MEDIAS
INSIDER - INSIDER
Off the record - June 6, 2008
Indian investor for Socata
Socata recently indicated its intention to launch a new business aircraft project by the end of the year, provided that it can reach agreement with partners for the future twin-engine programme. Daher is seen as a likely industrial partner due to its aerostructures know-how, but an Indian businessman, Vijay Mallya, is also showing strong interest in the EADS subsidiary. The Indian billionaire, who heads United Breweries Group and is chairman and CEO of Kingfisher Airlines (a major Airbus customer), has already put money into Epic Aircraft. Now he is in discussions with management of the Tarbes-based company regarding an investment in the $200 million range.
Bombardier mulling new Challenger
With the ink barely dry on the first orders for the recently launched Learjet 85, Bombardier is already considering further additions to its product lineup. It looks like the Canadian firm could also join the tussle in the midsize segment with a successor to the Challenger 300. The new-generation Challenger would take on the Cessna Citation Columbus and the future Dassault Falcon SMS.
Off the record - May 30, 2008
EADS North America to proclaim independence?
Off the record - May 30, 2008
EADS North America to proclaim independence?
Flush with a string of recent successes – KC-45 tanker (Airbus), UH-72 Lakota (Eurocopter), and the US Coast Guard HC-235A (EADS Casa) – the US subsidiary of EADS is apparently harbouring ambitions to secede from the parent group. The US unit wants to consolidate all the European group's US operations within a single corporate entity under US law. Though the idea offers the advantage of raising the group's profile in the eyes of the Pentagon, it suffers from the major disadvantage of requiring the creation of a proxy board and a firewall between it and the parent company. The latter would receive financial reports but would have no influence over corporate strategy.
Scalp still eyeing US market
The Pentagon's decision to relaunch the Jassm cruise missile programme does not necessarily signify the end of the road for international suppliers who had been hoping to supply a replacement weapon. One of the candidates was MBDA, which offered the Scalp EG/Storm Shadow and the Taurus. In the first place, Paris sources indicate that Lockheed Martin does not yet have a full green light to relaunch the Jassm production line. Also, in view of the fact that the Jassm does not offer the same performance as the European systems, there could in any case still be scope for a limited acquisition in order to meet specific mission requirements.
Off the record - May 15, 2008
Tiger to the rescue
Off the record - May 15, 2008
Tiger to the rescue
The idea of using combat helicopters for rapid recovery of a downed helicopter crew on the battlefield is not new, but operational feedback from Iraq and Afghanistan have updated the concept considerably. French officials were particularly impressed with the use of UK Apaches in Afghanistan in this role. So much so that, just a few months ahead of the operational debut of the Franco-German Tiger HAP, engineers are looking to adapt the European combat helicopter for this type of mission. Two solutions are being explored: a harness mounted on the stub wings, or an adaptation of the munitions bays.
Euro-reentry revival?
European atmospheric reentry projects have fallen on hard times. ESA had been pursuing a programme based on the Express demonstrator, launched by a Russian Volna rocket and an IXV vehicle (the latter building on work performed by France's Cnes space agency under the Pré-X programme). However, work has ground to a halt due to funding problems. All hopes are now pinned on a flight demonstration of the ARD-2 capsule, which could get a green light at the upcoming ESA ministerial meeting in November.
Off the record - May 9, 2008
Off the record - May 9, 2008
GMES by any other name...
The European Commission is looking for a more catchy name for its future Global Monitoring for Environment & Security (GMES) system, a satellite-based network providing environmental data to support decision-making by institutional agencies and private bodies. In 2006 a competition was organised among the secondary education establishments of the 27 EU member states, but the winning name was not revealed at that time. It appears that the name will finally be announced at the end of this year and the betting is on " Copernicus ". The name of the Polish polymath would sit nicely alongside the Galileo satellite navigation system.
Meteor – How much?
There appears to be some rather unseemly wrangling going on over the price of Europe's future Meteor air-to-air missile. Britain is starting to get nervous over the bill it may face for the ramjet-powered beyond-visual-range weapon. As the only partner to have committed to series production of Meteor, the UK is concerned that the bill could rise substantially if one or more of the programme partners were to decide not to place their signatures on the production contract. London is indirectly accusing Rome of having been put off by the supposedly astronomical cost of integrating the missile onto the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Off the record - April 18, 2008
Which engine for future Russian fighter?
Off the record - April 18, 2008
Which engine for future Russian fighter?
Who will supply the engine for Russia's Sukhoi PAK-FA "fifth-generation" combat aircraft — NPO Saturn or Salyut? According to Russian air force officials attending the Dvigateli 2008 exhibit, a decision will be taken in mid-2009. The all-new engine will have to be available by 2015. In the meantime, the PAK-FA demonstrator will be equipped with AL-41F (117S) engines, as currently used on the Su-33/35.
