ARABIAN DREAMS "NIMBLE VOYAGER © GAGARIN HONOUR YOUR GUIDE TO a cs FINDING A JOB IN wi ope ‘Sukhoi Sup THE MIDDLE EAST ture Stra named after tigheohacom INTERNATIONAL £3.10 sas o Hrra01shs Flight falFounding Partner: S7-ANOGS World Air Forum WAF 2011 27th - 28th October - Amsterdam www.waf2011.com Book your place at the World Air Forum to better understand the strategy of your partners, competitors and suppliers. Cereals ie Me MC MAMI) +) Ve etit sl mClaLe| network with the great and good of the industry. Bill Franke, Managing Partner, Indigo Partners Montie Brewer, former CEO and President, Air Canada Dr. Peter van Laarhoven, Director Strategy & Airport Development, Schiphol Group Conor McCarthy, Executive Chairman, Dublin Aerospace John Byerly, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Affairs, US Department of State Tan Lye Teck, Executive Vice President, Corporate, Changi Airport Group James R Billing, Managing Director - Boeing Commercial Airplanes Business Development/Market Analysis, Boeing Alex Cruz, CEO, Vueling i Andrew McMillan, Strategy Director, Heathrow Airport Christoph Mueller, CEO, Aer Lingus Ea ee oO oR eu cy ey eRe Rea Re Relea Teer LY aU Ean eR Oe ad ONO My Causeaear ene ON) UT) ‘Good opportunity to understand leadership's concerns in this challa Caleta cee Ge Sponsorship details If you are interested in sponsoring WAF please contact: Edward MacNaughton on +44 20 8652 3829, or edward.macnaughton@fiightglobal.com -_ Visit www.waf2011.com for full details2 Fightglobal FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL VOLUME 179 NUMER S288 PIC OF THE WEEK ‘YOUR PHOTOGRAPH HERE ‘A Manila Spirit Boeing MD-83 departing ‘rom Taiwan for Clarkin the Philippines was photographed by commercial aviation. Open a gallery in fightgloval.com’s Airspace community for a chance to feature here. ‘COVER IMAGE. ‘This Dassautt Aviation shot ‘was taken inside a Falcon 7X business jet. The type’s new enhanced vision ‘system and head-up display ‘wore reviewed for Fight International by our test pilot Peter Colin. For full story see P30 NEWS THIS WEEK 6 US Amy looks at gunfire indicator pod for Apache 7) EADS: Boeing “dumbed down” KO767 tanker. ‘Second Everett Dreamliner factory set to open {8 Qatarlooks to spread its wings with Stake in ral ozy contol tigger ATC scrutiny NEWS FOCUS 9 Brazs aims sector blooms: companies jostle fr postion and partnerships AIR TRANSPORT +10 Twilgnt departure captain charged. Double arprox flowed casual control handover 121. Rudder fx caused inflight ATR upset. \oleanic activity sought for Easyset detector tial 112. USA seems set for mobile surender, Cuts to force closure of UK historic Fiton airfield 118 Fist Superjet set for aunch service. |A320's CFMBG evohes ater Performance tweak flightgfobal.com /imageoftheweok a be aarease DEFENCE RAF looks for versatility rom A330. SSukhot clings to FX2 fghter hope Australia buys ts ith Boeing C47 ‘SHOW REPORT US Army searches for better scout New problem hits Lockheed candidate for JAGM Senice aims fornew class of high speed rotoreratt BUSINESS AVIATION Angst at Olympics air rules Rockwell Colin shows off ts allnew lowcost dsplay BUSINESS Funding @ Wester front: Russian Helicopters bids for global presence REGULARS Comment ‘Straight & Level Letters Classified Jobs ‘Working Week JOB OF THE WEEK Aerospace Business Development Manager, KBR "26 APRIL-2 MAY 2034 ‘Suktol hands over fist Superjet 100 to Armavia P13 The UK’ first modified A330 based future tanker has entered testing at Boscombe Down P14 COVER STORY 22 AVIONICS Proven routes We investigate how extensively required navigation performance procedures are likely to be deployed by artines now that their efficacy has been demonstrated repeatedly at exotic locations woridvide “and spend time with US Always to find ut how that carers preparing its pilots tory the procedures, Our test pilot Peter Colins conducts an evaluation ofthe Dassault Falcon 7X business jet's third generation enhanced vision system and headup display, to find out they can really turn night into day ——fp.— iar oo How are carers’ business models and safety records evolving? We investigate Pe MU MVOC IMM Llm eC mCe ai Pelee Re flghteobal.com 26 Apfil-2 May 2011 | Flight international 3CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE BEHIND THE Companies listed he , HEADLINES fact 413 Edtor Murdo Monson raved eI 35 to utaptred tn), Ao toe T2182 Dhabiend Qatarforthe fourth omic 1 ection of our Miele East tae al Carers Gi, fee wits ds 74 lesue.“Theregjonis in fu fae 31 speedreerutmentmate,he tan ser. 7 sas. nashville for QuadA fee 12 (Pe) Stephen Tb got re tere 1 inthe atS-72X,coutesyot ae Teli’ EADSNodh America eM. io Son i Satie E Cc 3 te Bie ye 3 con Fi Degen 3 ace a3 Shap Se 3 pet i Sets fraser asia ime 2 Eri 3 Fontes ° Sona Ser Ss is Serra 3 i x tannin 3 tearoom ry Irae is ioclonc ats 3 tenor Fd va 2» ra x tens 18 Frat oteter seins teams a Tags? Sadhomongcoce ne PaT oa. 5 EDITORIAL eet 38 +4420:8682 3642 — 2 jghcrtenontrgeoloan se 2 aoa oti 12 gnc fins g ELassinen aDveRSING peti i sakaoeese dar Gor @ toomstaitetnaon te § Recmumwentaovernswa ‘ope eis Se209e aan ‘choo 20 reaver ever ebik feel si 3 Weamasren fotos 2 een cnrtihgonc Paria 2 Sescerre en sf Mba ube sesh gi2Fentarora apo Seen 9 Repanrs Tha) International. a42000R0 281 a Seana Tre 2. irony news hee. Hi Saczosesasone tise 30st Ver Ht hess eon 40 “etfresseosne woe 18 saestipagia.cn THE WEEK ON THE WEB flightglobal.com FightBlogger posted a vdeo shot inside a Sukhoi Superet 4100's cockpit to mark delivery of the frst areraft ofthe type (let) to Armavia. The DEW Line's Stephen Trimble blogged from Quad, “the US Aamys anrial helo-palooza’. to record a dramatic quote from Maj Gen Anthony Crutchfield on plans to field an allnew, high speed rotorraft in 2030: We're not going to waver. Our As the Croft) Flies, John Croft noted the fortutous timing of {8 US Federal Aviation Administration docurnent on wide- spread fatigue damage, which hit hs inbox a week after Southwest Boeing 737 fuselage rupture. On Ariel View, Arie Egozi reported a study by the EU-funded Bemosa Project, hich he says indicated "a definite need to improve security decision-making processes” at the continent's ar terminals. BD rast vesotonsnerension te QUESTION OF THE WEEK Last weet, we asked how you thought wingtip eolsions could be reduced. You sai They can't | Better | Atechnical | Revise =it'san compliance | solution~eg | taxiing cccupational with cameras | procedures hazard regulations, Total votes: 2,120 This week, we ask: Should sleeping air traffic controllers be sacked? -1Yes, it could cost lives -1No, te system is at faut No, encourage a blameless seltreporting culture Vote at fightglobal.com/poll HIGH FLIERS ‘The top five stories forthe week just gone: 1 Plcturs: RAF fist A390 Voyager ands in te UK 2 Video: Ar France A380 its CRI while taxing at JFK 3 Libya: RAF Typhoon hts fesh target 4 AIR 72 fight upset traced to rudder maintenance fault 5 RAF boss plots possible ISR role for A330 tankers (adj Retest esees uy tos 2 ie ators to 220 ‘countries viewing 7-1 milion pages each month DOWNLOAD THE ENGINE DIRECTORY www.flightglobal.com/ComEngDirectory 4 Flight International | 26 April-2 May 2011.COMMENT @ te Superetsucosed? Is the DoT fuyaertto te problem of loopy controler? Haveyoursayon ‘igrglobalcon/comment ‘ightglobal.com Nudging the naysayers ‘Sukhoi's first Superjet 100 delivery may be well behind schedule — but it confounds critics of the erstwhile Russian Regional Jet who doubted whether the project would even get this far hotos ofthe first serially produced Sukhoi Superet 100 ona snowy runway in Komsomolsk-on-Amur ‘woro inauspicious. And questions persist over the tech- nical performance of the regional jet. But there is no denying that first delivery albeit belated — represents ‘major milestone not justin the life ofthe programme, but for Russian aerospace ambitions more generally: ‘The Superjt 100, previously the Russian Regional Jet, heralded a sea change in the nation’s aircraft manu- facturing philosophy. Burdenod with the Russian repu- tation for producing agricultural aircraft that lacked adequate aer-market support, Sukhoi elected tor Wester pariners from an early stage, joining forces with Alenia to market the type under the SuperetIn- temational banner and leveraging the expertise of en- ‘gine manufacturer Snecma via the PowerJet consorti- ‘um. With Italian design company Pininfarina engaged to develop optional interiors fr the type, the message ‘was clear this was an aircraft goared toward markets farbeyond Russia's borders The Superjet 100 has achieved more than fierce early detractors expected Winning critical Wester endorsements has ofcourse proved problematic. An order from little-known IAi Airlines came and went; a letter of intent signed by Hlungary’s Maléy was “frozen”. And a blow was liv cred late lat year when Alitalia backed away, citing cconcems tha the aircraft first delivery of which was ‘onc due in November 2008 — had silo enter service. But with Ammavia now ready to deploy the acrat Better late than never nits Yerevan- Moscow route that objection hasat least boen removed —and the obsession with past delays can fade, They are, aftr all, endemic to new aircraft pro- ‘ggammes, as Boeing's ongoing 787 travails. Forairlines, the Superetisnow a reality, differen- tiatorforas long as other new programmes around the ‘world -Bombardiers Series airliner, China's C919, et al—remain mired in the thomy development stage. Obstacles must still be overcome, of course. Sukhoi admits a gap between actual and promised eraise fuel ‘burn, Aeroflot is said to seek sanctions on Sukhoi. And the crucial Wester breakthrough itil awaited. But with delivery ofthe first aircrat—delaysto which at least allowed it to be topically named Yuri Gagarin, justafter the 50th anniversary of the frst manned space- flight the Superot 100 has achieved more than force early detractors expected. And forall Sukhot’s ongoing headaches, the searing scrutiny to which new Airbus and Boeing aircraft are subject offers a hope: that being, thounderiog ight have its advantages. ‘See Air Transport P13 Note to DoT: you can ffcials tthe US Department of Transportation, par- ent tothe Federal Aviation Administration, moved quickly to pull controllers apparenty guilty of @ het nous act — nodding off on late-night shifts from their ‘consoles, to appeasta public seeking humans to blame. Investigations aro ongoing, but minds have been made up, judging by the number of controllers removed and the ext of senior FAA offical Hank Krakowski. ‘The DoT's raison déte iso address swiftly any issue {hat endangers the flying public. But the agency styles itself proactive rather than reactive ~ promoting safety ‘managemont systoms based on voluntary porting. With voluntary reporting, employees who make a rmisiake that isnot deliberate will generally be protected t have it both ways fiom action as longas they notify the error in a teasona- ble amount of time. The DoT says it is rolling out the practice across all sectors. It wants workers to feel pro- tected when reporting mistakes, as transgression can >be forgiven at least once forthe grater good ofall However, it now appears tha the protection does not apply when high-profile incidents require scapegoats. ‘At an event in Washington DC, the DoT" socond+in- command restated his boss's view that the acts wore “outrageous” but went further: “We are not worried about the legal niceties ofthe personnel process. Weare taking action...” Now there's an administration any em- ployee pondering a voluntary repor is sureto trust. Ml ‘See Tis Week PS 26 Apil-2 May 2011 | Flight International 5THIS WEEK Fora roundup of ur ltest one news, feature and multimedia content vt fightgotaLcom/wotw BRIEFING BOTSWANA ORDERS MORE PILATUS TRAINERS ‘ORDER Pilatus wil suppy the Botswana Defence Force with ve POT MiclItutboprop trainers by eary 2013 under a roughly S40 millon ($44.8 milion) deal. Tobe desvered with anew goundbased , traning system and spare pats, the aircraft wil replace the Afican > nation cunt siPC7s, te ast of which entered use in 1990. BRIMSTONE USE FIRES EXPORT INTEREST WEAPONS Two aled nations ae interested in acquiring MBOAS \dualmade Brimstone folloning Roye Ai Force use ofthe aitosuc Block Ill improvement will cover transmission, engines and rotors face missile in Litya, a miltary source has revealed. MBDA decines ‘tocomment about assistant chief ofthe a staff Al Vice Marshal PGRADES STEPHEN TRIMBLE NASHVILLE Baz North's claim