Boeing to Acquire Millennium Space Systems, provider of agile, flight-proven small-satellite solutions

- Combined capabilities will provide customers with advanced small-satellite technologies and flexible solutions

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] will acquire Millennium Space Systems, a provider of agile, flight-proven small-satellite solutions, under an acquisition agreement that will expand Boeing's satellite and space portfolio, talent and capabilities.

"Millennium Space Systems' expertise in vertically-integrated small-satellite solutions perfectly complements Boeing's existing satellite portfolio, and will allow us to meet the needs of a diverse customer set," said Leanne Caret, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. "We look forward to incorporating Millennium Space Systems' end-to-end mission solution capabilities into our service offerings in satellite operations and data solutions."

Millennium Space Systems was founded in 2001 and is based in El Segundo, Calif. With approximately 260 employees, the company has developed high-performance satellites for exacting missions ranging from 50 KG to more than 6,000 KG.

"I am proud of the talented and dedicated team we've built at Millennium Space Systems over the past 17 years," said Stan Dubyn, CEO of Millennium Space Systems. "By combining our tools, talent, technologies and culture, we'll be able to do even more incredible things as part of Boeing."

The acquisition, which is subject to customary conditions, is expected to close by the end of third quarter 2018. Once finalized, Millennium Space Systems will become a Boeing subsidiary, operating under its current business model and reporting to Mark Cherry, vice president and general manager of Phantom Works.

The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The transaction will have no impact on Boeing's 2018 financial guidance or the company's commitment to returning approximately 100 percent of free cash flow to shareholders.

Boeing, Goshawk Aviation Announce Order for 20 737 MAXs

- Growing lessor expands beyond sale-leaseback model with first direct Boeing airplane order

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 16, 2018/PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Goshawk Aviation Limited. announced an order for 20 737 MAX airplanes at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow. The order, valued at $2.3 billion according to current list prices, marks the first time the aircraft lessor has purchased jets directly from Boeing.

"Placing direct order is a critical part of Goshawk's overall growth strategy and we are pleased to have finalized our order with Boeing. The 737 MAX family is one of the best-in-class, modern and in-demand narrow-body aircraft with latest technologies which fit well with our focus," said Brian Cheng, Chairman of Goshawk Aviation Limited and Executive Director of NWS Holdings Limited. "We believe the MAX's double-digit fuel efficiency improvement, combined with longer range and market-leading reliability, will strengthen our portfolio and help us continue to deliver world-class, tailored solutions to our customers."

The airplanes, previously listed as unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website, are sold to Goshawk Aviation Limited. Goshawk is based in Dublin, Ireland, and is expected to have an owned, managed and committed fleet of over 220 airplanes, including the direct order placed with Boeing.

"We are delighted that Goshawk, with their world-class aircraft leasing team, has selected to expand their portfolio and business model with the 737 MAX. This is a great validation for our Boeing team and the 737 MAX family," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president, Commercial Sales & Marketing, The Boeing Company. "With rising demand for narrowbody jets, we are confident that the unmatched economics and capabilities of the 737 MAX will position Goshawk for success and growth."

Goshawk selected the MAX 8 variant. In a standard two-class configuration, the airplane carries 162 to 178 passengers and flies up to 3,550 nautical miles (6,570 kilometers). The airplane provides a 14-percent fuel efficiency gain compared to its predecessor, and 8 percent better than its competition.

The 737 MAX family achieves superior fuel efficiency and range through the latest CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, and other improvements. The jet also features the signature Boeing Sky Interior and large flight deck displays.

The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, accumulating more than 4,600 orders from over 100 customers worldwide. For more information and feature content, visit www.boeing.com/commercial/737max.

Boeing, Qatar Airways Finalize Order for Five 777 Freighters

- Purchase reflects rising confidence in air cargo market and Boeing's industry-leading freighter family

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 16, 2018/PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Qatar Airways finalized an order for five 777 Freighters at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow.  The deal, valued at $1.7 billion at current list prices, was announced as a commitment in April.

The announcement was attended by the State of Qatar's Minister of Finance and Qatar Airways Chairman, His Excellency Ali Shareef Al Emadi.  

"I am delighted to be further enhancing our cargo fleet and adding five Boeing 777 Freighter aircraft," said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker. "In the past 15 years, Qatar Airways Cargo has grown steadily and globally, becoming the third largest in the world. We could not have achieved this success without our resilient relationship with Boeing."

Qatar Airways, one of the world's top cargo carriers, operates a fleet of 13 777 Freighters and two 747-8 Freighters.  With this latest order, the airline is set to grow its Boeing Freighter fleet to more than 20 jets. 

