Boeing and Tata’s CRL to test and validate Indian Eka System, the fastest in Asia for its joint venture

High lift aerodynamic simulations play a critical role in the design and development of airplane wings. The Boeing Company and Computational Research Laboratory (CRL), a subsidiary of the Tata Group are working in collaboration on the processes needed to conduct numerical simulations on high lift aerodynamics. Talking about the partnership S. Ramadorai Chairman CRL said, “In keeping with our pioneering tradition, the Tata Group has set up Computation Research Laboratories to achieve a position of global leadership in high-performance computing. CRL is delighted to partner with Boeing to provide design and simulation support to accelerate Boeing's research ideas to market."

The Eka System which is being tested and validated by both the companies is the fourth fastest supercomputer in the world and the fastest in Asia as rated by the International Conference for High Performance Computing Networking Storage and Analysis. It will be used by CRL to run the High Lift Computational Fluid Dynamics program that will model high lift aerodynamic simulations in three dimensions for Boeing. “Through such high value interactions, Indian industry is entering Boeing's global aerospace supply chain,” observed Ian Thomas, president of Boeing India.


Gripen Demonstrator takes a leap into future
Sweden played host to the spectacular ceremony where the Gripen Demonstrator (demo) was rolled out. Saab CEO Ake Svensson who hosted the entire event said, “This is a landmark event for Saab and its international industrial partners .I am very proud of what we have achieved and am confident that this next generation of Gripen will be trail-blazing the skies for years to come.”

The Gripen Demonstrator programme is the pathfinder for a whole new generation of technologies and capabilities to ensure that Gripen remains at the leading edge of fighter aircraft performance and capability well beyond 2040. Gripen International Managing Director Johan Lehander acknowledged, “We are standing on the edge of a new era. The Gripen Demonstrator programme is not just the first step towards a new Gripen; it is driving the development of new technology for existing and potential Gripen customers.”

Elaborating on the key strategic performance and capability areas, he explained that that it included the aircraft sensors, communications fit, weapons load, self-protection systems, range and engine performance. “But the need to build and deliver a system that remains affordable,” was the main challenge he asserted.

Investment in the Demonstrator programme is being made by Saab and its international industrial partners, as well as potential future customers. In April 2007, Norway signed a Letter of Agreement regarding the future development of Gripen, valued at around USD 25 million, and in October 2007 the Swedish government also awarded a contract to Saab for the Demo programme. General Electric together with Volvo Aero, Thales, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, APPH, Martin-Baker, Terma and Meggit are few of the aerospace companies that, together with Saab, are jointly investing in the Gripen Demonstrator programme.


Lockheed Martin’s F-35 STOVL ENGINE Throttles up to full power
Initiating the final series of ground tests before the jet's first flight, Test pilot Graham Tomlinson of BAE Systems started and ran the engine of Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II for the first time on April 18. He throttled up to full military power (non-afterburner) in two consecutive tests. The Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, which produces about 28,000 pounds of thrust in military power and 40,000 pounds of thrust in afterburner, was evaluated for nearly an hour of run time at a variety of power settings. “The F-35B continues to hit one milestone after the other, and the team is doing a great job of keeping us on track for the airplane's first flight in the late May/June time frame," informed Dan Crowley, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and F-35 program general manager. The engine runs were part of the F-35B's first comprehensive systems checkout on the aircraft's own power. The engine runs were preceded by successful tests of the Integrated Power Package, which combines the functions of a starter, generator, environmental (air conditioning) system and emergency power system.

The British pilot will be the first person to fly the short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL). The tests also included the opening and closing of all doors associated with the STOVL propulsion system. During STOVL flight, doors open above and below the shaft-driven lift fan (located immediately behind the cockpit) and at the rear of the aircraft beneath the engine nozzle. A pair of auxiliary engine inlet doors opens behind the lift fan to feed more air to the engine.

In early 2009, the aircraft will begin engaging its STOVL propulsion system for short takeoffs, vertical landings and hovers. The first F-35A test aircraft, a conventional takeoff and landing variant, has completed 40 flights and has exceeded performance and reliability expectations. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two separate, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136.


