Fourth 787 Joins Boeing Flight-Test Fleet: Press Release
EVERETT, Wash., March 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) has added the fourth 787 Dreamliner to its flight-test fleet with the completion of the first flight of ZA003. The airplane departed Paine Field in Everett, Wash., at 10:55 a.m. (Pacific time) and landed at 2:01 p.m. at Boeing Field in Seattle.
Captains Ray Craig and Mike Bryan piloted the airplane on its three-hour-and-six-minute flight. ZA003 is the final 787 with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines to enter the flight-test program.
“We’ve done a significant amount of ground testing on the new systems on ZA003 in preparation for first flight. Engineering, manufacturing and flight operations have really pulled together as a team to enable first flight,” said Craig. “It has been very rewarding to watch the Boeing team pull together in support of this milestone.”
ZA003 is the only 787 in the flight test fleet that will include elements of the passenger interior features including cabin and crew support systems. The 787 is introducing new passenger amenities and provisions for a more comfortable flying experience. Among the new features are improved lighting, bigger stowage bins, larger windows with electrochromatic shades and redesigned lavatories with easier access.
In addition to demonstrating that the interior meets certification requirements, ZA003 will be used to conduct tests on systems, noise performance, flight-deck operations, avionics, electromagnetic effects, high-intensity radio frequency response and extended operations (ETOPS).
“The Boeing team is doing great work. We’ve established a good pace of accomplishment on the program,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The priorities are clear and the entire team is focused.”
KC-X Tanker Proposal News
Filed under: BNET, Boeing, Business Line, Companies, Department of Defense, EADS, Events, Military Aviation, Northrop Grumman Corp., Proposal, Services, U.S. Air Force, commercial aviation, development program, logistics
To our loyal readers we are not ignoring the KC-X tanker RFP on Defense Procurement News but we have established a separate site, KC-X Tanker News, to cover that issue.
New Gulfstream G650 Completes First Flight — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, General Dynamics, Press Releases, commercial aviation, development program, production program
New Gulfstream G650 Completes First Flight
SAVANNAH, Ga., Nov. 25 /PRNewswire/ — Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) , today announced that its newest business jet and the flagship of its fleet, the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G650, successfully completed its first flight.
Flown by experimental test pilot Jake Howard and senior experimental test pilot Tom Horne, the G650 took off from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport at 1:41 p.m. local time today with flight engineer Bill Osborne on board. Because pilots were alerted to a slight vibration in a landing-gear door, they curtailed the testing regimen as a precautionary measure. The aircraft landed 12 minutes later.
“We are pleased to announce that the G650 successfully completed its first flight today,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “Systems were fully operational. The aircraft achieved an altitude of 6,600 feet and a speed of 170 knots. Flight controls and characteristics performed as expected. We consider this flight a success and look forward to pursuing our full flight-test plan.”
Under its own power, the G650 rolled out of the Savannah manufacturing facility on Sept. 29, 2009. It remains on schedule for type certification by 2011, followed by entry-into-service in 2012.
The G650 offers the longest range at the fastest speed in its class. Powered by best-in-class Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, the business jet is capable of traveling 7,000 nautical miles at 0.85 Mach and has a maximum operating speed of 0.925 Mach. Its 7,000-nautical-mile range means the G650 can fly nonstop from Dubai to Chicago. With an initial cruise altitude of 41,000 feet at 0.85 Mach, the G650 can climb to a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet and avoid traffic and inclement weather.
With its all-new aerodynamically optimized wing, the G650 can meet the latest takeoff certification requirements. At maximum takeoff weight, the aircraft can depart from a 6,000-foot runway.
Passenger comfort is one of the G650’s main attributes. The aircraft features the largest purpose-built business-jet cabin, which leaves room for larger galleys and lavatories, and increased storage. The jet, which seats 11-18 passengers, also has 16 Gulfstream-signature oval windows that measure 28 by 20.5 inches, the biggest in the industry
The G650 provides the most productive cabin environment. A cabin altitude of 4,850 feet at FL510 and 3,300 feet at FL410 reduces fatigue, increases mental alertness and enhances productivity. A quieter cabin allows for a better environment for conversation or relaxation.
The aircraft comes with the new Gulfstream Cabin Essential(TM) package, so a single-point failure will not result in the loss of functionality. That means a toilet always flushes; water is always available; and an entertainment source always works.