that the ightweight weapon “is now beng sought US Army looks at by bot the US anh Freeh ETHIOPIA PICKS BLUEBIRD UAVS cmomrersuamus ...., gunfire indicator \saeto sup urtened a veils and exalt nance faites forthe equipment Sources 8a the dealincudes 2 pod for Apache tetsionoftefuel oa povered Boomerang end hemi Spt. ‘THAI REVEALS A380 SEATING LAYOUT Move will give AH-64 high-esolution sensors providing ‘CONFIGURATION Thai Arvays interetional isto configure ts spherical coverage around the aircraft for the first time ‘Abus 380s wih 507 seats in tae classes. Tho arin syst wil ‘12 fstclass, €Obusinessclass and 435 economyiass seats to third round of upgrades for | ‘The addition of the pod means the double deck srr. Thai has ordered sx A380s andhas sai it the Boeing AH-G4D Apache | that the AH-64 will have high expects take delivery of themby 2014 Block I attack helicopter may | resolution sensors providing includea decision-making ad for | spherical coverage around the ‘QANTAS CHIEF WARNS ON FUEL PRICE THREAT the pilot that leverages an exper | aircraft for the first time ECONOMICS Sprang fel costs are the biggest treat to Qantas montal gunfire detection systom. | ‘The AHL64 now operates with since the gobal nancial css, say chief execute lan Joyce. The Block upgrades, sched- | forward-looking radar, infrared Speakrgto the Australian institut of Compary Directors, he sed ued tobe fielded nxt yeu, start | and electro-optical sonsors surcharges were “unfortunate, butesserti” as fue prceshadis with upgrading the engines, ro ‘en 40% sinoe November. rade union leaders have accused the air tors and transmission system of | The pod includes tine of ering wo” oer the cost of ue, say Joyce: “The this the AFG, three cameras on the wos nat justnsde the doo is gravng tou leg” This will allow the aircraft to = hover at 6,000R (1,830m) when | ach side of the RYANAIR TO OFFER RESERVABLE SEATING temperatures climb above 35°C | aircraft that can Low-cost BudsetcarierRyeniristotestlimited reserved seatirg (05°F). In phaso2, thoarmy will | Seae¢ maupzle flashes: folowing passenger feechack, parton fom the business com- integrate an airbome version of | detect muzzle flashes muni Flom 16 May te airine says wl ofr theo two rows, the joint tactical radio system, us two cveringeitons, to book on its Dublin Malaga and Dubin- Requirements for the thini | By integrating the gunfive int London Gatvickroutes. his will vie 28 reserable seats on phase of upgrades are still being | cator pod with the aircrafts ach Bovirg 737-800 ata fee of €10 ($14) per seta. defined, but army officals are in | processing systems, the AH-64's trigued by the situational aware- | avionics can start providing re EUROPE BLACKLISTS ALL MOZAMBICAN AIRLINES ness. possibilities offered by: a | ommendationsto the pilot as spe ‘SAFETY Alafines fom Mozambique, incur fg carer LAM, sunfire indicator pod, says Col | cific threats begin to develop, have been backlsted by the European Commission. The Afcan Shane Openshaw, the servico’s | Openshaw says stat brings to 21 the number of coutries subjectto blanket tan AHL64 programme manager. If approved, the new system from the European Union over safety concerns. Two Boeing 767 The pod includes three cameras | would be included inthe phase 3 ‘operating fo Ar Madagascar are also banned. Butthe Commission on eachsidootheaircafthat can | package of upgrades for the AH- has repieved Uraine’s UM Ai and fur Indonesian cargo carcar. detect muzle Rashes, classify the | 64, hesays. type of weapon being fired and | The Block I! Apache i set for [ANZ SETS UP INSTITUTE FOR TRAINING. sge0ocatethe source close enough | roll-out on 2 Navomber ahead of TRAINING ir New Zealand has established specialist viaton toallow the pilot toscan tho area | an intial operational test and Institute to provide arenge of traingcoveringmostaitine inusty witha targeting sensor o identify | evaluation phase in January. roles, undera singe organisation. Designedasa“oneston shop" t the gunmman,Openshawsays. | See Show Report PAS inane the majority of ANZ needs as wel as outsourced airing The gunfire indicator pod is ee lot, cabin crew, engineering and maintenance tring. scherduled tobe deployed on AH- Oz yc trough Gasin combat next year, he says ‘ignygobal.com /necopters 6| Flight international | 26 April-2 May 2011. Aightgobal.comPe AA Enbracr wants lasting Chinese Legacy : THISWEEKPS THIS WEEK ‘TANKER STEPHEN TRIMBLE WASHINGTON EADS: Boeing ‘dumbed down’ KC-767 North American top executive says company perceives opportunity for a larger tanker in the US Air Force's inventory "ADS North America’s top ex- ecutive says recent disclo sums by Bosing show the KC-767 was “dumbed down" to win the US Air Force KCX contract, po- tontilly opening the door for sales ofits K-45 inthe future Sean O'Keefe, EADS NA chief cexocutive, declined in an inter view to admonish Boeing for his ‘competitr’srecent acknowledge ‘ment that markoting brochures advertising a KC-767 with fuel- saving winglets throughout the ‘competition wore false. “I'm not going to pass judge ‘ment on anybody's marketing strategy or any competitor's ve: racity,” O'Keefe said. “Twouldn't do that.” Howover, the absence of win- tls from the production config. uration of the KG-767, which has now been redesignated the KC- 6A by the US Air Force, offer a clue about Boeing's strategy OKoafe says “I'm not going to pass judgement on anybody's marketing strategy or any competitor's veracity” ‘SEAN O-KEEFE (Chiofoxcetive, ERDSNA OKoofe says “If you take off features that ‘would raise fuel offload capacity = not fuel bum just to get you from Point A to Point B — that therofore will diminish the amount [of fuel] that you carry ‘What do winglets do? Winglets lower the fuel consumption. “How else do you reduce the cost ofthis [proposal]?” O'Kaola adds. “The only room for margin Detivoen the capacity of what you ‘ould do today {with the KC-767), and what [Booing] is offering isto ddumb-own the capabilites ‘As longa you don't go below thecapabilites you rable to pro- «duce today, you're compliant. “As overy unfolding chapter is telling us, this is precisely how [Booing] unfolded ther strategy.” O'Keefe says the KC-464 is of: fectively the direct replacement for the KC-135 that the USAF had wanted, However, EADS also perceives ‘an opportunity fora larger tanker in thea fore's inventory “That now opens up the op- portunity to say what about the roquirement for delivering mai nun flat rango and al those other things?” O Keefe sys That’ a requirement tht may ‘ormay not drive [the launch] of KC, botit'scntainly isa higher prospect today than it might have ‘oon boforo," OK says. Boning did not respond direct ly to O'Koof’s comments about dumbing down the KC-767 pro posal, at says the KC46A isthe most advanced tanker ever built” and also features “arsazing mult role capabilites’ Fore fl or often Dissngve: contest go igtgotlcon tox EXPANSION JON OSTROWER WASHINGTON Second Everett Dreamliner factory set to expand Joeing is advancing toward full-activation of what it dooms a second 787 factory at its campus in Everett, Washington, with one designed to incorporate the aireraf's final cutificated con. figuration into dozens of already- built Dreamfiners By mid-year, Boeing will cu: py all five bays inside Aviation ‘Technical Services’ (ATS) Hangar Three, the largest of three build ings operated by the Paine Field- base! MRO provider, say those familiar with tho plan. ‘The scale of the ATS operation is yot another ina series of indus- trial expansions for a programme whose footprint looks significant- Iy larger than the company origi nally envisaged. Fow dotails about the compa- ny’s plans for the ramping up ‘modification work at ATS are of- ficially confirmed, although in a recent interview Pat Shanahan, Booing vice-president of airplane programmes, acknowledged the growing scope of the facility for its 787 modification plans. flgntgobal.com coy ET “We'll have two separate fac- tories, a primary assembly faci ty and a modification facili says Shanahan, "It's not like we're going to havea bunch of poople ut on the TRAINING Curent Fal a 2 Surge FAL (2012) 3 ATS Hangar 3 Alighiline moving part by part into the airplane.” Programme sources briofed! on the plans for ATS say Boeing has devised a systematic approach to tackling the 140000 unfinished tasks left maining on the let. (Once fully activated, say the same sources, Boeing will operate five slant bays, with each bay as- signed unique tasks, focusing on structures, wiring, systems, into riors finishing and aqueous wash and aircraft closeout, with athroe- shift staff expocted to number ‘more than 1,200. Declining to confirm the de- tails of the ATS expansion, Boe ing says: “We currently have four airplanesat tho ATS facility. Our plan is loxible and will accom modate our production needs as ‘we complete fight test and pare airplanes for delivery." ANA aims to train 80 787 pilots by the end of March Boeing 787 launch customer All Nippon Ainys has begun training the fghtcrew who willbe operating the arcrat, Ten plot rom the Str Aliance ceri are taking pat inthe frst twining programme conducted by Boeing Taiing & Fight Services, which s scheduled to be completed n47 May Theaitine aims tohave about 80 pilots trained to operate the 787 this fiscal year which ends on 31 March 2042. Pilots wil tran using Boeing’s Simiators ane fight traning sot ware, sys ANA ‘Sources linked to the programme indicate that ANA could receive its ‘st 787 as early as July. Boeinghas previouslyindicated a Q3 target. ml 26 Apil-2 May 2011 | Flight international 7THIS WEEK fightgotaLcom/wotw For roundup of ur ltest one news, feature and multimedia content vt oat Ranson wastineron oc FAA wakes up to danger of ATCs asleep on job Ares seine ite ontroller incidents in the USA, which has seen one Federal Aviation Administration exocu- tivo resign, has triggorod scrutiny of scheduling practices, but can- twoller fatigue has long been under the microscope ofindustry ‘and goverment. ‘The well-documented ovents of slooping or otherwise unreachable controllers span from the smallest ofairpors in Lubbock, Texas, and Reno-Tahoe Intomational airport toMiami and Settle A dozing controller on the night shift at Washington Nation: al airport spurred a heightened study by the FAA of controller hhabits that revealed the subse- ‘quent sleeping events Altlbough the events have only recently come to the forefront of the national news media, contral- Jer fatigue and scheduling have ben uncer study for decades AA study from as long ago as 1995, which covered the espons- es of 912 air trafic controllers, highlighted that 12h and night shifts had significant potential for performance degredation ‘The dozing controllers in both Miami and Washington National ‘were working overnight shits, Shaken into action by the mounting disclosures of dozing controllers, the FAA and US Do- partment of Transportation have swiflly issued new scheduling guidelines, while the head of FAA’ Air Traffic Organisation, Hank Krakowski, resigned. US controllers naw must have ‘minimum of 9h off in between shifisand cannot swap shifts un- Tess that minimum has been achieved. Controllers are also prohibited from switching to an unscheduled midnight shift fol- lowinga day off Itis not yet clear how compli lance with the new procedures is boing enforced Keep upto date win al ne .aaton safety issues on ‘igtgobalcom/satety [AIRLINES MAX KINGSLEY JONES LONDON Qatar looks to spread its wings with stake in rival Al Baker discloses interest in acuiting ‘profitable going concern’ as carrier prepares float tar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker has revealed that the airline is in dialogue about acquiring a stake in an uni- dentifiedcarser Ho also says that he would be ‘open to selling a minority share- holding to one ofthe internation- al airline groups whon the carrier launches its planned flotation, A Baker was talking during a covor interview fr Flightglobal's Airline Business magazine. He says he Is often approached by airlines about partnerships or looper relationships ~ most re- cently Olympic ~ but is wary of jumping straight into a tie-up if there is no obvious benefit to Qatar Airways, Ne would be interested to going concer that is profit- able and doesn’t need our man- ‘agement time. But I'm not inter- ested in an airline that is in financial trouble and noods re structuring," he says, Bho Al Baker: wary of tioups ‘Theres intrest ina strategie to up with a strong partner “like Lithansa or British Airways" and A