Onboard application for fuel cell
Though fuel cells are still a long way from offering a power to weight ratio that can compare favourably with other electrical generators, their first aircraft application will probably be as a replacement for the Ram Air Turbine (RAT). Their reduced maintenance requirements would give them an advantage over the RAT, the location of which often represents an engineering dilemma and in many cases results in an overall drag penalty under in-service conditions. A test performed by Airbus in late 2007 using an A320 owned by Germany's DLR was designed to supply power to a flight control circuit, viewed as a typical scenario for the RAT in the event of a general loss of electrical power.
Off the record - April 11, 2008
High price for France to rejoin Nato
The decision by France to return to Nato's integrated command structure — if indeed the decision is eventually taken, as some observers think it will be — will come at a cost. Several hundred officers and staff will have to be delegated to represent France on the various Nato bodies. The impact on the French budget will not be insignificant; specialists have already estimated that it will cost the equivalent of two Rafale combat aircraft per year.
Europe's space ambitions
Will Europe be a major player or a minor contributor in future US-led Moon and Mars missions, currently in the preparation phase? This is the question addressed by a document (understood to be of Italian origin) currently doing the rounds in the European space community. It suggests that the upcoming European Council meeting in November should launch four studies covering: strategy, an ATV capable of returning to Earth, a manned ATV, and a version of Ariane qualified for manned spaceflight. The results of the studies could provide the basis for programme proposals for 2011. The idea seems sound, but unfortunately it only provides for around e3 million per year in financing.
Off the record - April 4, 2008
Airbus vs the regional jets
The major technology choices for the next-generation narrowbody that will eventually replace the A320 family have been more or less decided (carbon fibre aerostructures, new-generation engines. Meanwhile, Airbus continues to focus on the thorny problem of seating capacity for the future aircraft family. Like Boeing, engineers in Toulous are also looking into the possibility of stretching the lower end of the capacity range down to 80 seats. If confirmed, this could mean tough times ahead for Bombardier and Embraer.
Second Chinese lunar probe
It is widely known in space circles that China built a backup lunar probe in the event the Chang'e-1 were to have been lost in a launch failure. Encouraged by the success of the first probe, officials at the Lunar Studies Centre within the China National Space Administration (CNSA) are now proposing to launch Chang'e-2 in 2009, provided that the government is willing to provide the finnancing required to buy an LM-3A launcher. If the mission were to go ahead, it would fill the gap between Chang'e-1 and the lunar landing mission (with a Rover) currently scheduled for 2013.
Off the record - March 28, 2008
EADS Astrium to pick up SSTL
Off the record - March 28, 2008
EADS Astrium to pick up SSTL
The highest offer for the 80% of Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) currently held by the University of Surrey was apparently submitted by EADS Astrium. It seems that the European giant accepted that a high bid was the price to pay to expand its UK footprint and extend its product offering into the micro- and mini-satellite segment of the market. EADS had to outbid rivals Thales Alenia Space and OHB-System, with which SSTL is presently preparing the operational phase of the Galileo programme. Rumour has it that interest was also shown by MDA, which is cooperating with SSTL on the constellation of five Rapideye observation micro-satellites.
Bell to set up shop in Europe?
Bell Helicopter is lookin to reinforce its presence on the European market. The company is mulling the creation of a major sales and services centre in Europe, which could also include a pilot training unit. Also under consideration are plans to perform final assembly of some of its commercial helicopters. Speculation is rife that Germany is in pole position among the candidate countries, in view of the company's ongoing efforts to purchase a large maintenance centre there.
Off the record - March 21, 2008
Turkish partner for AW149?
The decision by the Turkish government in December to restructure a competition to acquire 32 utility helicopters for the Army, plus 20 for civil applications, raises questions about AgustaWestland's projects. Prior to the restructuring announcement, Sikorsky had been widely tipped as the favourite. It appears that the European firm, which is currently seeking partners for its future AW149 military helicopter, came up with an eleventh-hour codevelopment proposal for Turkish industry, which would extend the cooperation currently under way on the A129 attack helicopter, selected by Ankara in 2007.
All change in Russian aircraft industry
Russian aircraft programmes have been plunged into turbulence. Irkut has decided to focus on the MS-21 single-aisle project with Sukhoi. The company is rumoured to have decided to drop its participation in the future Russian-Indian MTA military transport project in order to bring all its ressources to bear on the civil programme. Meanwhile, the other MS-21 partner, Ilyushin, is thought to be on the verge of dropping out of the civil programme, but continuing alongside India's HAL on the MTA programme.