Additionally, the G650 features the PlaneView(TM) II cockpit, the most advanced flight deck in business aviation, and an Advanced Health and Trend Monitoring System (AHTMS) to support aircraft maintenance planning and enhance availability.
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) , designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world’s most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced some 1,800 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150®; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200®; the new large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G250®; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G350®; the large-cabin, long-range G450®; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500®; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550® and the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650®. Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales®. The company employs approximately 9,000 people at seven major locations. We invite you to visit our Web site for more information and photos of Gulfstream aircraft at www.gulfstream.com.
General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) , headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 92,300 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about General Dynamics is available online at www.gd.com.
Source: Gulfstream Aerospace
CONTACT: Heidi Fedak, Corporate Communications, Gulfstream Aerospace,
+1-912-395-8574
Web Site: http://www.gulfstream.com/
Emirates Selects Goodrich for Airbus A380 Evacuation Systems Support — Press Release
Filed under: Airbus, Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Countries, EADS, Events, Goodrich, Press Releases, UAE, commercial aviation, production program
Emirates Selects Goodrich for Airbus A380 Evacuation Systems Support
Letter of intent expected to increase support to Emirates at Goodrich Dubai campus
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 15, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Goodrich Corporation (NYSE:GR) has signed a letter of intent with Emirates to become the exclusive provider of evacuation system maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for the airline’s fleet of 58 Airbus A380 aircraft. A 12-year agreement is expected to be signed shortly. The work will be performed by Goodrich’s MRO campus in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The Goodrich campus in Dubai currently supplies Emirates with MRO support for cabin attendant seats, cargo systems, electronic engine controls, sensor systems, nacelle systems, and other components and systems.
According to Paul Snyder, president, Goodrich Customer Services, “With Emirates, we have cultivated a local aftermarket support program through a simplified working relationship. Providing evacuation systems support is the newest element in this relationship. Goodrich is committed to developing customized MRO and asset management solutions with operators in the region, and we continue to expand our capabilities to support changing operator needs.”
Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ executive vice president for engineering and operations, said, “Emirates is pleased to be working with Goodrich for the ongoing maintenance of our Airbus A380 evacuation systems. Their Dubai facility is a clear demonstration of their commitment to increase the volume of business and support within the region and in particular the United Arab Emirates. Like Emirates, Goodrich is a world leader in its field and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.”
Goodrich’s Dubai campus is strategically located to serve operators in the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions, providing local MRO, asset management and AOG services for an extensive range of Goodrich products and systems. Goodrich has additional MRO campuses in Australia, China, Singapore, and the U.S.
Goodrich Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a global supplier of systems and services to aerospace, defense and homeland security markets. With one of the most strategically diversified portfolios of products in the industry, Goodrich serves a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and service facilities. For more information visit http://www.goodrich.com/.
Goodrich Corporation operates through its divisions and as a parent company for its subsidiaries, one or more of which may be referred to as “Goodrich Corporation” in this press release.
Source: Goodrich Corporation; GR – Nacelles and Interior Systems
CONTACT: At Dubai Air Show: Martin Butler +44 7774 125885; In U.S.:
Laurie Tardif, +1-704-423-7048; First Call: Paul Gifford, Investor Relations,
+1-704-423-5517
Web Site: http://www.goodrich.com/
Textron’s Earnings Reflect The Market
Filed under: Bell, Business Line, Companies, Earnings, Events, Military Aviation, Textron, commercial aviation, logistics, production program
Textron reported their third quarter earnings yesterday. They did beat expectations by not having a loss but had a profit of about 1 cent a share. This was a decline of ninety-eight percent from the year before. Despite all this the company is confident they will make a profit for a year and earnings would be as predicted.
Textron decline is caused by financial products and their civil air division. Sales of Cessna aircraft a luxury item right now were down a lot. The company has been reducing their participation in the financial sector due to the general downturn there. Despite Bell Helicopter’s struggles with the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) the military part of the company saw some growth.
There have been previous reports that Textron might sell Bell or other parts as it reorganizes to face the current economic downturn but so far that has not happened. As with everyone the company will have to wait and see how the economy recovers and what growth occurs.