"We are proud that Qatar Airways recognizes the value of the 777 Freighter and continues to invest in this aircraft to serve its expanding freight operations," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO Kevin McAllister. "We continue to see a resurgence in the air cargo market and we are confident that Boeing's industry-leading freighter family is well positioned to meet our customers' requirements."

Boeing has now sold 65 widebody freighters in 2018, and more than 180 widebody freighters since the start of 2014, which equates to a 98-percent share of the market. In that same time, Boeing has delivered more than 140 wide-body freighters, which translates to a 92 percent share of deliveries.

The 777 Freighter is capable of flying 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a payload of 112 tons (102 metric tonnes or 102,000 kg). The airplane's long range translates into significant savings as fewer stops mean lower landing fees, less congestion, lower cargo handling costs and shorter delivery times.

Qatar Airways also uses Boeing Global Services to improve its offering for its customers. The airline uses services products such Maintenance Performance Toolbox, Airplane Health Management and flight deck solutions, all powered by Boeing AnalytX.

Etihad Airways to Optimize Operations with Crew Management Solutions

- Advanced optimization and analytics will improve planning, crew satisfaction and reduce costs

Boeing has announced an agreement with Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, to provide multiple crew management solutions to support the planning and operation of the airline’s 7,500 crewmembers. Photo courtesy of Etihad Airways.

SEATTLE, May 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) has announced an agreement with Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, to provide multiple crew management solutions to support the planning and operation of the airline's 7,500 crewmembers.

Through the agreement, Etihad Airways will integrate Crew Pairing, Rostering and Fatigue Risk Management solutions to optimize planning, crew satisfaction and reduce costs. Provided through Boeing subsidiary Jeppesen, these solutions are powered by Boeing AnalytX and provide airlines with advanced optimization and analysis.

"By adopting crew solutions, we are confident that we will be able to respond and adapt more quickly to the ever-changing airline factors and constraints within our operation," said Rick Allen, senior vice president operations, Etihad Airways. "Our crew team will also appreciate that their preferences will be more flexibly considered, as we will now be able to publish crew schedules further in advance."

Crew Pairing helps airlines create optimized work duties, improving crew efficiency and operational robustness, while minimizing cost. Crew Rostering allows airlines to build quality rosters that respect crews' preferences and relevant constraints, while reducing total costs and time to market. Fatigue Risk Management solutions, supported by the Boeing Alertness Model, provide strategies and proven solutions for reducing fatigue risk in crew rosters.

"Airlines that use these services often see cost reductions of three percent or more annually and a significant uptake in crew satisfaction over their rosters. By adding these tools to the Boeing flight operations services already in place today, Etihad will continue to drive positive change," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing for Boeing. "The flexibility and strength of our optimization in the crew management suite will allow Etihad to solve complex issues with ease and support their decision-making process with detailed quantifications of risk and costs."

Boeing CH-47D (1982), MH-47D Special Operations Aircraft (1983), BV-360 o CH-46X (1987), MH-47E (1991)...

CH-47D, ©Beatriz Martín Blancas

El  primer  prototipo  voló  por primera  vez  el  14  de  mayo de  1979,  y  el  inicial  modelo Delta  salido  de  cadena  de montaje  (los  3  primeros  fueron  prototipos  fabricados  sobre  un  Alpha,  un  Bravo  y  un Charlie)  hizo  su  vuelo  inaugural  el  26  de  febrero  de   1982.

Con  la  llegada  de  la  versión Delta:  164  CH-47A,  76  CH-47B  y  200  CH-47C  pasaron por  el  programa  de  modernización  (entre  los  que  se  incluyen  11  CH-47C  fabricados bajo  licencia  por  Agusta  en Italia  y  para  Irán, así como 7 Chinook también  Charlie australianos).

El  proceso  de retrofit  consistió  en  la  sustitución  de  la  planta  motriz, transmisiones,  rotores  y  todo el  cableado,  además  del  desmontaje  total  del  fuselaje hasta  el  armazón  para  una inspección  exhaustiva  de  forma  que  la  vida  útil  de  sus células  se  prolongó  por  20 años más.

El  CH-47D  ya  monta  palas fabricadas en  materiales compuestos, sistema eléctrico mejorado, nuevas transmisiones, sistema hidráulico redundante, aviónica más moderna y equipos de comunicaciones más avanzados, además de tres ganchos para cargas externas.