Rome houses AgustaWestland and Alitalica’s Helicopter Hub
AgustaWestland and Alitalica of Italy signed a collaborative agreement to set up the first helicopter hub in Italy at Rome’s Urbe Airport. Representatives from both the companies along with aviation sector dignitaries attended the signing ceremony held at ‘Circolo Canottieri Aniene’ in Rome. AgustaWestland will set up a helicopter maintenance centre for its helicopters while Alitalica will offer passenger hospitality services, passenger transport provision along with corporate helicopter management services. The helicopter hub is expected to achieve operational readiness in 2009. The programme is slated to build new hangars, hospitality and office areas. Alitalica will provide AgustaWestland with facilities to carry out commercial helicopter maintenance activities. AgustaWestland and Alitalica, with their know-how and expertise in the helicopter field, will support the marketing of AgustaWestland helicopters as well as the growth of the VIP/corporate helicopter market in Rome and southern Italy.


PlantCML to enhance EADS North America’s business interests
Adding yet another name to their North America business portfolio, EADS has acquired the California-based PlantCML, a leading provider of emergency response solutions for approximately USD 350 million.

PlantCML provides call management and radio dispatch products for emergency call centres, along with emergency notification services, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) applications and mapping services. PlantCML boasts of the largest installed base in US public safety answering points.

Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., Chairman and CEO of EADS North America said, “The resources of PlantCML are a perfect match with our growing homeland security and public safety activity, which already includes turnkey professional mobile radio systems and network security training.” Through the acquisition and widespread market access, PlantCML will strongly contribute to sell EADS PMR solutions into the rapidly expanding US market thus expanding its industrial footprint in the U.S. and Canada.


Thales remains a notch above
Airbus has chosen Thales to provide the ADIRU (Air Data and Inertial Reference Unit) for the new A350 XWB aircraft. Thales announced that it had diversified its navigation offering and extended its proven capacities to the civil market now.

Due to the high performances of the Thales ADIRU, the A350 XWB will now be able to bring airlines to a step beyond that of RNP 0.1 (the most stringent aeronautical navigation standard). The A350 XWB will be able to fly a more precise, more direct and more optimised route. This navigation solution will provide the airlines with the capability to realise substantial fuel consumption reduction. It would be more environmentally friendly too.

3,000 inertial units are delivered annually by Thales to its three main markets: civil aviation, military and space. Substantial growth is anticipated in this domain and Thales intends to increase production numbers significantly to meet market requirements. Thales has been actively developing and industrialising high performance inertial measurement units and GPS receivers for integration in various high value platforms such as fighters, trainers, missiles, transport aircraft and helicopters. Based on this long-term expertise, Thales was recently selected by the French Délégation Générale pour l’Armement, (DGA) — Defence Procurement Agency — to provide the navigation systems (FMS, Inertia, GPS and Air Data systems) for the major renovation package of the entire fleet of C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft in service with the French Air Force.


Rick Kirkland appointed to US-India Business Council Board of Directors
The premier business advocacy organisation representing 280 of the largest US companies investing in India, joined by two dozen of India's largest global companies US-India Business Council (USIBC) appointed Richard G. Kirkland, President, South Asia, Lockheed Martin to its Board of Directors. Richard G. Kirkland has vast expertise and knowledge of the region, having held key positions in the US Government and within Lockheed Martin, especially in the corporation’s international operations. “Rick Kirkland’s appointment to the USIBC board represents the manifestation of the US-India Strategic Partnership. Lockheed Martin’s recent success on the C-130J aircraft program for the Indian Air Force and involvement across several key security programs is a testament to the company’s global leadership,” said US-India Business Council Chairman Indra Nooyi.

Kirkland was named President, South Asia, Lockheed Martin Global in June 2007 and holds the responsibility for all Lockheed Martin corporate business and, customers in the region that includes India, Australia and Singapore offices.