Baker says he would also con- ‘sider “an airline that has bg poten tia and a solid management struc- ture but noedsastrong partner like usto takean equity share”, Ruling out any potential deal for Virgin Atlantic, which is sock: ing some form of strategic tie-up, Al Baker says talks are being held with “somebody who meets our conditions” Qalar Airways has long been planning an initial public offer ing, but the timing is conditional ‘on three continuous years of prof- it at the aisle, “That means it could happen as early as 2013, says Al Baker Ho rules out any strategic deal tossllastake in the airline ahead of the IPO, and says if another ‘carrier or group wants a slice of Qatar Airways then that will be the timeto do it “They can buy as many shares as they want of the percentage that willbe floated — we have to keep in mind the sovereignty issue that the airline must remain majority-owned by Qatari enti- ties."ho says. Forte fueron ofthe ane Busines iter g010 ‘igrgobal.con/altaker [MANUFACTURING DOMINIC PERRY LONDON Embraer wants lasting Chinese Legacy jnraor has filld in dota ofits plans for Legacy 600 ancl 650 ‘business jt production at its joint venture Chinese plat in Harbin The Brazilian airframer last ‘week confirmed speculation that it was to switch the factory from assembly of its ERJ-145 regional aircraft to the two business jet models, Tt says that the site ~ a joint venture with state-owned firm AVIG, called HEAI - is staffed to produce between six and nine aircraft year, but it could accom ‘modate twice that number ifthere is sulficient demand, Embraer declines to specify how many Legacy jets Harbin ‘will ood to produce each yearto break even, It also says litle investment £8 | Flight international] 26 April-2 May 2011. will be need to move production from the ERJ-145 asthe plant "al- ready has the infrastructure and trained workforce in plac China is seen by the company asa country ripe for businoss avi ation growth, particularly in the large-cabin segment occupied by Legacy business jets will in future be assembled in China by HEAL the two lager Legacy airraf. ‘Meanwhile, Embraer’s ltr lange executive jet, the Lineage 1000, has boen granted type cort- fication by India’s Directorate Goneral of Civil Aviation ‘Todato, nine Lineage 1000 jets are in operation worldwide. Aightgobal.comVolcanic activity ‘sought for Eaoylet detector tial AIRTRANSPORTPIA NEWS FOCUS DEFENCE STEPHEN TRIMBLE WASHINGTON DC Brazil’s arms sector blooms Rise in defence spending sees rush of companies jostling for position and partnerships as supply chain is transformed FF ott 2 our ‘ence, Sto José dos Campos- based Friuli Aerospace was con- tent occupying thirdtier status in the Brazilian supply chain, ma- chining parts such as aluminium floor rails for Embraer’s 190 re gional jet and composite panels forthe Phenom very light jo But Friulls exhibit booth at the LAAD2011 convention this year highlighted @ new project ~ a guided wing-kt for Mk-B2-class bombs, It is not an insignificant project fora company founded on machining parts based on Em- braer design drawings. Friul’s engineers must master complex aerodynamics and pro- cision navigation to field the newly christened FPG-82 guided bomb on the Brazilian air force's Adis, F5sand A“ Inthe past year, as es- tablished an engineoring office, hired aeronautical graduates from Bruzl’s prestigious Institute of Aeronautical Technology (ITA) and launched the FPG-82 wing- kit programme undera grant from the Brazilian ar fore. “We don’t want to stay just in manufacturing,” says “Mateus Gomes Filgueitas, a Friuli aero nautical engineer and recent ITA graduate, “We want to keep growing"headds, Friuli is not the only one, Change is rapidly spreading from tho bottom tothe top ofthe coun- try’s aerospace and defence supply chain, ‘The woek-long LAAD show in Rio de Janeiro witnessed the for- mal launch of two new major competitors to Embraer’ stan- dalone Defense and § Tess than five months ago and has already acquired interests in two Brazilian defence companies — OrbiSatand Atech, ‘The challongers come from within Brazil's wider industry and beyond to the global market flgntgobal.com Coes Company and locations ‘So José dos Campoe Campos) an shi with Aeroee On theeve of the LAD event, Odebrecht, a Brazl-based malti- national construction conglomer- ate ~ more usually associated with large-scale infrastructure projects ~ formally launched a dofence and security company having alady acquired Brazilian missile and radar specialist Mec- tron and formed a joint venture with EADS subsidiary Cassidian, NEW JOINT VENTURE Meanwhile, Israel Acrospace In- dlustries and Synergy Group, an- ‘ther Brazilian conglomerate with interests in Latin American airlines and airports, established anew joint venture aimed at the Bruzlian defence sector called EAE Aerospace Solutions. And Brazilian aerospace insid- cers do not believe the end of the consolidation is near, Avibras, a 50-year-old supplier to the Brazil- jan army and air force, remains non-aligned with a major corpo: ration, Meanwhile, another major Bruzlian construction company, ‘We don't want to stay just manufacturing. We want to keep growing” (MATEUS GOMES FILGUEIRAS Acconautcal engine, Frill Acrospaco Camargo Corea, is also under: stood to be looking for aerospace and defence partners Even major US firms are hop- ing to gain a larger presence. Raytheon officials, for example, confirm the company is in part- nership discussions with Brazil- jan suppliers. Raytheon was Bra- ails prime contractor for the system forthe surveillance ofthe ‘Amazon (SIVAM), which was de- ployed in 2002 Embraer has dominated the Brazilian defence sector for much ‘of the past four decades, but ‘exocutives publicly welcome the wave of new competitors entering Brazil's defence and security sector. “We compete everywhere on the planet.” says Orlando Neto, Embraer Defense and Security's ‘exocutive vice-president for sales ‘and marketing. Competition will be good for the defonce ministry, too, Neto says, incroasing the quality and prices of the products and sorvicos acquired by the country’ armed services, EMBRAER MOVING QUICKLY But Embraer is clearly moving quickly in an attempt to stay ahead of the market Im addition to its recent aequi- sitions, Embraer also announced ‘anew partnership with Brazilian avionics specialist Aeroelectroni- a (ABL), which is ownod by Is- rael's bit Systems. ‘According to Noto, changes ‘began in 2008 with the consolida- tion ofthe defunce ministry. A big part ofthat involvod divesting the force's control ofthe country's air trafic control system in the ‘aftermath of a commercial avia tion criss The following year; the minis- tty released anew national dofence strategy ‘Thisset an ambitious vision for defence and socurity to match the country’s growing political and ‘economicclout. Embraor realigned its own cor porate structure the following ‘year announcing the formation of Defense and Socusty in Doce: ber 2010, ‘We are putting ourselves as a national champion,” Neto says ‘The new competitive lan scape will take clear form by the fend of the year as the Brazilian army is expected to issue a re: ‘quest for proposals for integrated border security. i Fotow StesnenTimbies take on the defer indus 010 ‘global. com/dowine 26 Apil-2 May 2011 | Flight ternational @AIR TRANSPORT Checkout our colton of entne dynamic reat proiesfor he test news, o- ‘maton and images on cil anditary rgammes at fightaba.comy profes ‘SAFETY WILL HORTON SYONEY Twilight departure captain charged Pilot of Pacific Blue 737 faces allegation of endangerment for departing New Zealand airport after expiry of time limit Authority has charged a Pac cific Blue Boeing 737-800 com- rmander with aircraft endanger mont after he failed to comply with visual ight rules laid down by the carrier. Ho was in command of flight 'DJ89 on 22 june 2010 when the flight became delayed and de- parted Queenstown for Sydney bout 18min before twilight, the ‘Queenstown did not have ap- proach and runway lighting, Pa cific Blue's rules ~ which were tighter than the CAA = limited flights to take-off no later than ‘30min before twilight, ensuring adequate time to make a safe vis- ual retum around the mountain- us terrain if necessary ‘The Queenstown controller cleared D}89 for takoof, says air navigation service Airways New Zealand. “The tower was able to give clearance as the fight was within civil evening twilight.” it says. “It was operating within CAA limits” Allegedly electing to viola temal company res itsays, ultimately the pilots decision”. ‘The CAA is laying a second, specified charge against the pilot but is not prosecuting the irs oF fico orth asin. “The investigation concluded that the airline's procedures and coperating conditions were breached..and that safoty. was compromised as a result” says CAA diroctor Stevo Douglas, “Lam satisfied that Pacific Bue had the appropriate procedures in lace for operations conducted at Quoonstown.” The pilot has been stood down from duty pending a court ruling, says Virgin Blue, of which Pacific Bluoisa subsidiary, Aircraft endangerment cates a penalty of up to NZS10,000 ($7,990) or upto 12 monthsimpris- ‘onment, sys theCAA. Quoenstown airport is install ing approach and runway light- ing it says, and expects to com- plete the installation this year. ‘The airport already has precision approach path indicators. Ml G oep up withthe atest safety ns oie by ggngon to ‘gga com/safety EASA clears TCAS modification vionics joint venture AGS Aertel eeopom sn fication for the Change 7.1 sade ofits trafic collision avi ance systoms TCAS 2000 and TCASIL ‘The European Aviation Safety Agency has yet to mandate the up- sade, but undorits latest proposal tmost be fited to all newly bi aircraft operating in European air spacoby March 2012 orrtofited by Dooomber 2015. Change 7.1 addresses weak- nossosin TCAS by enbancing the roversal logic ~ designod to pro- vent a recurrence of the 2002 ‘mid-air collision over Lake Co stance in Germany ~and provi ‘nga new aural alert foradju vertical speed. Eurgonntrol says the “urgently required’ change, tomeet the new C119¢ standard, will reduce mi air collsion rsk~now standingat ‘anoe every three yeas in Europe ‘anairspaoe—by a factor of four, ‘ACSS, which oblained Federal Aviation Administration contifi- cation for the Change 71 upgrade jn March last year says i has re= ceived a European. technical standard order authorisation from EASA forthe software. i 8 110) Fight international! 26 Apil-2 May 2011. a se Crosses behing | itr france ater climbing Sack fo FL360 ‘OPERATIONS DAVID KAMINSKEMORROW LONDON Double airprox followed casual control handover Lot sition avareness aller controllers changod sift led to a serious theoe-svay aie proximity incident near Milan nearly two years ago alin in- ‘vostgatos have concluded. Tho incident contred on a BML Airbus A320 and an Air France A320 tavelling on separate oppo- Sitodretion airways, at adjacent, fight lovels 350 and 360, and a White Airways A319 that was ap- proaching thei crossing point on 4 near-perpondicular course at level 360 While the Air France and BMI aircraft were being handled by the Milan Bastar traffic contol sector, tho Milan West sector was intially overseving the Whit jt Milan ‘West cleared the White fight direct toa waypoint within the Milan Eas sector. Just before the White aircra transfered to Milan Bast, there ‘was a change of executive can- teller on the Milan East sector, ‘Tho incoming executive control ler was initially dealing with an Easyjet Switaerland light as the Whit aireraf transiorred. Italian. investigation agency [ANSV says that, 78s after this transfer, the short-term conflict alert triggered, warning thatthe White A319 was approaching the ‘Air Franoo A320 atthe same alt- tudo, ight level 60, The White aircraft was in- structed to descend to level 350 Dut the controller almost immed- tly saw a chance to resolve the confit horizontally and tol the White and Air France flights to adjust theirheadings. Bul straight afterwards a sec- ‘ond alarm alerted the controller to a new conflict between the White 4319 and the BMI A320, triggered bocause the White aie. craft had been descending as requested ~tolevel 350, at which the BME et was cru 'ANSV says that their closest approach was 218mm (4km)bori- zontally and 4008 (120m) vert- cally. Forty seconds later the ‘Whiteaircral, having returned to level 360, passed 3.8m behind the Air France A920 flying atthe samelttuc. ‘The traffic colision-avoidance systoms on the aircraft involved