©BHELTRA V, FAMET, Ejército de Tierra

Aunque la versión Delta hoy en día ya se ha quedado desactualizada frente a la Foxtrot, en la que incorpora un cockpit completamente digital y los más modernos sistemas de aviónica (además de mayor potencia motriz, lo que le proporciona un aumento significativo de sus performances). 

Los primeros Chinook Delta montaban dos turboejes Lycoming T55-L-712, posteriormente su planta motriz fue sustituida por turbinas T55-L-714 que le permiten una capacidad de carga del doble frente a los iniciales CH-47A. 

El cambio externo más apreciable del CH-47D frente a las versiones anteriores es la entrada de aire rectangular en la parte central del pilón trasero (para mejor refrigeración de la transmisión).  Este helicóptero ha sido desplegado en la Guerra del Golfo (160 Chinook norteamericanos), así como en Bosnia, Iraq y Afganistán.

MH-47D, 1983  

Prácticamente a mediados de los años 80, sobre unas 30 unidades del CH-47D pertenecientes al Ejército norteamericano pasaron por un proceso de configuración denominado SOA (Special Operations Aircraft). Estos incluían equipos de navegación más completos, comunicación satélite Iridium, contramedidas (señuelos) y armamento compuesto por ametralladoras.

Algunas de las unidades recibieron un radar meteorológico, sistema IR/TV y una sonda para repostaje en vuelo.  De los MH-47D que no se perdieron en accidente o fueron derribados, pasaron por un proceso de modernización a la variante MH-47G (Golf), exceptuando 4 de ellos que directamente se reconvirtieron a CH-47F.

BV-360, 1987  

Con fondos privados se financió el proyecto de este helicóptero, un demostrador tecnológico avanzado fabricado a base de materiales compuestos.

Esta máquina ya montaba un cockpit completamente digital con 6 pantallas multifunción, además de DAFCS, tren de aterrizaje retráctil y dos rotores de cuatro palas cada uno, aunque su tamaño era más cercano al CH-46 que al Chinook, ya que el diseño se basaba en un  concepto  del  doble  rotor en  tándem  de  alta  velocidad. Tras  123  horas  de  vuelo en pruebas  se  canceló  el  proyecto,  del  también  denominado CH-46X,  debido a  la  aparición de  grietas  estructurales  en  el pilón de  cola.

Como curiosidades: las góndolas  de  ambos  motores estaban  integradas  en  la  parte  superior  trasera  del  fuselaje  para  ofrecer  menor  resistencia  aerodinámica,  y  el  único  prototipo  que  se  fabricó está  expuesto  en  el  American Helicopter  Museum  &  Education  Center,  en  West  Chester (Pennsylvania).

MH-47E, 1991 

Fue  el  primer  SOA  con  presentación  EFIS  y  aviónica  digital  integrada,  dejando  atrás los indicadores  analógicos.

Además  de  un  nuevo  radar, sus  tanques  de  combustible tenían  un  50%  más  de  capacidad  que  todos  los  demás Chinook.  Este  helicóptero  ya montó  turbinas  más  potentes T55-L-714,  frente  a  las  712  y 712A  de  los  modelos  anteriores  (también  se  les  instaló una  grúa  de  rescate  externa para  misiones  SAR  y CSAR). En  total  han  sido  26  los  aparatos  adaptados  al  estándar MH-47E,  de  los  cuales  se perdieron  cinco  (3  en  accidente  y  2  derribados).  Los  21 restantes  fueron  modernizados al  MH-47G.

ATRH,  2005 

Advanced  Tandem  Rotor Helicopter  fue  otro  de  los  diseños  de  Boeing  en  respuesta  al  programa  de  concepto  y análisis  de  carga  pesada  del 2005  (Ejército  norteamericano  +  NASA). 

Este  helicóptero no  pasó  de  la  fase  de  diseño, pero  si  se  hubiera  construido habría  sido  prácticamente  el doble  de  largo  que  la  serie CH-47,  para  tener  una  ligera idea,  su  fuselaje  sería  tan grande  (en  longitud)  como un  Chinook  con  sus  rotores en  funcionamiento.

CH-47F,  2006 

Además  de  otras  variantes, específicamente adaptadas según  los  determinados  tipos de  misión  que  realizan  los ejércitos  que  los  operan,  la versión  Foxtrot  es  la  más  actual  del  helicóptero  con  doble rotor  en  tándem;  de  manera que  todas  las  modificaciones que  se  han  hecho  desde  su llegada  en  2006  se  han  realizado  sobre  la  base  del  CH-47F.