Off the record - March 14, 2008
Skyteam eyes Latin American expansion
Watch for Brazilian airline Varig to join the Skyteam alliance. Having failed in its attempt to sign up Brazil's other major carrier, TAM, the Skyteam group, created by Air France and Delta Airlines, has reportedly turned its attention to Varig, which recently resumed international service. The deal could be a crucial one for Skyteam, allowing it to expand its sphere of influence to Latin America. Varig is now operating under the ownership of Brazilian budget carrier Gol.
Marine One budget boost on the way?
An analysis of the specifications for the Lockheed Martin VH-71 US presidential helicopter programme (based on the AgustaWestland AW101) led to the conclusion that development could not be completed within the existing budget and schedule. Accordingly, the US Navy suspended development work in December for 90 days. At the time speculation was rife that the programme would be switched to Sikorsky. However, with a US Navy announcement expected soon, rumours in Italy now indicate that the Marine One budget could be extended from $6.1 billion to $11.2 billion – comprising two phases of $3.7 billion and $7.5 billion – to cover the cost of additional specifications.
Off the record - March 14, 2008
Skyteam eyes Latin American expansion
Watch for Brazilian airline Varig to join the Skyteam alliance. Having failed in its attempt to sign up Brazil's other major carrier, TAM, the Skyteam group, created by Air France and Delta Airlines, has reportedly turned its attention to Varig, which recently resumed international service. The deal could be a crucial one for Skyteam, allowing it to expand its sphere of influence to Latin America. Varig is now operating under the ownership of Brazilian budget carrier Gol.
Marine One budget boost on the way?
An analysis of the specifications for the Lockheed Martin VH-71 US presidential helicopter programme (based on the AgustaWestland AW101) led to the conclusion that development could not be completed within the existing budget and schedule. Accordingly, the US Navy suspended development work in December for 90 days. At the time speculation was rife that the programme would be switched to Sikorsky. However, with a US Navy announcement expected soon, rumours in Italy now indicate that the Marine One budget could be extended from $6.1 billion to $11.2 billion – comprising two phases of $3.7 billion and $7.5 billion – to cover the cost of additional specifications.
Off the record – March 7, 2008
Open rotor's false hopes?
Questions are being raised in some quarters of the aviation community about the merits of the open rotor engine configuration. Does the concept really offer a solution for the future or will it remain stalled on the drawing board? Though most engine-makers are looking into the concept, Pratt & Whitney remains skeptical. The US firm claims that the promised performance of the unshrouded fan will be cut in half once the engine is installed under the aircraft wing, due to the weight, drag and size of the engine.
China cheating on chopper deal
Despite the commercial success of the Euro-Chinese EC175 programme, a cloud is drifting over the hitherto idyllic relationship between partners Eurocopter and Avic 2. It has been brought to the attention of the European firm that the Chinese are offering the Z11 and Z9 helicopters (Chinese versions of the French Ecureuil and Dauphin) on the export market, particularly to Argentina. The problem is that the licence production agreement for these helicopters covered a limited number of machines and did not include machines intended for the export market.
Off the record – February 22, 2008
Farnborough launch for Bombardier CSeries?
Canada's Bombardier will officially launch its new CSeries family of 110/130-seat regional jets at the Farnborough Air Show (14-20 July). The move follows final agreement with Pratt & Whitney, whose geared turbofan (GTF) has been selected to power the aircraft, regarding Pratt's technical and commercial participation in the programme.
Tiger cutbacks looming
Though France's defence white paper has yet to be published, some high-ranking military officials are already privately bracing for a reduced rate of delivery of Tiger combat helicopters. Additionally, they are worried that the number of helicopters could be scaled back from the current target of 120. By way of comparison, some observers point to the UK's more modest fleet of 67 Apaches. The French Army retorts that the UK forces plan to beef up their fleet of EH101s. This is something of a sore point in view of the schedule for French NH90s.
Off the record – February 15, 2008
Airbus-Finmeccanica deadlock
Negotiations between Airbus and Finmeccanica over the Italian group's participation in the A350 programme are turning nasty. Finmeccanica, which hopes to secure a 5% share of the aerostructures development work through its Alenia Aeronautica unit, is threatening to walk away from the programme. The disagreement stems from the fact that the workload being offered by Airbus is not in line with Italian ambitions in large composite structures, now that Airbus is committed to helping the buyers of its French and German factories to make the transition to composite production. The Italian firm claims that in any case it already has sufficient work with the Boeing 787.
A380 syndrome hits A350 XWB
There is growing concern in the Toulouse design bureaux about certain options being taken regarding equipment for the future A350 XWB. This is particularly true of the possibility of dividing the aircraft's cable and wiring into several packages, rather than selecting a single prime contractor. This same approach was at least partly responsible for the wiring problems that dogged the A380, eventually pushing the programme two years behind schedule.