did not trigger any advisory be- ‘cause the aircraft wore not on @ collision trajectory. ANSV never theless describes the loss of sepa ration in the 9 July 2009 incident 11 says the lack of situational awareness was “encouraged” bya shortfall in formality during the ‘exchange of controllers. ANSV says the change was “essentially based on mutual trust” and con- ducted with “excessive confi- dence”, with no dotailed break- down ofthe air trafic situation. ML Aightgobal.comemma) Cutsto force > ‘closure of historic ES i Filton alrietd AIR TRANSPORT DAVID KAMINSKEMORROW LONDON Rudder fix caused in-flight ATR upset Maintenance warning follows turboprop being cleared for flight despite misalignment of critical limiter component Persie oe amine are Joperators that a crucial rudder ‘component could be installed in- correetly in the turboprop, after the crow ofan Air Contractors air craft experienced serious control problems after take-off from Edin- bburgha month ago. UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch inspectors determined thatthe twin-enginod aircraft ad undergone routine maintenance ‘its tudder immediately befor the 15 March igh. As the ATR 72-200 reached flight level 230, traveling through, 1a5kt (340kan/h) trolled 5-10° eft while the rudder trim indicated fully right Tho co-pilot, fying engaged the autopilot and applied aileron and right rudderinabid to correct the roll and sideslip. ‘Somo 15-20" of right bank was nocessary to hold the heading constant, The crew requested gh “The co-pilot had to operate the control wheel with both hhands in onder to maintain ditoc vectoring to return to Edinbur tional control," says the AAIB. The commander operated the power levers inthe latter stages of thofinal approach. Neither of the two pilots, the only occupants of the ATR, was injurod. The aircraft invalved was 4 21-yearold airframe, serial number 183, The AAIB found that the main. painburgh had in disassembling the rud dors travel limitation unit, a systom which reduces rudder de flection at spoeds above 185kt ‘Two cams form part of the en ging mechanism to reduce nud ‘derauthority, While the lo-band ‘cam had been correctly instal he righthand cam had been ransposed through 180" “Neither an independent in. spection nor an operational test of the [limitation unit] was per: formed,” says the AAIB, even though a test of tho unit after re moval or installation is required by the maintenance manual The inoorect assembly was ony discovernd aftr the incident and the AAIB says that the main nance manual does not indicate hat the cam can be installed wrongly, wich ean lead to uncom: smandod rudder input in ight. Ithas unged ATR to inform op- eratots of the potential problem and to rovise testing procedures Noe Esa: By elu (ee Ce es CL ge ec Only one EFB has been chosen by 5 aircraft manufacturers. EasyJet has installed the sensor in place of the wing fence on an A319 DAVIO KAMINSKEMORROW LONDON Volcanic activity sought for EasyJet detector trial peice, act inte Pei ring of fio” region is boing monitored as a potential testing ground foran airborne ash-detee: tion system touted by budget car rier EasyJet Easyjet has been supporting development of the Aisbome Vol canic Object Identifier and Detec- tor (Avoid) system and says. pro- totype is ready for testing in ash conditions, A detector has been installed on the wingtip ofan EasyJet Ait ‘bus A319 (G-RZBG), in place of the let wing-fonce, But the carrier says that the programme needs funding and that a request isto be submitted to the European Commission to back the projec. Easylet gave the upelate at the ose of a two-day Eurocontrol exorcise aimed at assossing new procedures for dealing with a vol To find out why - please contact us at www.emcelectronies.ca/pilotview Esterli evreaspesnes flghteobal.com nic crisis similar to that wick disrupted Europoan air opera tions lst year ‘Wo can't predict exactly wher another voleano will erupt and send an ash cloud into Europear airspace but we can say with cer tainty that twill happen a somes says EasyJet head of ering lan Davies, Avoid uses infrared technology to provide an image of ash con tamination up to 100km (55m) ahead of the arcraf, in a manner similar to woather radar. It has ‘boon developed by the Norwe sian air research institute NILU, ‘under Fred Prata, who conceived the idea, Easyfot says that voleanie ac tivity in the AsiaPacifc and Alaskan as the development toam consid rsa ste for testing over the next Few months. ons is being watched 26 Aoril-2 May 201.1 | Flight Intemational 12.AIR TRANSPORT Checkout our colton of entne dynamic reat proiesfor he test news, o- ‘maton and images on cil anditary rgammes at fightaba.comy profes ‘CONNECTIVITY MARY KIRBY PHILADELPHIA USA seems set for mobile surrender Threat of permanent ban on in-flight phone communication recedes as new legislation appears to drop hostile language Betas motte comasviy [providers are cautiously opti istic of breaking into the US market after lawmakers dropped language from proposed Federal Aviation Administration Reau- thorisation legislation that would have imposed a permanent fed- ral ban on the technology Use of mobile phones in fight is disallowod by the Federal Com- ‘munications Commission (FOC) and the FAA. Inanffort to ensure that a permanent federal ban re mained in place, Poter DeFazio andi other lawmakers in 2008 in- twoduend the Hang:Up Act to more formally prohibit wireless voice ‘communications during fights While Hang-Up Act language was added to FAA Reauthorization legislation, neither chamber of Congress has opted to include the Tanguage in their respective bill Notably, tho House version of the FAA bill “has done a total ro versal from the previous Congress where it advocated a ban’, says Carl Biersack, executive dizector of In-flight Passenger Communi- cations Coalition, a lobbying group established by connectivity specialists including AeroMobile ‘and OnAin Biorsack notes that the House ‘wants three things:a study on in ternational deployment, a public ‘comment period and a report to Cong “There should be a new FAA Reauthorisation bill, from what 1 can soo, by the end of May, and the House and Sonate versions of that ill donot includeany Hang- Up Act legislation whatsoever,” says AeroMobile vice-president, regulatory and programmes Kevin Rogers However, before mobile con- nectivity can be brought on board US sireraft, the FOC must open a notice of proposed rulemaking meaning a change in regulation ‘could take “18 months or longer” says Rogers, But headds: “I would say things are slightly better. No doubt work roeds tobe cone with the [telecom ‘companies to make sure there is no concer with rgard to ground interference, which was ther pri- Inflight mobile connectivity has proven a touchy subject in the USA. But Flight International understands that at least one US carrier is keen to offer AeroMo- bile in-Right mobile connectivity to passengers, Biersack says: “If either the House or Senate version of in- fight connectivity is enacted into law then alsline passengers in America will have won the right to havea communication connec tivity choice, (OnAi says the final FAA Reau- ‘horisation bill is expected toi clude provision mandating an FAA study of cell phones for on- board voice communication ‘Such provi significant milestone towards for- ‘mulating a regulatory framework to enable certification and lcens- ing,” it says, adding that croased uso of cellular service on intemational carriers continues to spark competition, under scored by the fact that passengers ‘on [aircraft fering in-flight con- nectivity prefer cellular services towill" m will mark a ECONOMICS DAVID KAMINSKHMORROW LONDON Cuts to force closure of Uk’s historic Filton airfield AE Systems is to close the historic Filton airfield at the tend of next year, ater a review concluded that it had no long- term economic prospects ‘The airfield, Skm (3 miles) north of Bristol city contro, will shut on 31 December 2012, says BAE, Bilton has long boen associated with the UK aerospace industry and its airport is used for shuttle flights, oporated by OLT, to trans- port Airbus personnel to Tou louse, Broughton and other plants used by the airframes, “This decision has been taken followinga long review of the air- fiold’s commercial and economic viability,” says BAE Sy ation services director Andrew Cheosman, Heads thatthe company is still in talks with the local authority ‘over futur plans, and BAE says it will “continue to discuss how users’ requirements can be met in preparation forthe closure”, stems ai Concorde: Fiton was the scene of the UK.bullt prototype's maiden fight CCheesman says: "We recognise the importance of Filton airfield to the local residential and busines community and understand the ‘concerns its clasure may have.” Filton’s MP, Jack Lopresti, says Airbus and BAE have assumed 112) Fight international! 26 Apil-2 May 2011. him that they will have “a range ‘of fective mitigation measures” in place to enable work at Filton to continue “without any major disruption" But he says the airfield — nota. Dly usod during the development of the BAC-Aerospatiale Con- conde—is“a huge pat ofouravia~ tion history” and that he is “dis- appointed” by the decision. While fewer than 20 people will immediately be affected by the closure, Lopresti says thatthe priority is to ensure the decision ‘does not have an adverse effect ‘on the local eoonomy” and the south-western UK's position with: in the country’saviation industry. Airbus has yet to disclose ator native transport arrangements for Filton, Bristol Intemational al port is about 10km south-west of the We are evaluating a number ‘of diffecnt plans and options and will make a decision in due course,” It says. “We are confident we can mi gate the offocts of the airfield clo- ‘sure in 2012 without any cant pact on our business." Browse tough Fitons history vith ouretensve archives ‘egobal.com/ archive Aightgobal.comAIR TRANSPORT DELIVERY VLADIMIR KARNOZOV H0SCOW Controversy over Superjet timings Aeroflot steps up pressure as Armavia accepts frst aircraft koi has finally handed over he fist Superjt 100 to AB rmenia’s Amnavia, while hested discussions surround the initial delivery to Aero. ‘An Armavia crow piloted alt. craft 97007 —mgistorod EK-95015, ~ om Komsomolsk-on-Amut via Novosibirsk, forthe exemony on 19 April, “This event opensa new stage ofthe programe,” says Suk Holding general director Mikhail Pogoeyan. “The begining of cme ‘mercial operation and fllscale serial production.” ‘Armavia, which originally signed for the Superjet in Sep- tember 2007, intendsto use it for servioes to Moscovs, St Peters: ‘bug, Soc and cities in Ukraine. “Most likely well deploy iton the premier Yerevan-Mscow route fran inaugural igh,” says Ammavia representative Gagik Sarkisyan, adding that tho next delivery will probably bein Mi Sukhoi says the fist delivery to Acro, strat 97008, mast ‘hile the carrer appeas to have slipped fist services at last to Jno, with sources pointing to 13, Jime to coincide with aStPeters- ‘burg economic fru. "Wei discussing terms of de- very with Aeroflot management ina fiendiy manner,” says Suki, adi thal divers axetil wit ina proviousy-agend timeframe. But Russian transport minister IgorLovitin, speaking days before {he Amavia handover, said Aero- flot management veas preparing Early batch of pilots praises Russian jet’s handling quali Armavia and Aeroflot cres wlan on the fst Tales but ult ‘Suprie simulator in Paris in June, ‘Aeroflot ha akeady qualified six instructor plots, whose vaninghas Ineuded Bh the ara typically 6 gis ~ ater some 24h of no ‘maton simulate tno Inia tests incuded demonstrat Ingthe protected envelope at heights up to 10,000 (3,000) and ding ow speed gts atch angles of attack, around 2527" Yerevan airport gave a water-cannon salute to aircraft 97007 to pelition the government for “implementation of sanctions ‘gaint (Sukhoi) for delays” "We need to act according to hhow Aeroflot will be accepting these aircraft from tbe maaufac: turer, knowing that the promised elivry tim seid, adding that Aeroflot has “They showed us that this a craftis very wel protected by auto maton fom entering dangerous regimes, says Sergei Bockov one of the six Aero plots. The Supeet Isstabl, the pilot group says, and ‘even handles bettrn bank and yao ‘than te Abus A320. “We were impressed the Supetet as aweldesened, we protected arraft—btter so than ‘Abus narowbedles;” sys Boden, Plot Oleg Engels compares the questions over the arcaf’stoch- lal perforanes ikhoj has yo to