

In line with the rapid growth, Turkish Airlines has steadily expanded its current and future fleet. Last January, the carrier announced the order of three 777 Freighters. Two months later, Turkish finalized an order for 25 787-9 Dreamliners and five options to prepare for growing demand at Istanbul's third airport, named "Istanbul Airport" by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during its official opening last month. Over the past few months, Turkish has begun taking delivery of new 737 MAX airplanes to refresh its single-aisle jets. In all, the airline's fleet of Boeing jetliners has grown to more than 160, with nearly 100 additional jets on order.

"Turkish Airlines has achieved significant success over the past decade. In addition to introducing innovations that have powered the growth of Turkey's commercial aviation sector and anchored a new state-of-the art airport, the airline is delivering outstanding results and rising in the ranks of elite airlines. We are extremely honored that Turkish Airlines has placed its trust and confidence in Boeing's flagship airplanes: the 737 MAX, the 777 and the 787 Dreamliner," said Kevin McAllister, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

With more than 30 777s in its fleet, Turkish Airlines is among the top 10 operators of the wide-body jet in Europe and the Middle East.

To support the long-term growth of the Turkish aerospace industry and strengthen Boeing's presence in the country, Boeing launched a strategic partnership program in Turkey last year, called the National Aerospace Initiative. Aligned with the targets of Turkey's Vision 2023 that set for the 100th anniversary of Turkish Republic'sfoundation, the initiative lays out a strategic collaboration framework in four key areas: industrial development, technology acceleration, services collaboration and advanced-skill training.

In line with these goals, Boeing is planning to open an engineering center in Istanbul that would specialize in research and support Turkey'sgrowing aerospace capability. The company also recently expanded its collaboration with Turkish Technic, the maintenance arm of Turkish Airlines. Under the agreement, Turkish Technic becomes a strategic supplier for Boeing's Global Fleet Care program, providing operators with line maintenance, heavy maintenance, component service and repair for multiple aircraft models. Additionally, Boeing and Turkish Technic will partner to train and certify aircraft technicians.

"We continue to expand our commitment to grow in Turkey, together with Turkey. Our new engineering center and our growing cooperation in so many areas with the Turkish aerospace sector reflect our confidence in the country's capabilities," said McAllister.