Off the record – February 8, 2008
Thales expands its product offering
Following its inertial reference breakthrough, with its first-ever commercial transport selection on the Airbus A350, Thales now aims to break into another US avionics stronghold: weather radars. According to company sources, upstream studies are already under way to ensure that Thales is ready to compete on the next-generation narrowbody that will follow the A320 and Boeing 737. The move follows the recognition of the fact that the absence of a weather radar in the company's product offering, which already includes collision alert (Acas) and terrain warning (Taws) systems, constitutes a handicap at a time when the airframers are asking for fully integrated alert functions.
Light ahead for the TP400
Expect some good news regarding the A400M's TP400 engine in the near future. Upcoming positive developments should include the signature of paperwork clearing the way for the first engine to fly on its test bench in early March and the delivery of the first four flight-ready engines to the assembly line in Seville. It remains to be seen whether the C-130 test bench will be ready in time to fly a sufficient number of hours to meet the A400M maiden flight deadline in July.
Off the record - January 25, 2008
End of the line for the A340
Production of the various versions of the Airbus A340 family will be shut down at the end of 2009. The decision is hardly surprising, given that, as of 31 December 2007, the backlog of aircraft to be delivered had shrunk to 41 units, comprising 26 A340-600s, 12 A340-500s and three A340-300s — the equivalent of two years' production. Airbus CEO Tom Enders inadvertently gave the game away when he indicated that Airbus production rates for 2010 would be based on a monthly rate of 40 A320s, 10 A330s and four A380s.
Super Etendards heading for Afghanistan?
French Navy pilots will not be sitting idle until the "Charles-de-Gaulle" carrier completes the major overhaul currently in progress. Plans are being made to send four Super Etandards (SEMs) to Brazil in late March or early April to perform approach or landing manoeuvres using the former French carrier "Foch", now rebaptised "Sao-Paulo". Then, at the end of July, six Rafales and a Hawkeye will embark on the USS "Theodore-Roosevelt". The real surprise, though, could come from the Armed Forces General Staff, which will soon receive a report recommending the deployment this summer of three SEMs to Kandahar, Afghanistan to replace the Mirage 2000Ds currently stationed there — an idea that was earlier believed to have been dropped.
Off the record – Januray 17, 2008
A bit short for the freight
With its two decks and vast floor area, the Airbus A380 offers the airlines a wide variety of potential cabin configurations in comparison with other widebody transports. However, it does not hold the same advantage in cargo capacity. According to Emirates, an A380 with a full passenger load flying from Dubai to Sydney can only carry 8-10t of cargo. That's around half as much as a Boeing 777-300ER.
Anti-missile
Astrium is seeking funding from the DGA procurement branch of the French Ministry of Defence to finance a missile defence demonstrator with a view to performing an exoatmospheric interception in 2012. Astrium underlines that the interceptor is the only technological building block that France does not currently possess for the construction of a national missile defence shield. The company argues that, even if the demonstration did not pave the way for a French Star Wars missile defence programme, it would provide invaluable input for future cooperation choices at a time when the USA is seeeking to extend its missile defence shield to Europe.
Off the record: January 11th, 2008
Off the record: January 11th, 2008
French Air Force Rafales headed for Afghanistan
It is now certain that three French Air Force Rafale F2s from EC-1/7 squadron based at Saint Dizier will be deployed to Afghanistan in early February. They will be based at Kandahar, where they will replace the three Mirage F1CRs currently operating alongside Mirage 2000Ds. The deployment comes slightly ahead of the original French AF schedule, which was set for the spring. Another change concerns the weapon load – it seems that the Rafales will not now be equipped with the new modular AASM ground attack weapon.
Surveillance upgrade for Kourou
France is quietly preparing to utilise a new-generation GM 400 radar from Franco-US joint venture ThalesRaytheonSystems at the Kourou spaceport in Guyana. The radar, which offers unique detection capabilities for targets at high, low and very low altitude, will ensure comprehensive surveillance of airspace around the launch site. The surveillance zone will extend practically to the border with Venezuela, which operates Su-30 combat aircraft. The operational deployment comes ahead of initial deliveries to an unidentified customer in Asia.
Off the record: December 22nd, 2007
Off the record: December 22nd, 2007
Attempts by EADS and Airbus to paint ongoing cost-cutting moves primarily as a reaction to the low US dollar are getting an increasingly sceptical reception in some quarters, and not just from the unions in Toulouse. It has been widely noted, for example, that one-third to one-half of the content of current Airbus models is already produced in the US, partly neutralising the exchange rate effect. Observers note that, as yet another record-breaking year for Airbus orders draws to a close with order books bulging at the seams, the US dollar makes a convenient villain in the quest to press ahead with politically sensitive restructuring.