disclose op- cational performance data bu a source says the difference be- tovonn actual and promised cise fuek-bum is around 13%, while another source specifies the fi ‘wat 1,950kg per block-hour. ies ‘Super tothe A319 in contolabi- |yandtothe A221 in It-generatin: “loos ie across betwoen hase ‘wo Abus models, whichis good Maran operation Supa bterationa plans to quay 60 crews forthe ype tisyear aj chiof execu ‘ire Cal Log. A second fue ‘incr wile stad 6 Moscow ‘np 2012, ard in Venice while ‘hetourt il beth fstcusiomer ave, oingto Aero. [ENGINES MAX KINGSLEYONES LONDON A320's CFM56 evolves after performance tweak iabus and CFM International will begin delivering A320- Family azeraft equipped with a performance upgrade developed from the Bosing 727's CFMS6- 7BE Evolution engine at the end ofthis your ‘The improvement, which CPM cexpocts will offer a 0.5% gain in fuel bum, comprises manufactur ingeanges and hardware chang- 8 to the core, It will become standard on the A220's CFMS6- 5B/9 engine once introduced, ssysCFMinaskotinggonoral man- gor Bll Brown, “The ebjective ofthe (pexfomn noe improvement package] isan flchtglbaloom SFC [Specific Ful Consumption) reduction made aexoificon- anda mnintenanen-ost bonelit boca thare ae feworhigh-pos sur urine blads,"hosays “The significant changes are now high-pressure turbine blades ‘which have improved aero-i- cioney,a now HPT dise and new forward outer sa. The manutse- turing proces fr fn blades and ‘compressor blades and vanes has ‘en improved to tighten tlerane- ‘and improve surlae finishes Browmadds, Thoimprovements enable CFM ‘tomate thoife-inited part (LLP) cycles ofall core moses. “The sntse com — compressor and tut bine—is now at 20,000 cycles. This rmatchesthetimo-on-wingbterso youre not removing engines for LLPlifasofen,"Brownsays ‘The upgrade was fight-testod by Abus in January and Febru ary, with 26h of tials flown dr ing 11 fights, says CFM, “We'll be going into produc- tion atthe end of this year and then well see Airbus change its performance summary to mfloct "he 0.5% improvement in the ox- age book ance it validates this, says Brown. “Th package will ten become standard and available for retrofit during overhaul. “Well be off ing some incentives so the new Tardwaze will probably be avail- able for les than older compo- nents,” hoadds, t*closesthe gap"totherivalIn- ternational Aer Engines V2500in ful ur for an engine “normal= ised” fr deterioration, says Brawn, and more impavements could ol law: “What thenest upgrades will depend on how many more sales ‘of tis engine am going aceurbo- ‘case of the introduction ofa now aixvaft and mangling,” Wh @ Discowr moe on the engine cxmpetin ote A3zOng0 ‘hota con/neoengines 26 Anil-2 May 2011 | Flight International 12DEFENCE Ferhat Fig Defoe D siemens ‘OPERATIONS CRAIG HOYLE LONDON F looks for versatility from A330 UK service chief believes FSTA fleet of ‘Voyager’ tanker/transports could perform additional roles, including surveillance UK could use its Airbus the MoD says. This process will Aaa0-based Future Strategic continue into next year, itadds. Tanker Aircraft for a variety of “Tho initial testing phase [in tasks beyond their originally in- Spain] has gone very well and the tended roles, as the first Royal Air airealtis provingto be a reliable, Force example has arived fori. : mature and very effective plat- country testing asthe “Voyager" form,” says AirTanker chief exec- “PSTA is much more than a utive Phill Blundell tanker,” says chiof of the air staff ‘AirTankor will dlivar its fist Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dal- A330 at RAF Brize Norton in Ox- ton. “It has the ability to stay air- fordshire towards the end ofthis bore and provide a [communica year. Twelve of its fleet will be tions] relay facility for much longor ‘converted at Cobham's Bourne {han our current aireraf types.” ‘mouth airport stein Dorset, wi Fourtoon madifiod A330-200s the last to onter use by mid-2016. will enter RAF use from late this Seven of the UK's aircraft will year, with the type to replace its be configured with underwing ‘The UK's frst modifed A330 has entered testing at Boscombe Down hose and drogue refuelling pods, \VG10s in providing in-flight re ‘with the remainder to be three clling and passenger transport | nautical Society's Aerospace 2011 | at wider potential uses, point tankers that will also be services. Howover, Dalton be- | conferencein Londonon 13.April | Airbus Military lew the frst of | equipped with a centreline fuse Tioves the Voyager's potential | “Offshe-shelfmodularcapabilities | two RAF aircraft to have been | lage fuelling unit ‘could gobeyond these traditional | tomakethishappen existand can, | modified at its Getafe site near | Meanwhile, AirTanker partner roles, for example by taking on | indoed should, be integrated into | Madrid, Spain to the MoD's Bos- | Thales UK has oontracted CTC some intelligence, surveillance | futuro and cuent platforms, af | combe Down test centro in Wilt- | Aviation to support the instruction ‘and reconnaissance functions. | fordabilty permiting” shire on 18 April. “ofits forthe FSTA service from “There are few good reasons | The AirTanker consortium, | “On the ground and in the air, | mid-2011 using a full fght simu- hy every airfame in an opera- | which willdeliverthe FSTA sorv- | theaircraft willbe tested inthe xo. | latorand part-task trainer installod tional area should not be an ISR. | ice under a£10.5 billion ($17 bil- | fuelling role, with (Panavia) Tor | at Brize Norton. i collocor,orthatFSTA couldnotbe | lion) private finance initiative | nado, [Boeing E-3D] Sentry, [Bu- ees configured as a strategic ISR plat- | eal with the UK Ministry of De- | rofighter] Typhoon and [Lockhood tanker progres vist form,” Dalton told the Royal Aero- | fence, has aso previously hinted | Martin G-130] Hercules aircraft.” ‘gota. com 3330 ‘CONTEST STEPHEN TRIMBLE RIO DE JANERO Sukhoi clings to F-X2 fighter hope ukhoi is still pushing for a | Brazil has not officially. reo- ‘hance to compete in Brazil's | penod its 36-aicrat fighter compe- F-X2 fighter contest, despite hav- | tition to new bidders, President ing boen dropped from the air | Dilma Rousseff has launched a force's shortlist wo yearsago. | comprehensive review of the air “Wo sill apply al possible of: | forco's two-year-old evaluation forts open to us toget back” inthe | process for F-X2, which could ‘competition, says Mikhail Brog- | delaya contract award until 2012, rman, first deputy general of [But Rousselfs review is consid. khoiforsales and marketing. | ering only the existing thre bids. Bregman says he believes the | “Since we don't have any final de- Turkish F-16 gets centenary colours | | russian company’s bid - based | cision (by the Brazilian govern- (One ofthe Turkish airforoo's Lockheed Marin F16Cs has received | on the Su-A5 — is “better by far" | mont], we can't exclude any op- 2 special ner ahead ofits pantcipation in events tocommemorate | | compared with theF-X2compoti- | tions at this time,” says Sergei ‘the service's 100th aniversary, Dubbed “Solo Turk’, the fihter| tors, which now include the Boe- | Goreslaveskiy, head ofthe Russian made a 20min display debut from Akinci airbasernearArkara on 415 | | ing F/A-18E/F Super Homet, | dolegation to the Latin America ‘Api, watched by Turkish President Abdulah Gul and armed forces Dassault Rafale and Saab Gripen. | Aerospaceand Defence 2011 con- commander Gen lik Kosaner. With a goKden eagle adomingits tl, | | The aircraft also possesses some | ference in Rio de Janciro. Ml airoaft 91-0041 will perform its fist public display ata centenary capabilities superior even to Su ae ee show to be staged at lmir/Cigi airbase from 46 June. khoi's PAK-FA design fora fith- the defers ndusty 6310 generation fighter, he claims. ‘igrgotal.com/thedewine 14 Fight International | 26 April-May 2011. Aightgobal.com2 ; ‘ 8 DEFENCE [ACQUISITION CRAIG HOYLE LONDON Australia buys fifth Boeing Cir US Air Force approves country's request to take delivery of adcitional ailfter for RAAF within the next four months uustealia will recaive its fifth Boeing C-17 strategie trans- pot within the next four months, following the signing ofan agree ment to apidly acquire an airraft that was previously scheduled for acceptance by the manufacturer's Tead customer. ‘Confirming the Foreign Mili- tary Sales deal on 18 April, Boo- ing said: “Due to the Royal Aus- tralian Air Force's immediate rnoed for an additional allie, the US Air Farce has approved Australia’s request to take deliv ery ofits th C-17 in August.” “To be operated by the RAAF's 36 Sqn from Amberley ai base, Queensland, the airerat will join four others that entered use be- tween 2006 and 2008. ts addition willallow the service to meet “an increased demand for humanit ian and disaster relief missions”, Booing says. The RAAF has within the last {ow months used its C-17s to sup- port humanitarian relief opera: tions following natural disasters that have rospoctivaly devastated parts of Australia, New Zealand and fapan, During Operation Pacific As- ist, Australian C-17s delivered ‘more than 4501 of equipment and supplies to Yokota air base in Japan, including pumps to help coool the Fukushima nuclear Canberra used its current fleet to support disaster elle efforts in Japan power plant, plus food, waterand ‘support vehicles Plans to acquire the fifth air craft were outlined by Australian minister of defence Stephen Smith atthe Avalon airshow eat lice this year, when he revealed cy valud the saleatan estimated ‘$300 million, Australia’s decision to buy a fifth C-17 is expected to moan that it will not exercise an option to acquire two more Lockheed Martin C-130) tactical transports that Canberra had requested pric- | to expand the RAAF’s current ing and availability data from the | 12-trong let. Ml US government. In a9 March no- ener tification to Congress, the US De- operational acts at fense Security Cooperation Agen- ‘gota. com/e47 PROPULSION STEPHEN TRIMBLE RIO DE JANEIRO Embraer sticks to KC-390 supply chain deadline enter a joint definition phase. The engines are a sensitive topicand have required “a higher ddogroo of discussion with the Bra- zilian air force", says Orlando Noto, executive vice-president at Embraer Defence and Security, Intho running ro two compa- nis with 27,000-30,000b thrust (120-133kN) turbofans CFM In- temnationals CFM-56 and Interma- | ae torerearatoeaet is sticking to its plan to select all critical suppliers for the KC- 390 tanker/transport by June, but this is nota hard deadline, atop ‘company executive says, Decisions on suppliers forsuch caitical equipments the engines, avionios and most ofthe structure still have not boen made only two ‘months before Embraer is due to tional Aero Engines’ V2500. Although Embraer still wants to complete talks by the end of June, the overall schedule can ac- ‘commodateabriof delay for some of the supplier decisions, Neto said during the Latin American Aerospace and Defence 2011 con: ference in Rio di Janeiro, room for accommo- he says, referencing @ ‘one-month slip. “That's doable.” Embraer has selecod four part ners to supply systems including the aircraft's cargo-handling sys- tom, landing gear, doors, spoilers and a soction of the rear fuselage The military twinjet pro- gramme was launched in 2009 with a $1.3 billion, five-year de- velopment contract from the Bra- ailian ai force. Mt Grob Tutor fleet gets safety boost Byres contact’ Las Avionics to upgrade 93 Grob ‘SE Tutor elementary training aircraft on bobalf of the UK Min- isu of Defence, Moalifications include installa tion ofthe Avidyne TAS600 traffic advisory systom and a Sandel Elec tronic horizontal situation indica- tor, “which together add a signifi- cant improvement to situational awareness and collision avoid- ance” the UK company says. Working with its sister compa- ny Gama Support Services, Lees Avionics has delivered 30 aircraft since starting work a its Farnbor ‘ough base in Hampshire in mid January. Ttexpects to complete the floot upgrade by mid-December. ‘The programme to improve the safety of the Tutor fleet was Jaunched after two mid-air colli- sions involving the type in 2009. The first involved a pair of air call on air expesionce fights for figntgobal.com ‘The upgrade programme was launched after two midair colisions in 2008 ‘Air Cadots and resulted in the deaths ofboth pilotsand both stu- dents Ina second incident pilot and cadet diod after hitting glee duringan experience fight Board of Inquiry investigations into both mishaps recommenced