Denominado  ICH  (Improved Cargo  Helicopter),  es  una máquina  mucho  más  avanzada  frente  a  todos  los  Chinook anteriores;  incorpora  sistema de  aviónica  CAAS  (Common Avionics  Architecture  System)  de  Rockwell  Collins,  el cual  presenta  cinco  grandes pantallas  (2  PFD,  2  MFD  y  1 CPD)  dejando  atrás  la  instrumentación  analógica... 

HLCOPTERS #9

Boeing donates $1 million to nonprofits in support of well-being, mental health, veterans and community programs

Coincides with global Boeing well-being initiative

Includes $500,000 for veteran recovery and rehabilitation services in Australia, UK and U.S.

CHICAGO, May 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) is making a $1 million donation to benefit seven nonprofit organizations supporting mental health, veterans, well-being and community programs around the world.

Boeing's Well Being organization funded the donation as part of the annual Boeing Moves the World event, a global walk that brings together thousands of employees to highlight the importance of health and well-being.

In the U.S., donations benefited five nonprofit organizations: the National Alliance on Mental Illness; the Trevor Project; the Yellow Ribbon Fund; Team Red, White & Blue; and the Travis Manion Foundation. These organizations provide mental health and veterans services throughout the nation.

Outside the U.S., beneficiaries were Soldier On, Ltd. in Australia and the Royal Air Force 100 Appeal in the UK. Soldier On, Ltd. helps Australian veterans and families reintegrate into civilian life, while the Royal Air Force 100 Appeal commemorates the achievements of the Royal Air Force and all those who have served.

The donation also includes $250,000 for nonprofit organizations in communities where Boeing has a presence. The funds will be awarded in $25,000increments to 10 Boeing work sites around the world and then donated to local nonprofit organizations. The 10 sites will be selected based on employee and leadership participation in the Boeing Moves the World event. The selected sites will be announced in June.

"Donations will benefit programs that support our well-being, our heroes and our communities," said Greg Marchand, director of Global Benefits. "Our employees are actively engaged in improving their health and well-being all while living the Boeing mission to help others and inspire the world."

Grant recipients were identified in partnership with Boeing Global Engagement and include:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness: $150,000to benefit the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to providing advocacy, education support and public awareness.
• The Trevor Project: $100,000 to support crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth.
• Yellow Ribbon Fund: $100,000 to help provide practical direct support to recovering warriors and caregivers at Walter Reed and Fort Belvoir and vital assistance throughout the military to civilian transition process.
• Team Red, White & Blue: $100,000 to help connect veterans to their community through physical and social activity.
• Travis Manion Foundation: $100,000 to fund programs that empower veterans and strengthen communities.
• Soldier On, Ltd: $100,000 to help Australian veterans and their families reintegrate into civilian life.
• Royal Air Force 100 Appeal: $100,000 to support efforts of the Royal Air Force (RAF) to commemorate achievements of the RAF and all those who have served.

Through purposeful investments, employee engagement and thoughtful advocacy efforts, Boeing and its employees support innovative partnerships and programs that align with the company's strategic objectives, create value and help build better communities worldwide. Boeing's efforts are focused on improving access to globally competitive learning, contributing to workforce and skills development, and supporting our military and veteran communities.

Chicago-based Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in more than 150 countries.

Boeing Chairman and CEO Muilenburg to Speak at Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference May 31

CHICAGO, May 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenburg will speak at the Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference in New York City on May 31 at 8:00 a.m. ET.

Visit https://cc.talkpoint.com/bern001/053018a_as/?entity=56_B2R6TG8 to access a link to the live broadcast of the conference. Individuals should check the website prior to the session to ensure access to the audio stream.

Boeing to Host Downlink with International Space Station Crew ISS astronauts Drew

ISS astronauts Drew Feustel and Scott Tingle will take questions from Genes In Space students

Facebook Live show to feature research specialists

HOUSTON, May 4, 2018 – Boeing [NYSE:BA] will host a televised downlink with astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on May 10 featuring the Genes in Space STEM competition and students who are participating in the research contest. The event will originate from the nonprofit Space Center Houston in Texas and be shown on Facebook Live through NASA’s Johnson Space Center Education Office.

The full program will begin at 10:30 a.m. Central time on Facebook Live, at https://www.facebook.com/jsceducation. NASA TV will join the downlink from 11:05 to 11:25 a.m. The program will conclude at 11:30 a.m. with a demonstration of Boeing’s Starliner virtual reality training system.

The astronauts aboard the ISS will take questions from the two Genes In Space students whose experiments recently were conducted aboard the station, plus other contestants and from the audience. About 200 students from Houston-area middle and high schools will attend the event.