Hamilton Sundstrand Awarded Commercial Aircraft Parts Contract From Irkut
Filed under: Business Line, Contract Awards, Countries, Events, Hamilton Sundstrand, Irkut, Russia, UTC, commercial aviation, development program, production program
The Russian commercial aircraft manufacturer Irkut Corporation awarded the United Technology subsidiary Hamilton Sundstrand a contract to develop and provide parts for their new airliner. The contract could be worth over $2 billion dollars in the end. The MS-21 (MC in the Cyrillic Alphabet) will be a joint development of various Russian aircraft corporations to be in service sometime around 2015.
This aircraft will replace the aging fleet of Tupelov manufactured Tu-154 airliners. Irkut has also received contracts to build parts for Airbus as well as work with Yakalov on their Yak-130 aircraft. Hamilton Sundstrand will produce electrical generators and systems as well as the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and other systems for the advanced aircraft.
Defense Procurement News Now Contributing To A New Site
Filed under: Aeroleaders 2.0, Business Line, Military Aviation, commercial aviation, training
The writers at Defense Procurement News will soon be contributing to a new site about the aerospace industry. Aeroleaders 2.0 is oriented towards the leaders of companies involved in this market. It is a place “for the future leaders of the Aerospace and Defense Industry to discuss the most pressing issues of the industry. We also welcome existing leaders as coaches to the industry.” We are very excited about being offered the chance to participate in this site where it is hoped we can make some contributions to the future of this important business.
EADS Sells More A330 Tankers To Saudi Arabia
Filed under: Australia, Boeing, Business Line, Companies, Congress, Contract Additions, Countries, Department of Defense, EADS, England, Events, Japan, Military Aviation, Northrop Grumman Corp., Services, U.S. Air Force, UAE, United States, commercial aviation, development program, logistics, production program
EADS announced today that Saudi Arabia had doubled their order for aerial tankers by buying three more A330 MRT aircraft. This means that the Kingdom will now have six of the advanced tankers. They along with the U.K., Australia and the U.A.E. have ordered the aircraft. As part of the buy of the new aircraft Saudi Arabia has ordered logistic and parts support for the tankers although no contract value was announced.
The big contract for military refueling aircraft is the new tanker for the United States Air Force (USAF). EADS and Northorp Grumman had won the contract for the KC-X last year only to see it overturned on a Boeing protest. Now the new Obama Administration and the USAF will try again with a completely new RFP. That contract would be for over one hundred aircraft and would dwarf previous orders. There is still discussion of possibly splitting the contract between the two suppliers with a goal of maximizing the number of aircraft delivered in a short time. The USAF and Defense Department are against that as the two aircraft would require their own substantial support tail of parts, maintenance and training which would be quite expensive.
The A330 is a bigger aircraft then the 767 proposed by Boeing last time but requires larger airfields and more gas to fly a comparable mission. The bigger aircraft can carry more fuel for other aircraft so there has to be a balance struck there. It is definitely conceivable that the loser of the next contract will protest anyway so there may be further delays to the acquisition of the greatly needed capability.
The Third Sukhoi Superjet 100 Joins the Flight Test Campaign — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Countries, Events, Italian Alenia Aeronautica, Italy, Russia, Sukhoi, commercial aviation, development program, production program
The Third Sukhoi Superjet 100 Joins the Flight Test Campaign
July 25, 2009, Komsomolsk – The Third Sukhoi Superjet 100 Joins the Flight Test Campaign Today, the third Sukhoi Superjet 100 flight prototype SN 95004 took to the air from Komsomolsk adding momentum to the flight test campaign. Prior to this, the flight test campaign included the first two flying prototype aircraft – SSJ100 # 95001 and # 95003.
This first Flight of SN 95004 began at 07:44 p.m. local time and lasted 1 hour and 21 minutes (landing local time – 09:05 p.m.). The purpose of the flight was to check all aircraft system operations and to confirm their ability to ensure the safety o f the aircraft. The first flight of SSJ100 SN 95004 was quite similar to the flights performed to check the ramp-up production aircraft prior to delivery.
As Sukhoi Superjet 100 SN 95004 will undergo testing of the passenger cabin and avionics, it will be the first aircraft to be completely fitted with passenger equipment and the certification-ready avionics suite, which includes all options designed to meet the airlines’ requirements.
Sukhoi Superjet 100 #95004 will demonstrate the full capabilities of the “dark-and-quiet” cockpit, which is powered by the avionics suite and designed to make the flight comfortable for the pilots and, therefore, safer for the passengers. Later, the aircraft will undergo a series of tests in Italy that will include checks on the community noise level, Instrumented Landing System, Precision Navigation (P-RNAV) and High Intensity Radiated Field (HIRF) tests.
Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company test-pilots Nikolay Pushenko, who captained the flight, and Sergey Korostiev were the crew for SN95004’s initial test flight. Pushenko and Korostiev also flew SSJ100 SN 95003 from Komsomolsk to Moscow via Novosibirsk this spring. “It is a pleasure to be the first to touch the controls of another SSJ100 and we are very pleased that, in accordance with the schedule of the flight test campaign, every “first flight” becomes more and more saturated as the operational functionality of the aircraft broadens”, – said Nikolay Pushenko, after leaving the plane.
Upon completion of a few factory test flights and painting, the aircraft will follow the same route through Novosibirsk to SCAC’s flight test center in the Moscow region and join the other two prototypes for their certification flights.
“Putting another Sukhoi Superjet 100 in the sky is an important milestone for us, as it demonstrates the capacity of this comfort oriented design, which has taken into consideration the noise and emissions of the aircraft, safety of the passenger cabin, and also the comfort of its pilots, crew, and passengers. It will supplement the daily flight display of SSJ100 # 95003 at MAKS airshow this August in the Moscow Region, showcasing the passenger cabin comfort at the static display”, – noted Vladimir Prisyazhnyuk, SCAC’s President upon completion of the flight.
Israel Procures New Trainer Aircraft
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Countries, Elbit Systems, Events, Israel, commercial aviation, logistics, training
The Israeli Air Force has procured Beechcraft T-6 trainers. These will replace the old Fouga Magistar aircraft used for the last several decades to start the training of Israeli pilots. The Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems was awarded a contract to provide for the support of these new aircraft.
These two events mirror a trend in the U.S. and England where the trainers used are turbo-prop rather then jets. The use of Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for training fleets has also gained ground in these two countries. This is because you have a fixed fleet in a non-combat location. There are many benefits to CLS in the areas of cost and reduction in the support tail. Israel has used Elbit for support of training systems for the last seven years. Elbit hopes like all defense contractors to be able to use this experience to win contracts overseas.
A400M Talks Continue
Filed under: Boeing, Business Line, Companies, Congress, Contract Awards, Countries, EADS, England, Events, Military Aviation, Restructuring, Spain, Turkey, commercial aviation, development program, logistics
With the Paris Airshow coming up there is a great deal of pressure on EADS to be able to announce some good news at the premier showcase for their products. The company is looking at some severe issues on the military side with their major program the A400M facing push back from its customers.
This medium transport program is at a critical juncture as the nations looking to buy it have the right to end their deals and demand several million dollars worth of payments back from the company. England has been the most negative on the project as their budget problems overall are forcing an entire re-look at military procurement. Some of the other smaller countries such as Spain and Turkey have been more positive.
Now it is reported that talks between EADS and its customers have been extended once again to try and work something out. The hope is that more defense work will be able to balance off the decline in the civil aviation market driven by the world’s recession. Unfortunately like Boeing is facing EADS may have to deal with some major cuts to plans for U.S. defense spending. The FY 2011 budget may continue the large cuts to defense programs that Obama’s first one did.
U.S. Company Receives FAA Certification For Russian Tanker Aircraft
Filed under: Business Line, Events, Florida, Military Aviation, Promotions, Services, States, Tactical Air Defense Services, commercial aviation, logistics, training
Tactical Air Defense Services announced that the FAA certified their Illyushin IL-78 “Midas” tanker aircraft for use in the United States. The IL-72 and IL-76 transports and the IL-78 tanker variant have served the Soviet and Russian military for years successfully.
Due to the world’s shortage of heavy lift transport aircraft various Russian companies have made a living out of leasing their Antanov and Illyushin aircraft to support non-American Western military in their deployments and operations. This includes moving troops and supplies to Iraq and Afghanistan. For modern ground operations this kind of support is critical and there are only so many C-17 and C-5 aircraft to go around.
It only make sense that this would spread to use in the United States. The company intends to use the aircraft to support training operations as well as firefighting. There are certainly opportunities for both missions as the U.S. Air Force tanker fleet is also stretched as it waits for the KC-X contract to get going again.
Photo from jamesdale10 Flickr stream.