the aireraft should be equipped with collision warning systems. i Fer more content about vation safety prograimes, vist ‘ighigobal.com/satety 26 Aorl-2 May 20:4 | Fight International 15,Fora roundup of ur ltest one news, feature and multimedia content vt fightgotaLcom/wotw QUAD-A 2011 ‘The organisation representing the largest single helicopter buyer in the world attracted thousands of visitors and filled ‘wo exhibit halls at the Army Aviation Association of America (Quads annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee. But with no clarity provided on the search for a successor to its Bell OH-S8D Kiowa Warrior scout, the service failed to ‘answer the biggest questions facing the rotorcraft industry. Show report by Stephen Trimble US Army searches for better scout Aviation branch has committed to spending more than $1.3 lion to modernise Bell OH-SBD while looking at alternatives search for a rose-mounte sensor glass cockpit ore capable armed scout displaysand improved avionics. holicopter continues, but most Finally, Bol has own an inter signs point to an improved ver nally funded “Block I” version of mn oF its current Bell OH-58D the Kiowa Warrior witha 1,020shp va Warrior. i (760kW) Honeywell HTS900-2 Sincethecancellatio ofits Bell | ™ gine from its Xworx research and ARH-70 Arapaho armed recon development facility. near Fort naissanoe helicopter programmein | Worth, Texas, Replacing the OH: 2008, the army aviation branch bas 58s current Rolls-Royce Mode! ‘committed tospending more than $1.3 billion to modernise the OH- 58D while it ooks at alternatives Options include launching Sikorsky’s high-speed $-07 Raider, pursuing the conventional EADS North America AAS-72X or Boeing AH‘6S Phoenix, using @ modem- 250R-C2 engine provides a path to overcoming its inability to hhover at 6, 0008 (1,830m) in tom. peratures above 35°C (95°F). With the army seeking a new high-speed rotoraft by 2030, the -97 appears likey to fal from con sideration as an immediate OH-53 {sod OH-58D ortryingan AVX con. replacement, Boing and EADS of- opt foran OF-58 cabin with aco- A Kiowa Warrior has now been flown in re-engined form fors using conventional helicopters axial rotor and dual-ducted fan, may be more attractive. ‘The analysis has been deliv- | manager Lt Col Bob Grigsby. standard, to help reduce a short- | EADS says the AAS-72X, a ered tothearmy’s leadership, but | The OH-8 programme is gain- | fall ofaircrafiwhile the army con- | modified version of the Burocop- no decision has boen reached. | ingbudgotary momentum, howev- | siders relaunching production. | ter HC145, could be delivered Norhas a dato heen sot for briof | er; with thioo tracks already in | Another 40 tired OF-58As are | within the same timeframe and at ing Ashton Carter, under secre- | place to preserve and extend the | still available, Grigsby says the same roughly $4.5 million unit tary of defence for acquisition, | Kiowa Warrior Net until 2025, Other O#58Ds are being mod | priceas an upgraded OH-58F. technology and logistics, on its | First, thearmy is taking39 OH- | emised to an Famodol standard @ See our cutaway draing othe US Ar’ Kona Warr: ‘lgtgobal.com ons recommended course of action, | 58As out of storage and convert- | under the cockpit and sensor up- says armed scout programme | ing their cabins to the Danodel | grade progra 1, which adds a New problem hits Lockheed candidate for JAGM Perri crpen ptr trp | eae ge aererel certeetiemreed hheod Martin has admitted finding | against a Raytheon/Boeing team, | heed fixed both problemsand suc- | ness development manager for anew problem with its candidate | had already faced two setbacks in | oxssfully fied a missile in a lf | JAGM, Another four rounds will for the US Army's joint airto- | tho live-ro tests required at the | funded test, t john says. Do subjected in May toa series of ground missile JAGM)contract. | end of the JAGM programme's | Lockhood has delivered eight | thermocyeling tests with vibre The Aerojetsupplied single | technology development phase | singlerocket motorsto the amy for | tion included, he says, rocket motor has met unspecified | last year further tests, but the results have | Raythoon cleared the technol- problems, says Frank St John, | Inone test, a mechanical intor- | notbeen disclosed, heads ‘ogy demonstration testsby hitting Lockhood!’s viowprosident fortaci- | ference inthogimbal ofLockheed’s | Raytheon alsoconfirms having | the target all three times in gov calmisslos, As arosult,Lockheod | tri:mode sooker caused thomissilo | delivered eight rocket motors to | emment-funded test shots, as {is making manufacturing process | tomissitstargetby 400m (1.3109), | the army. In March, the first four | well as during three company’ changes to improve the quality of | Anothertestshotwentaw:y due to | motors cleared aset of thermocy- | funded tos, i 16 Fight International 26 April-May 2011. Aightgobal.com= { } QUAD-A 2011 ems PS SHOW REPORT regnonsor Bidal ] - - idders reveal Service aims for new class &“ Reon of high-speed rotorcraft First pledge from leaders to break away from upgrades to conventional helicopters he loaders of the US Army ition branch have pledged. forthe first timeto beak rom up- grades to conventional belicop- ters an field anallnew rotorcaft with atop speed of at least 200kt (70ks/h) by 2030. ‘Maj Gon Anthony Crutchfield, aviation branch chief, committed theservice othe new rloreraf at ‘the Quad-A convention whileals ‘sltingalistofequirments forthe vertical If machines that will = place its Booing AHG4 Apache, (CH47 Chinook and Sikorsky ‘UHL Black Hawk lets The “next-generation aircraft rust beat least 2041 faster than ‘thetop speed a omventional heli- Copter can achiove due to the limitation ofreteting blade stall, which caps forward velocity at roughly 170kt, Crutchfield say TW must also be optionally ‘manned, ly 458m (888kan) mis- sions, main on station for 2h, hhover at 6,0008 (1,880m) in tem- peratures above 25°C (05°F) and carry a nine-person crew plus weapons and sensors { dow't think we can do all ‘hose things just by incrementally improving our current airra Ghutcfield says. “It's going to ‘have toe something new: Since canceling the Boeing’ Sikorsky RAH-86 Comanche in “don’t want my grandchildren flying the [Apache] Longbow Block 80” "MAI GEN ANTHONY CRUTCHFIELD Aton bench ehelUS Ay 2004, anny aviation chiols have pound billion into uperading the savie'sexisting helicopters. This hs proved a healthy ventory of aircraft that rw in i demand in operations in Iraq and Aljanistan, but officals beiove they will need faster and more survivable aircraft after 2000. "L don’t want my grandchil- dren flying the [Apache} Lon fold says. to take us futher into that future ‘This aligns the any with ve- cont investments by Sikorsky i the couxil-rotor X2 high-speed ‘demonstrator and Piasecki with the compound-rotar X-a9A, Spa Hawk. Bell Helicopter has a concopt fora “hybrid tandem rotor", while Boeing has started development of a high-spoed vertical li concept called the Disc Rotor. In January, the army issued ros for proposal for concopts to develop a replacement forthe AlL-o4 and UH-60 with a single aircraft calle the Joint Mul-Role OMR)-Mediimn. This conldalso be scaled up of dawn to replace the Ibeaylit Chinook and Bell O58 Kiowa Warrior rspoctively. But anny officials have not f- nalised plans for launching the JMR-Medium programme, or ven determined whother the Apache/Black Hawk replacement should come fist. Foliage-penetrating radar enters test ho US Southern Commaned Jas started ial ests on anew rndar for mmannod air vehicles designed to penettate beneath tviple-ayer jungle emopy, Lock- hood Matin says The first two tactical recon- nalssance and counter concoal- ‘ment enabled radar (ace) pods ‘nud become opetional within six months to one yen, says Rob- ft Robinson, Lockbied’s senior programme manager. ‘Th pods ae expected to even ‘nally be caiod by the amay'sGen- cal Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagles, ‘hile Robinson says Locked is alo in the early phases of discus- sion with Boeingto inlet Tc- flchtglbaloom ‘The Tracer pod was caried by a NASA Predator B alr vehicle rons Atoo Humaninghied Flight tests with the Tracer have recnatly boon conducted using a NASA Goneral Atomics MQ Predator B UAV, but Lackhed is still waiting forthe USmiltary to sata programme afrwcond to move ‘he pod into production “The UHFIVHF-band Tracer was launched in the ffermath ofthe Balkans conflict, when Serbia forces used camouflage and tons ‘ohide military equipment ‘Tracer also has a capability to ‘detect improvised explosive do vioes buried underground. for small UAVs Selma a eis arebeing equipped bythe US nilitary to designate targets with ‘a homing laser, but stil lack a guided weapon small enough to Taunch an atack themselves ‘Alng to solve this, two con- tractors unveiled offerings atthe ‘convention. Alliant Tecisysems (ATK) showed a full-salo movel ‘ofa US Air Force Research Labo- ralory- faded rounition called the Hatchet, wile Raytheon market- ‘eda selfindd smal tctica me nition (STM) with a newly ned signed warkcad Little information was availa- ‘le sbout the Hatchet, although an image in ATK's exhibit booth displayed multiple weapons de- soending on a mobile sufacoto- airmissile launcher ‘Aer tsting an STM last year using an offthosholf warhead, Raytheon decided it needed great r punch. The company plans to star ight tests with a new war Tad inthe this quater of this Year, says Cody Tetscok,itscap> fu manager for the emerg ‘usinoss ar. ‘Both munitions appear to be designed to exploit an untapped mathe for guided munitions on so-called Class 3 UAVs, such a5 the AAI RQ Shadaw operated dy the US Army and the US Ma- ine Comps ‘Tho main challengo isto design guided brn in the 4.5.6. (10- 151) lass cheap enough tobe pro dhuced in mass quantities Rate. “on hse price target somewhere ‘etwoon the roughly $5,000 goal fora guided rocket and the any’ $100,000 objective for tho nearly 49kg join aito-ground missile r= quirement Military officials have yet toes lablish a formal ogutement fora neve weapon, and Teschok notes thatthe RQ. has no bomb ack ar interface to communicate atages’s postion toa guided weapon. i “rad nae sbut urranned arenes goto ‘hg con/uay 26 Apil-2 May 2011 \Flight International 17BUSINESS AVIATION fightgotaLcom blew Keep uptodate wit a te test busines and general vation news at [REGULATIONS MURDO MORRISON LONDON Angst at Olympics air rules Operators concerned they will miss out on big 2012 opportunity due to tough restrictions IN 22 comes shou bonanza for business aviation as thousands of the world’s rich and powerful de- seend on London, However, many fixed-wing and helicopter charter operators ‘worry that proposed strict restric tions on the capital's airspace will make it virtually impossible to run viable services. Oporators are pinning their hhopos on persuading the Depart: ‘ment for Transport and the Home Offico— which has responsibility for security to relax the scheme. 