On his appointment, Kirkland said, “I believe that the future will be marked by increased interaction between the two governments and among all aspects of US and Indian society. I look forward to working with all members of the US-India Business Council and playing a small role in developing strong and lasting ties between both great nations.”


Alenia Aeronautica inaugurates it unique anechoic-shielded chamber in Europe
The DA7 Eurofighter Typhoon prototype has the unique honour of being the first aircraft to enter the new anechoic-shielded chamber, the largest in Europe, to test in the most favourable conditions the electromagnetic compatibility of aircraft and systems and measure the performance of emitting devices, specifically in the field of radio frequencies.

Located in the Alenia Ground Test Centre at Turin-Caselle airport, the 900 square meter building, which is 20 meters high and has an internal volume of 18,000 cubic metres, is the handiwork of Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica company.

This exclusive building is made with zinc-coated steel, wholly covered by about 11,000 pyramids of radio-absorbing material, which assure high protection screening levels against internal and external electromagnetic interferences. A hoist system capable of lifting aircraft up to 25 tonnes of weight and with a maximum height of 16 metres enables aircraft to be irradiated from below.

Turin anechoic chamber is fitted with many advanced systems. The anechoic chamber building also hosts a laboratory complying with the highest electromagnetic screening standards and another protected room, a reverberating chamber, developed in collaboration with the Turin Polytechnic and already used to test innovative methods for electromagnetic experiments.

With the anechoic chamber Alenia Aeronautica upgrades and completes its Turin test and simulation infrastructures, where the company already operates the Sky Light Simulator, built by Alenia Aeronautica to reproduce all natural lighting conditions required to test cockpit configurations.


AW139 joins the Atlantic Airway’s fleet
Atlantic Airways Ltd of the Faroe Islands has taken delivery of an AW139 medium twin turbine engine helicopter during an official ceremony held at AgustaWestland’s Vergiate plant. The AW139 is a new generation medium twin-turbine helicopter. Designed with inherent multi-role capability and flexibility of operation, the AW139 is capable of carrying up to 15 passengers or six litters with two medical attendants or up to four litters and four medical attendants at the highest speed, in the most spacious cabin and with the best power reserve of any other helicopter in the medium twin-engine class.

The AW139 has become the aircraft of choice for offshore support. Its operations offer unparalleled features in its class in terms of performance, capacity and safety. It is expected to enhance Atlantic Airways’ operations.

In addition to offshore transport, the AW139 can be used for a number of other applications including EMS/SAR, executive/VIP transport, law enforcement, utility and government roles. The helicopter has achieved great success in becoming the best selling medium twin in the world marketplace.


Enrique Barrientos to spear head EADS Defence & Security Division in Spain
EADS Defence & Security Division in Spain has a new CEO, Enrique Barrientos Blanco. An aeronautical engineer, he also holds a masters degree in Business Management and Administration from IESE Business School. As CEO, Enrique Barrientos will be responsible for the activities of the Division in Spain, reporting to the CEO of Military Air Systems, and for overarching Spanish activities, reporting to the CEO of EADS Defence & Security, Dr Stefan Zoller.


Croatia angles for Gripen fighters
In response to a request from the Croatian government on information pertaining to the supply of 12 Gripen fighters, FMV, the Swedish Defence Material Administration responded that it was pleased to be part of the ongoing procurement process in Croatia.

This invitation from the Croatian authorities to the Swedish Gripen team follows the recent receipt of similar invitations from Norway, India, Denmark and Switzerland, and also the signing of contracts between Sweden and Thailand for the supply of 6 Gripen fighters and Saab surveillance aircraft. Vital evidence of the big interest Gripen is generating worldwide.