Guests will include the chief scientist for the ISS, a biologist, a leader of Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, and a Boeing Starliner engineer.

Founded by Boeing and miniPCR, the Genes In Space competition offers students in grades 7 through 12 the opportunity to develop DNA-based experiments that could be performed on orbit by astronauts aboard the ISS. A panel of scientists evaluates the proposals to select the finalists and then a winner.

Those taking part in the May 10 program are:

• Drew Feustel, NASA astronaut, International Space Station Expedition 55
• Scott Tingle, NASA astronaut, International Space Station Expedition 55
• Julie Robinson, NASA chief scientist for the International Space Station
• Zeke Alvarez-Saavedra, co-founder, miniPCR
• Ken Shields, director of Operations, CASIS
• Tony Castilleja, Boeing Starliner
• Steven Siceloff, Boeing Communications (Host)

For more information on Defense, Space & Security, visit www.boeing.com. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Boeing Announces Global Distribution Agreement for GE Aviation T700 Engines

Agreement supports longevity of prolific turboshaft engine powering global operations

Aviall, a Boeing Company, will market and distribute parts to support the GE Aviation T700 engine which powers some of the world’s most prolific rotorcraft.

CHICAGO, April, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA], through its subsidiary Aviall, today announced it signed a multi-year parts distribution agreement with GE Aviation to support the T700 engine. Under this agreement, Aviall will market and distribute components needed to support the maintenance, repair and overhaul of the GE T700 engine models that power civil and international military helicopters for customers in more than 30 countries.

"GE and Aviall share a strong, strategic relationship, having already signed spares distribution agreements serving our J85, F110, CF6, CFM and CF34 engines," said Cristina Seda-Hoelle, General Manager of GE Aviation's Military Customer Services. "We look forward to working with Aviall to provide the best possible customer experience and further build upon the T700's four-decade legacy."

Since entering production in 1978, the T700 has powered a variety of civilian, commercial and military applications that support transport, medical evacuation, air rescue, marine patrol and defense missions around the world.

"We appreciate the confidence that GE Aviation has placed in us to provide global support to the T700 engine – the engine that is relied upon for so many critical missions," said Eric Strafel, Aviall President and CEO. "We believe this agreement is a testament to our enduring relationship with GE Aviation and our ability to provide value through increased material availability through our 40 international locations and an unwavering commitment to mission preparedness."

Aviall's worldwide distribution network will provide localized support for customers relying on the T700 engine for fleet readiness. As an established global aerospace and defense distributor, Aviall has a long-standing history of connecting customers with strategically-positioned product solutions, designed to meet current and future needs.

Aviall

Aviall operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, supporting both commercial and defense business units within Boeing. Aviall is a leading solutions provider of aftermarket supply chain management services for the aerospace and defense industries. For more information, visit www.aviall.com.

Boeing Awarded $427 Million Defense Logistics Agency Contract

- Boeing will provide spare parts to U.S. Navy and Marine Corps depots for F/A-18 maintenance.

An F/A-18 taking off of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. (Photo credit: U.S. Navy)

ST. LOUIS, April 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has awarded Boeing [NYSE: BA] a five-year $427 million sole-source contract to provide and manage consumable material for F/A-18 depot maintenance with the option for five additional years. This is an extension of the DLA/Boeing Captains of Industry program and the program's first depot contract supporting the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, bringing the value of the program to $3.2 billion.

Boeing will provide consumable materials used for structural repair and modification of legacy F/A-18 Hornets at five U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps depots and the Boeing Cecil Field Site in Jacksonville, Florida. Boeing field service representatives will be co-located at these sites to provide technical support and expertise.

"Through this contract we will improve material availability and resolve technical issues quickly to alleviate long lead times on parts, helping our customers to reduce cycle times on aircraft maintenance," said Rick Robinson, Director of Boeing Global Supply Chain Services. "We are proud to work with the DLA, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps to keep legacy Hornets ready for critical missions."

Currently, there are two programs to repair aging F/A-18 A-D Hornets:

• Planned Maintenance Interval – 1 (PMI-1) is an extensive, comprehensive inspection, repair, and rework of the aircraft, which consists of both specific targeted areas and zonal inspections of critical areas.
• 
  
• High Flight Hour (HFH) is a series of inspections and modifications to extend the life of the aircraft from 6,000 hours to 10,000 hours.
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The DLA Captains of Industry program leverages Boeing's capabilities and relationships with suppliers to improve material availability, provide onsite technical support and engineering support, which will reduce aircraft maintenance cycle time and get the aircraft back to the war fighter faster.