1 will soo a 40 x 20am (75 x 40kzn) prohibited zone, centred fon the Olympic stadium, and a larger restricted. zone imposed from 13 July until 12 September. Every light within the restrict- fed zone will have to have its flightplan pre-cleared, something ‘operators beliove will cause huge dolays. The intention is to thin ‘out airspace to make it easier for air affic controllers to detect any airborne threat Speaking al an operators’ peo EBACE briefing at Oxford airport, Patrick Margetson-Rushmore, chief executive of London Executive Aviation, described the Olympics asa “boon and crucible for business aviation” that could soe operators missing out on one ofthe biggest opportunities ofthe docade if the restrictions as they stand are strictly appli. David McRobert, group manag- ing director of Oxford-based Premiir, which manages the London heliport in Battersea, Exclusion zone covers stadium says the company has had “en- ‘couraging moctings" with evil servants. “Wo think they better understand now the needs of the ‘exocutive helicopter market. ‘They have taken on board our cconcems about the onerous re quirements for light plans. Michael Hampton, managing director of fellow helicopter specialist Capital Air Services, is proposing that ahead ofthe games known operators should be allowed to register aircraft pilots ‘and known routes with the authorities, This would avoid Alightplans having to be submit- in a very British ‘way, well get it together on the day,” he says. “tis up to us [the ‘business aviation community] to do something about itand ensure there isa way forward Under the plans, no VIP holi- ‘copter lights willbe permitted in the vicinity of the Olympic stadi- um itsolf, o even heads of stato will have to make the 15km (9 miles) journey from central Lon- don by ground transport. Ml [MRO MICHAEL GUBISCH LONDON FL Technics to expand maintenance operation ithuanian MRO provider FL sTechnics has launched a Dbusinoss jot maintenance opera tion at its site in Vilnius and is planning to build anew hangar in fasten Europe as it looks to ex- pnd the busi Parent company Avia Solutions has established a new firm, FL. ‘Technics Jes, to support Hawker Beacheraft's 700/750/800/800XP/ 50XP/900XP models in its existing Vilnius faclity This will grow to include the Bombardier Challonger 600 and Embraer Legacy 450/500/600 air- raf over th next throo years ‘Available space allows two business jots to be worked on at the same time, but if the mainte: nance workload for commercial craft allows some spare capac ity, this could rise to as many as six, says the company. Ml Hangar 8 to open Nigerian gateway K aircraft management and charter company Hangar 8 plans to set up a fixed-base opera- tion in Nigerian capital Lagos as ‘a stepping stone toa wider Ali ‘can presence” Oxford based Hangar 8— which ‘was listed on the London Stock Ex change’s AIM market in Novernber believes the gion’ ising com- modity-based wealth makes tripe {or business aviation. ‘Nigeria the gatoway to wost fem Alia givon its geographical positioning, relative woalth, size ‘and poor internal infrastructuro, saysthe company. “Our charter experiance backs 18 | Fight international | 26 April-May 2011. (0 Africa up ourresearch that demand will be strong for reliable, secure, ‘well-maintained and Wester: crovod aireraf and that charter rates are holding up wll,” the ‘company adds. Koop cn top ote business sation news, clk trough to ‘ighghobal.com/tieav =< Slogttied Axtmann (left), chief ‘executive Martin Muhimeyer German growth helps FAI pass €50 million mark Guess rent-a-jt expects revenues to pass €50 million ($71 million) for the first time due toa strong do- mesticeconamy and a hazardous slobal security situation The Nuremberg-based compe. ny ~ which specialises in sup- porting UN rolief flights and medevac.as well as high-ond business chartor—has just added its twentieth aircraft, a scoond Bombardier Global Express. Tthas invested €10 million in its first company-owned mainte- nance hangar and offices at its home airport. The 6,000m° (65,0008) facility will open atthe ‘end of April FAL turned over €42.1 million in2010 but says ising demand in all its business segments likely toboost this significantly. lis divisions include FAI Flight Ambulance Intemational, which ‘operates a Loarjt-basod fee of 14 aircraft In the VIP soctor, where FAL operates another Global Ex- press, wo Bombardiee Challenger 604s and a Dassault Falcon S00DX, founder and chairman Sioglied Axtmann expects “con tinued above-average growth”, ‘The company says the “post tive economic climate” in Ger many and several other European ‘countries is strengthening ai traf fic in general. “The geopolitical security situation is generating rising demand” for fight logistics for UN missions it ays. i Aightgobal.comican Faloen TKS) BUSINESS AVIATION head-up display ‘turn nightinto day? = FEATURE P30 : AVIONICS JOHN CROFT WASHINGTON OC SALE Rockwell Collins shows off =™\estsiteseo up for auction its all-new low-cost display 9. 00 :sm« manufacturing space in two Self-contained unit for light to midsize jets comes to market for $100,000-150,000 facilities in diferent states will be Ree Cotas ae boos the fist avionics provider to go to market with a true low-cost head-up display for the light to midsize business aviation feet ‘with the aunch ofits HGS-3500. ‘Thesell-contained 5.4kg (121b) unit, which can fold away in the cockpit above the pilot's head, features a 30° horizontal by 21° vortical field of view that will show typical HUD symbology as. ‘wellas gray scale synthetic vision and enhanced vision, ifthe alr cra is equipped. ‘Traditional HUD systems in- clude an overhead projector that shines light on an optical comin: erin fron of the pila. Companies including BAE Systems, Elbit and Saab Avitronics have boon experi- menting with low-cost HUDs using various technologies, but hhave not yet come to market with ddosigns for the lighter end of the business aircraft market Using substrate guided optics, the HGS-3500 uses an optical ‘waveguide to transfer the HUD imagery from an image source in the overhead unit ditvally toa fat plate of glass in fron othe plot Although costing more than tho generally accopted figure for of a low-cost HUD — about $850,000 not installed ~ the HGS- 3500 comes close. Adam Evan: schwartz, Rockwell Collins’ prin- cipal marketing manager for product systoms, says the self Contained unit is priced at “well under $100,000” uninstalled and about $150,000 flly installed Theonly “catch’ inthis caseis thatthe self-contained HUD must ‘connect toa Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics fightdeck that is part ofa clean- sheot or block upgrade design — “mostly because of the intricacies ofinstalling”, says Evanschwartz. “The overhead optical compo- nent must be installed very pro: cisely. Its practical only for a block point change or a clean sheot design.” up for auction at bargin basement AA variety of surveys led the | prices as part of the bankruptcy ‘company to conclude the inter | saleof Emivest Aerospace, builder nally funded project was wady to | ofthe S}20busines jet go forward. “We looked at mar | S)30 supplier Metalora pur Ketplace and saw the need for | chased the aircaf programme for holp with precise lightpath con- | $3.5 million plus soveral million trol and energy management in | dollars in assumed liabilities on 7 this segment,” says Evan- | April. As part of the sale, Motal- schwartz, “It was vory much a | craft will have to vacate produc: ‘build a market’ project. Once we | tion sites in West Virgina and San had it mature enough, we started. | Antonio in the next three months. toongage with manufacturors." | Hileo Real Estato and Counsol He saysairframers haveshown | RBaretakingbicls forboth proper- “great enthusiasm” forthe system | tes until 16 June. The 8,130ue ‘and that a first customer an- | Martinsburg West Virginia site has nouncement should arrive“inthe | a lese that runs up to 2030, with not too distant future the option fortwo 30-yearrenewals Although Pro Line Fusion is | for $10,000 year, plus “81 per us available in superlight and larger | able acre”, say the companies. business jets, Evanschwartz says | The 11,840m? San Antonio fe- the suite is scalable and will | cility, which was the Emivest ‘eventually allow aircraft down to | headquarters and final assembly the size of certain single-angined | plant, has a lease that runs up to turboprops to be candidates for | 2016:with an option fora 10-year the HGS.3500, ‘extension, for $100,000 year. Fer moe on busioss and ger Road John Ct tao on eal avaton goto Des gota. com/ goa. com/ticav bogs /ae the crf es ‘UPGRADE JOHN CROFT VIASHINGTON DC Hawker and Nextant fight for upgrade supremacy Hirmiertecterat ns cso fated its plans to certificate an avionics upgrade package fr the venerable Beechjet 400A and Hawker 400%P light business ots as competitor Nextant Aerospace prepares to begin selling similar ‘enhancements later this veat ‘The company has added a soc ond certification aircraft to the programme to accelerate the avi ‘nies portion of a broader make- over of the type, which includes changing out the original Rock- well Collins Pro Line 4 suite in favour of tho Pro Line 21, “Customers can choose a base line throo-display system or a ‘more advanced four-display sys tem, along with other enhance- ‘ments to meet their operational flgntgobal.com vas suspended in November 4 pending a return of demand for <<» - thotwinjet. Pole ee ice Next sys te | first tranche ofits remanufactured Boochjot 400A and Hawker 400XP models will be delivered this year under the Nextant -400XT tite Priced at under $4 million per aircraft the upgrade also features Pro Line 21 avionics, Williams ‘Avionics updates on Beectt and Hawker 400 models wilbe accelerated FJ4-3AP engines and several needs,” says Hawker Beechcraft of the avionics refresh, which it says will be certificated asa stan- dalone upgrade this summer The entire 400XPR upgrade package, which includes new Wil- liams Intemational F}44-4 ‘aerorynamic. Improvements re- ‘engines in place of the Pratt & | lated tothe powerplants, The fist Whitney Canada JF-18D-5 turbo- | production conforming aircraft fans and new composite winglets | has been receiving its paint and inaddition to thePro Line21 avi- | on schedule to bo on display at ‘nies, isto bo certificated in 2012 | EBACE, the European business and priced at $2.64 million. Pro- | aviation association trade show duction ofthe $7.5 million 400XP 26 Aorl-2 Nay 201.1 | Flight Intemational 19BUSINESS ‘commensal aMaton Onine aks aera finance wore. Ton ou ow osu sexbe vist fightiobl com /aboutea0 Good week KESSEL AIRPORT The proect, under construo- tion 1454m (90 miles) ‘north of Frankfurt, e- ceived aboost this week with te news that Chinese carter Hainan Anes is considering establishing European hub there. The finance ministry ofthe federal state of Hessen, the larg: est shareholerin the ‘airport, confimed that it 's in ngotitions with the Chinese aiine, but ‘ays thatthe talks are at “en eatly stage” and that Itisalso takingto other partes. SECURITY Extensive ‘analysis of the behaviour cof securty personnel at irports has revealed gap between procedures ‘and actual behaviour when recognising and ‘2cting upon a potential tveat. Just 24% ofa ‘ort employees and 58% of securty workers say they alerted others after ‘seeing something susp cious, says the European ‘Unionfunded Bemosa Dioject. Coornator Alan Kirschendaum says fall Lue to follow procedures ‘s usual the result of Jacke skis or taining, Bad week EQUITY ALEXANDER ZUBIN MOSCOW Funding a Western front London listing is first step in Russian Helicopters’ bid for global presence reed BResiantstcoters te sate jowned holding that designs ‘and manufactures Mil and Kamov civil and military helionp- tors, is goaring up for an ambi- tious growth drive fuelled by a '$500 million initial public offer- ing in London and Russia. The offering of $250 milion in shares held by majority owner Oboronprom and another $250 million in now equity gives in vestors a rare chance to buy into the country’s traditionally closed serospace and defence sector ‘The company, created in 2007 as part of a Russian government drive to consolidate its aerospace industry, will use the proceeds to pay off debt and buy outstanding shares in subsidiaries. But the listing isa key plank in 1 drive for global prominence. According to chief executive Dmitry Petrov: “Tho main ele- ‘ment of our strategy is to emerge 1s one of the three leading pro- ‘ducers in helicopter construction Weare in avery competitive field ‘There arv six main players, cluding China ‘AL this time, we are growing faster than our competitors. We ‘aren't afraid ofthe competition.” Russian Helicopters consists of 11 enterprises including the Mil and Kamov design bureaux and the Kazan Helicopter Plant, and produces the widely sold Mi-17 ‘and Mi-171 helicopters The firm is one ofthe mest pro- ductive parts of Russia's Nagging aerospace sector, with steady sales to China, India, and other Asian countries, and recent suc- ‘ess in Latin America ‘The domestic market is also sot to take off with large orders from the Russian armed forces, which ood to roplace hundreds of Mi-8s ‘and. introduce new attack and training helicopters such as the Mi-28N and Ansa “While we have already achieved leading positions in some of the most attractive and highost-growth market segments, the IPO will help us to increase 20/ Fight intemational| 26 April-2 May 2011. ‘Unt sates 20080 250 20- 10 = 100-65 ey so- Sales by helicopter type Mutary ou ‘sas 49% SSOURCE: Russian Helicopters further our globall market share,” says Petro. Evidence of that global poton- tial came this month, when Rus- sia and the USA agroed a $370 million deal to supply 21 Mi-17 helicopters to Afghanistan. INVESTOR INTEREST Russian Helicopters has also ap- plied for its shares tobe listed on Russia's RTS and MICEX ex- changes, a mandatory require ment for Russian firms listing ‘overseas. The shares will be listed ‘only as global depositary receipts, sothe