Viper Aircraft Corporation Focuses on Fuel Efficient Personal Aircraft Travel in New Viperjet LXR – Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, Press Releases, Viper Aircraft, Washington, commercial aviation, production program
Viper Aircraft Corporation Focuses on Fuel Efficient Personal Aircraft Travel in New Viperjet LXR
Pasco, Wash — Viper Aircraft Corporation announced today the release of its latest addition to the Viperjet family of aircarft — the Viperjet LXR. Through minor tooling enhancements to its popular Viperjet MKII Executive fuselage, Viper Aircraft designers were able to accommodate the certified Pratt & Whitney JT15D-1A 2200 lbs static thrust turbofan engine.
“Without sacrificing performance, we have achieved our company goal of offering customers a Viperjet with increased range while being able to decrease emissions and lower fuel consumption,” says company president, Scott Hancehtte. “By moving to the JT15D-1A, cruise fuel burns are half and idle fuel burns are one-third that of the previously used GE J85/CJ610 engine. We feel that the Viperjet LXT really is the smart choice for pilots and owners seeking a fast, fuel efficient personal aircraft with reasonable acquisition and operational costs.”
In addition to power plant changes, weight reduction strategies have been implemented in the Viperjet LXR maintaining th overall performance level expectations found in all Viperjet aircraft. At gross weight, the projected rate of climb for the LXR is over 5000 fpm with 1000 nautical miles of range (45 minutes reserve) at 400+ knots.
While the Viperjet LXR continues the signature look and style of the Viperjet MKII Executive, the bolstered LXR fuselage brings more room into the cockpit for travel comfort and luggage space.
Company executives also report that supply chain efficiencies and manufacturing enhancements allow parts production to begin within 30 days or less of an LXR order being placed.
To learn more about the Viperjet LXR, contact Dan Hanchette at 509.543.3570 or dan@viper-aircraft.com.
The Viperjet LXR is a two place, tandem seat, full aerobatic, composite personal jet aircraft designed and manufactured by Viper Aircraft Corporation in Pasco, Washington.
Boeing’s Revenue Suffers But Not Due To Defense
Filed under: Boeing, Business Line, Companies, Department of Defense, EADS, Earnings, Events, MDA, Military Aviation, Services, U.S. Air Force, commercial aviation, development program, missile defense, production program
Update — When I wrote this originally I misspoke. Lockheed did eke out a slight gain from last year. Part of this was due to a share buyback that reduced the number of shares in circulation.
Boeing reported out their first quarter earnings today and revenue was down about fifty percent. This was mainly due to the reduction in demand for their passenger airplanes. As we discussed earlier there is concern that the proposed changes to the U.S. defense budget by the Obama Administration may negatively affect performance of the company’s defense sector in the future.
Interestingly they are the second of the four major defense contractors to report and like Lockheed Martin did see reduced earnings and revenue. The Seattle Times writes that the customers for airliners are deferring deliveries. The Boeing 777 saw a major drop in the number being constructed while the 787 ramps up to begin deliveries. The airline industry has taken a major beating as the world’s economy declines and this has had a negative effect on Boeing and EADS commercial product lines.
Boeing is hoping that Congress will temper the cuts to their programs included in the FY10 budget. Like in the past when it has continued C-17 production beyond what the Defense Department requested their is a possibility that the F-22, Airborne Laser and the missile defense cuts may not stand. This will probably be one of the ugliest parts of the defense appropriation process.
Boeing has had to reduce their estimate for the full year due to the recent decline in revenue. The company obviously is planning for a down year which is not surprising with the current world economic situation.
Brazil to Develop Modern Transport Aircraft
Filed under: Brazil, Business Line, Contract Awards, Countries, Embraer, Events, Military Aviation, commercial aviation, development program, logistics, production program
Brazil and Embraer announced that they plan to develop a modern, twin engined transport aircraft. This is a major step forward in the development of the Brazilian indigenous arms industry and if successful will give the nation and country an aircraft quite capable of being marketed overseas. The KC-390 will be derived from an exiting Embraer passenger aircraft but will require significant development work. The plan is to do this over seven years and spend about $1.3 billion according to Reuters. The KC-390 will compete head-to-head with C-130 class aircraft and also be required to have tanker capability. This announcement comes on top of recent activity by Brazil to buy a new fighter and helicopter for their military. If the program is successful and can be done on cost and schedule then it will vault Brazil forward in the realms of world military providers.