Revised estimates show reduced costs for F-35 Program
Estimated acquisition costs dropped by nearly USD 1 billion from 2006 to 2007 for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II program, according to a recent report released by the US Department of Defense The F-35 cost reduction was attributed in part to lower material costs related to agreements made by Lockheed Martin and its subcontractors, and revised estimates of support costs. "The F-35 program is intensely focused on affordability, and these numbers demonstrate that hard work on the part of government and contractor teams is achieving the desired result," explained Dan Crowley, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and F-35 program general manager. The F-35 program is on schedule to deliver aircraft to the US military services beginning in 2010. The first test aircraft has completed 40 flights and has exceeded performance and reliability expectations. The inaugural flight of the first short takeoff/vertical landing F-35B is on schedule for mid-2008. All 19 test aircraft are in production flow or on the flightline, and assembly has begun on the first two production F-35s.


Tokyo, Regional Business Headquarters for AgustaWestland
Tokyo is AgustaWestland’s choice for its regional business headquarters. Finmeccanica Chief Operating Officer Giorgio Zappa, AgustaWestland Chief Executive Officer Giuseppe Orsi, Italian Ambassador Mario Bova and British Ambassador Sir Graham Fry graced the opening ceremony. AgustaWestland is already an intrinsic part of the Japanese helicopter market and the demands have steadily risen over the years. It has consolidated its position as a major supplier of helicopters to both the commercial and government markets. The new headquarters would therefore play an important role in the expansion of its business interests in Japan.

Several partnerships involving primary players including Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsui Bussan Aerospace, Marubeni, Kaigai Aviotech and Kanematsu have further reinforced AgustaWestland’s role in the country


AW139 to be part of the search and rescue operations in the UK
The AW139 helicopters of AgustaWestland have been inducted into the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s search and rescue service. Under an interim contract, three helicopters provided by CHC Helicopter Corporation will serve the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, operating from bases at Lee-on-the-Solent and Portland on the South coast of England. The AW139’s performances and features make it the ideal contender for the next UK search and rescue requirement.

A large number of operators including Sasemar of Spain, Japanese Coast Guard, Korean Coast Guard, Italian Coast Guard, Norwegian Ministry of Justice, Estonian Border Guard, UAE Air Force as well as operators in Africa and the Middle East are already operating the AW139 in the SAR role or have ordered aircraft.

Orders for more than 330 AW139s have been placed by nearly 90 commercial and government customers in over 30 countries to carry out varied roles including search and rescue, emergency medical services, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement, homeland security and utility transport.


New variant of F-16 proposed by Lockheed Martin for the IAF
The US government and the Lockheed Martin have submitted their response for the Request For Proposal (RFP) for 126 Multi Role Combat Aircraft Program (MRCA) to the Indian government. Lockheed has proposed the most technologically advanced F-16 tailored to meet the requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

"No other operational multi role strike fighter in the world today compares to this aircraft," announced Orville Prins, Lockheed Martin's Business Development Vice President and MRCA program Campaign Leader. While F-16 has already established its credibility as one of the most reliable, maintainable, affordable and safest multi role fighter in the world, the F-16IN variant promises more. “This proposal represents a long-term partnership between the Air Forces of India and the US and between Indian industry and the F-16 industry team," Orville summarised.

Designed to include technologies such as a modern, full-color, all-digital, glass cockpit; the APG-80 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar; the GE F110-132A engine for increased thrust; a large weapons inventory; a highly effective electronic warfare suite; and Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFTs) to significantly extend range and persistence, the F-16IN also includes advanced survivability features.

Lockheed Martin has established four F-16 production lines outside of the US. The company has successfully achieved more than USD 37 billion in offset program credits in 40 countries. A proven cornerstone of these programs has been the ability to provide technology transfer to program partners. The F-16IN proposal assures that 108 of the 126 F-16IN aircraft would be delivered from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited under licensed production with Indian industry.


German Sea King fleet gets a make over by Eurocopter
Eurocopter has upgraded its Sea King fleet of the German navy (Bundesmarine) in Eurocopter’s main German site in Danouwoerth, Bavaria.

The 21-fleet helicopters in the German navy were given a complete overhaul. The modifications included the implementation of a 360 degree infrared sensor system and introduction of new navigation package with a new Doppler system, GPS and various multi functional displays (MFDs). New communication systems like the HF, GMDSS and VHF/FM were also integrated.