Good and Bad News for Boeing in Gates’ Proposals
Filed under: Boeing, Business Line, Companies, Congress, Department of Defense, Events, Federal Budget Process, Industry Analysis, Military Aviation, Proposal, Restructuring, Services, commercial aviation, development program, logistics, missile defense, production program
Today Secretary Gates announced the broad themes of Obama’s next year’s defense budget. Several major Boeing programs were cut. The KC-X tanker though keeps going so there is still hope that the company will win that contract. The Seattle Times has a writeup here of the challenges the company faces. Unfortunately for the company the F-22 and C-17 programs will finish after completing whatever aircraft are on order. The Airbone Laser will remain as an R&D program and the second aircraft won’t be built. The CSAR-X helicopter program will be canceled as well. Boeing won this originally but the award was overturned on protest and a new competition was being held. Boeing will also significant cuts to the Ground Based Mid-course ballistic missile defense system which it was the System Integrator on. The Army’s Future Combat System (FCS) will also be restructured with all ground vehicles cut out of it. Boeing was the leader on this program as well. Overall the proposed budget contains some major hits to the company. There is no guarantee that the budget will make its way through Congress with all these proposals in it, but if some stand then the company will see a loss of business. These could be made up from other contracts or new work as the DoD remakes itself.
Raytheon Get Civil Air Traffic Control Contract
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Events, Raytheon, Services, commercial aviation, development program
The Department of Transportation awarded Raytheon a contract to develop a system to track airline flights in flight. The AP reports that the goal of this system is to better utilize available air space as more and more aircraft fly commercially. No value for the contract was given. Raytheon has been making air traffic control radars for military and civil applications for years and this work seems to be an extension of that. The U.S. government has been investing over the last several years in new systems for installation at airfields for air traffic control. One of the goals of this new contract is to integrate a variety of existing surveillance and tracking systems. The amount of aircraft flying in the U.S. air space has grown considerably over the last few decades and some busier airports have issues with fitting in all of the planned flights.
Textron to Sell Unit to Raise Cash
Filed under: Acquisitions, Business Line, Events, Federal Budget Process, Military Aviation, Woodward Governor, commercial aviation, production program
Textron Incorporated has been struggling of late due to downturns in the business jet market and the cancellation of the RH-70 Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) contract that its component, Bell, was developing. Earlier this month Forbes reported that the company was looking at possibly selling portions of itself to keep cash flow going. At that time the discussion was about its finance business, but now CNNMoney.com writes that Textron agreed to sell its aircraft control and fuel management development and manufacturing group, HR Textron. This group will be purchased by Woodward Governor for about $365 million. This is to help that company expand its business in the airframes systems market. As there continue to be changes in the defense budget there will be more fallout among the defense industry. The Nineties saw significant mergers and contractions and that is certainly possible in the future as the U.S. military purchases less-and-less big ticket systems.
Joint Cargo Aircraft Loses Boeing
Filed under: Boeing, Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Countries, Events, Finemeccanica, Italy, L-3, Military Aviation, Restructuring, Services, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, commercial aviation, production program
The U.S. Army and Air Force plan to purchase about seventy-eight Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA). This is a light transport to supplement the C-130 primarily used for short haul missions in theater. The C-27J was selected to be the aircraft for the mission. This is a jet built by Finmeccanica in a joint venture with L-3 Communications. The team had been in discussions with Boeing to build an assembly plant for the originally European aircraft in the U.S. Now Bloomberg is reporting that Boeing is dropping out of the program due to the current world economic downturn. The plan is still to build a plant and assemble the aircraft in the U.S. but a new partner will have to be found or L-3 will have to spearhead the work. The JCA has had its issues mainly due to the Army and Air Force having different priorities for the aircraft but it had settled down with Low Rate Initial Production starting.
U.S. Army Buys Kiowa Warrior CLS
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Countries, England, Events, Military Aviation, Rolls-Royce, Services, U.S. Army, commercial aviation, logistics, production program
The U.S. Army awarded Rolls-Royce a contract to provide Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) to its OH-58D Kiowa Warrior scout helicopter fleet. The aircraft uses two Rolls-Royce Model 250 engines and the contract will provide support for these systems. Businesswire.com has the press release stating that the contract is worth over $30 million. The OH-58D was supposed to be replaced by the recently terminated Bell ARH-70. These helicopters will continue to fly in combat now for several more years then the Army originally planned. The ARH program is back to the drawing board with no promise right now that it will continue.
VH-71 Suffers Cost Breach and Connecticut is Lobbying
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Congress, Connecticut, Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Events, Federal Budget Process, Lockheed Martin, Military Aviation, Proposal, Restructuring, Services, Sikorsky, States, U.S. Navy, UTC, commercial aviation, development program, production program
The Connecticut Post reports that the VH-71 new Presidential helicopter program suffered a “Nunn-McCurdy” cost breach. There are two levels of this breach and the higher one, a 25% increase, requires the Secretary of Defense to certify the program is still required for the U.S. national defense. The fine Senators and Congressmen from Connecticut have pricked up their ears at this development and want to meet with DoD to discuss canceling the program and giving it to Sikorsky. The contract with Lockheed Martin has seen considerable cost growth due to requirements creep since the contract was awarded. This has required wholesale changes to the EH-101 platform selected. Hence the great increase in cost and schedule for the program. Of course the DoD will have to weigh the savings if another vendor proposes something cheaper with the time required to restart the program. With a new administration it is conceivable that the contract could be canceled and started over, like ARH, but it probably won’t happen.
French Senators Discuss A400M Termination
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Countries, EADS, Events, France, Military Aviation, commercial aviation, development program, logistics, production program
We have written in the past about the struggles EADS has had with the A400M program. Now CNNMoney.com reports that the French Senate has released a report about the program. The report continues the negative drumbeat about the delays to the delivery schedule, but continues support for the program. One Senator involved though said it might be cheaper to end the program and start afresh. The initial contract does allow the French government, as well as those others buying the aircraft, to end their support for the program and actually have EADS pay back any investment into it. This would amount to a loss of this over two-and-a-half billion Euros to EADS. If the program fails the plan would be to buy C-17 and C-130 aircraft from America which would be somewhat humiliating for the European Union.
Congressman Murtha Makes Inefficient Recommendation for KC-X
Filed under: Alabama, Boeing, Business Line, Companies, Congress, Contract Awards, Department of Defense, EADS, Events, Federal Budget Process, GAO, Military Aviation, Northrop Grumman Corp., Protest, Restructuring, Services, Suspensions, U.S. Air Force, Washington, commercial aviation, development program, logistics, production program
Congressman Murtha, the powerful Democratic head of the House Appropriations Subcommittee for defense, was visiting Mobile, AL and made a rather stupid recommendation for the KC-X program. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that he said the Air Force should split the work between Boeing and the EADS-Northrop Grumman team. Unless the military is going to buy large numbers of a system — and 150 odd tankers does not count — the costs associated with having two training, support and parts systems are unjustifiable. The aircraft would also end up more expensive as there is less economy of scale available with small lot buys. Murtha is just trying to split the knot but the suggestion is not practical.
KC-X Competition to Restart Soon
Filed under: Boeing, Business Line, Congress, Contract Awards, Department of Defense, EADS, Events, Federal Budget Process, GAO, Military Aviation, Northrop Grumman Corp., Proposal, Protest, U.S. Air Force, commercial aviation, development program, logistics, production program
Secretary of Defense Gates testified today to Congress as he continues his role with the new Obama administration. Reuters reports that Gates said the KC-X tanker competition would restart this spring with an expected award date in the first or second quarter of Fiscal Year 2010. If you remember the original contract was awarded to a team of Northrop Grumman and EADS but Boeing protested and the GAO upheld it. The original plan to conduct a recompete in late 2008 was postponed with a decision to wait for a new administration. One key change is that DoD will handle the proposal and source selection instead of the U.S. Air Force.
Interesting Column at The Space Review on Protests in Space Contracting
Filed under: Business Line, Contract Awards, Events, Military Aviation, NASA, Protest, commercial aviation, space
Taylor Dinerman has written an interesting column on the recent protest of the commercial cargo contracts given to SpaceX and Orbital by PlanetSpace. He is comparing it to the almost routine practice in the Defense industry of protesting large contracts you don’t win. Actually some small ones are as well. In Defense there has been a growth over the last ten years in protests as the number of companies and contracts have shrunk. NASA has avoided this mainly, in my opinion, of the few “commercial” contracts they award and that there has been enough work to go around in the past.
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