company will nt got full FTSE listing and will require a lower level of disclosure. A rond show is imminent In 2010 Russian Helicopters’ ‘consolidated revenue rose 42% to $2.2 billion, ane market analysts say the company has good foun- dations and is likely to attract strong intoest from investors Russian Helicopters will nish ‘a process of consolidation by ob- taining 100% control in throo major subsidiaries ~ the Ulan- Ue aircraft factory, the Kazan helicopter plant and Rostvortol ~ says Alexandra Lozovaya, deputy chief of analysis at kavestCafe: “ 2004 2005-2006 2007 aus 220 2008 2009 2010 uge Heay/medum “box Por) ats 495 24 198 168 120 207 "SOURCE: ACS Ran its ‘oxpoct the placement will be suc ‘cessful due to the firm's unique position in the sector. Proviously, the United Aircraft Corporation Loehich owns Sukhoi] was the ‘only major aircraft sector issuer ‘on the Russian stack exchange.” Bank of Moscow analyst Mikhail Lyamin values the com- pany at about $1.6 billion, based ‘on $500 million for 30% of ‘its shares: “Russian Helicopters is unique, thus itis likely to attract major interest from Westorn i vestorsand major funds.” ‘Russian funds and portfolio investors are definitely positive about its plans and prospects for share price growth.” i Fotowaurextensie terran sector coverage at ‘igrgobal.com atcoptors Aightgobal.comBUSINESS PEOPLE MOVES IBus INESS BRIEFS ‘Amadeus Gulf, Bye Energy, Etihad, SAS, PremiAir VP Americas at Etihad, Formerly ‘with the Institute of Travel ‘Management and British Aicways, Anne Doamer has joined Seandinavian Airlines as ‘business sales manager. Michael Grnenberg has joined the strategic advisory council at Bye Energy, a developerand integrator of altemative energy tochnologios for business and general aviation aircraft, Former Natfets Northolt account ‘manager and maintenance diroctor Mike Preston has joined PromiAir as director of ‘Martin: Jet Support EMEA ATP licence holder and MD-1 captain Paul Eckert has joined | engineering and maintenance at Boeing subsidiary Jeppesen as its Oxford, Biggin Hill and \VPaviation, Europe, Middle East | Blackbushe facilities, and Arica, Hehas advised the firm for several years. At Jet ‘Support Services, Greg Martin is now VP business development {for Europe, Middle East, Atica and Asia, Former Cathay Pacific executive Adrian Gane has been appointed managing director of ‘Amadeus Gulf, sal distribution company owned jointly by Bihad Airways and Amadeus International, to ‘monitor the UAE, Oman and Bahrain markets. He replaces Geert Boven, who is now senior Eckert: Jeppesen aviator (QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Costs are like fingernails; they are always growing and you always have to trim them back” ‘Gormarwings boss ‘THOMAS WINKELMANN on ‘rancial icpine in the Way issue of Fight htematinals sister mont Ane Business figntgobal.com FIRMS JOIN FORCES FOR ALM RESEARCH [MANUFACTURING EADS and GAN have teamed at their Fiton, UK research centres to dre additive layer manufacturing technology for the aerospace market. The tecinlogy effectively grows pats rom layer ofesin and plastic powder or from layers of metalic powder sintered together by laser or plasma beams. GKN vice-president ‘technology Rich Oldfild says tis early days, but “the opportunity is endless”. GANs expertise in metalic structures i aeady feeding into a RollsRojce bid to use sintered powder techniques to make ‘turbine blades. ‘TURKISH AND AJ WALTER TO CO-OPERATE MAINTENANCE Turkish Technic sto partner AJ Water Aviation for component support on 42 ofits parent company’s leet of inservice Boeing 777-300ERs and those on order. The “‘powertythehour" component support contract wil ive the Turkish company aocess to Alles pool of leased stock ithe equipment needs reat his willbe provided through rsh Aways’ MRO arm BA Engineering. In ‘a second dea, the MRO company wil service equoment on behalf Aller at its new facily et Sai Gokcen International port. REGIONAL JETS BOOST FOR EMBRAER [AIRFRAMER Braziian aamer Embraer delivered 20 regional ets (170 or 190 family aircraft) during the frst quarter, along with eight business arf The compary sold 44 regional aratin the pe od, to customers including Atala, Ukrainian ain Dniproava and KLM. ts backlog for commercial ircraft now stands at 270, up fom its yearend total of 250. BRICE REBRAND AIMS TO LEAVE RIVALS STANDING INTERIORS Timco fvation Sevices iso rebrand its Brice Seating dvsionas@ product unit of Timco Aerosystems, Timco's interiors engineering and manufacturing group. Brice has operated asa part ofthe Time family of companies since it was acquired in 2002. Timco says the move is align the operation more closely withthe rest ofits business. CITY AIRLINE PICKS VISTAIR SAFETY Svedish regional carer City Arne has signed up for Vista's web based SefeyNet safety reporting and management s)5- ‘em. The Gothenturgbased airine operates a leet of 10 aiczaft (five Embraer ERJ145s, two Embraer E136 and three Boeing M87.) on European routes ts move to Vistar is to replace an out dated inhouse system for safety reporting with “ited functionality {or tvend analysis". ‘ORIENS MANAGEMENT AIM FOR THE STARS: RESTRUCTURE /viaton consutancy Orns Advisors has restuc- ‘ured its management team. The moves in response ta growing cllent portfolio and recent changes ints operating strategy. Edin Brenninkmeyes one ofthe fis founders, takes the ole of chief executive at ts London Big Hl airport offices. Michael Reks, aso an Orens founder becomes chief operating officer anc Archie Garden, the ti founder takes the new ole of chaiman, COBHAM’S MARS SAFETY SYSTEM APPROVED APPROVAL Cobtiam has received a release for fight certicate from the US Air Force fr its MAL6 family derived Mobile Aircrew Restraint System (MARS), for use onthe service's Sikorsky HHEOG Pave Hank helicopters. 26 Aorl-2 May 204.1 Flight Intemational '21AVIONICS SPECIAL REPORT Pe GE Aviation to bulld Ceti ah Their efficacy has been demonstrated repeatedly at exotic locations worldwide — but how far can required navigation performance procedures extend their reach? JOHN CROFT WASHINGTON DC ‘oquired navigation performance (RNP) procedures and their bottom- line operational onst benefits have been proven for exotic locations worldwide, and most modern airliners are boing delivered with the equipment nooded to fly them —but the outlook for a broader rollout ofthe practice remains unclear. 22 Fight nternational| 26 April-May 2011. “While innovators like Qantas, Southwest and Alaska Airlines have dived in and aro ready to rock and roll from an operational standpoint, you can’t get a ton of benefit yet Dbecauso the government side hasn't built the infrastructure,” says Andy McDowell, direc- tor of airspace and airports for performance- based navigation procodures provider Joppesen, a subsidiary of Booing That leaves PBN coming to fruition “in auaiee pockets around the world”, says McDowell ‘Those pockets tond to be in places such as China, Australia, Canada and South America, ‘whore use of PEN removes the need for ground based navigation infrastructure RNP uses an aircraft's GPS and inertial nav igation system to stay within a procedurally fined narrow passageway inthe ai Although it isa subset ofthe broader palette ‘of PBN offerings, RNP has become the prima ry focus for operators globally because “it pro vides the most benefits", says GE Aviation technical fellow Steve Fulton. Coupled with crew traning, it brings a “tre mendous return”, ho adds ~ not only procise guidance to lower minima at airports where traditional ground-based navigation aids are fightglobal.com‘What we are seeingis a definite increase in interest in RNP. | expect we will see it deployed across the country” STEVE FULTON Tichnical elo, GE Aviation ineffective, but also reduced fuel burn, track niles and noise over communities. Procedure providers Jeppesen and GE have bboen working for foreign governments forsev- cal yoars, developing public navigation pro- cedures for airlines to better access some of the most terrain-challenged (and scenic) air. Fightgiobal.com ports in the world — actions that are sure to provide a boon tothe local economies, in ad- dition to increasing airline safety. Forthe Chinese government, GP is finalis- {nga slate of RNP-only arrival, approach, and dparture procedures covering five different [Airbus and Boeing types ~forJuzhai airport, the third-highest elevation airport inthe coun try. “China has transitioned from piecemeal IRNP| to holistic.” says Fulton. GE began working with the Chinese govern- ‘ment in 2004, at Lhasa airport. Since then, GE has developed RNP procedures for a toal of cight airports and five airlines, some of which have now been in revenue operation for six ‘years. Challenges at Juzhat included its alti- ‘ude— 11,3008 (3.450m) and the fact that it ison top of a mountain ("It looks like an ai- craft carro,” says Fulton) and features gusty winds, sudden obscuration, and clouds and fog, “Pilots that flyin there ar exceptional ait- men,” says Fulton, “In fulllment ofthis contract, we creatod all the elements necessary to take it from ro- bust design, obstacle clearance and aircraft performance all the way through deployment, ‘making map data available and providing suppot for the aislines to got the procedures flown by the pilots” PROMISING CANDIDATE Brazil isa promising candidate for new work, withthe 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics ‘onthe horizon, “Brazil is quite earnest in their expectations to dono less [than South Aftica did forthe 2010 World Cup)”, says Fulton “What we are seeing isa definite increase {n interest in RNP and I expect we will see it deployed across the country." GEhas signed a contract with Brazilian cartior Gol to gain RNP opertional approval “Its the frst solid evidence,” says Fulton. “There's a lot more going on that we're not ready totalkabout.” What he would say was that a project build RNP procedures for Machu Picchu ai port in Perfor Lan Airlines throe years ago paid of, asthe artine then hired the company {odo the same for more of itsairportsin Limo, to be followed later by more in Peru, Chile and Ecuador. Procedure developer Jeppesen has de- ployed procedures for mountain-ringed ports in China such as Lin Zhi, but is also ‘working in Indonesia to persuade carriers such as Lion Air ofthe value of creating RNP procedures at Manado airport Last year, Jeppesen completed “a huge project” in Panama City for Copa Airlines. It inclided a redesign of publicly available siandard arival anc departures routes, as well, snow approaches, says McDowell. is gives the aircraft a completely de- fined path all the way to the runway end so AVIONICS SPECIAL REPORT (Copa can then begin optimising the Full path ofthe aircraft to the ground,” he says."We've gotten the blessing of the government the pro- Ccodures are fully defined and we're training the air traffic controller population utilising the procodures.” McDowell says Copa, which accounts for 50% ofthe airport's operations, could gain the “biggest benefit” with its all-Booing 737 fleet. Jeppesen has also designed a procedure ‘that may allow aieinest My simultaneous in- dopendent approaches to two closely spaced parallel runways at the airport, pending regu latory approval that hinges on ongoing wake turbulence studios and other factors NO ACTION AFOOT All the action on the world stage begs the question: what is happening with the RNP rolhoutin the USA? Not much, says McDow- cll, Although Jeppesen like GE, has Fedral Aviation Administration approval o develop the procedures and special crew training for airlines ho says there is “no action” afoct. “The business model with the FAA says ‘outside parties have to pay a third-party pro- viderto have the procedures developad,” says ‘McDowell. “Problem is, no-one wants to pay the money for a procedure that anyone else could us." He says there has been a “push” from the industry to got the FAA to pay forthe proce- dures, “but so far the FAN not biting” ‘The FAA to date has published 59 RNP au- thorisation required (RNP AR) approach pro- cedures, “Production of additional RNP pro- cedures will focus on those with the most significant benefit,” says the agency. ‘Annew “nay lean” project due ogo live in June will reportedly cut tho time it takes to do- velop and approve PBN procedures by 40%, boosting production. Fulton soos a similar stalemate howover. “Ws unclear in the US how RNP fis into the “Its alittle bit confusing ato which direc- tion the agency is going.” Airports are increasingly looking at RNP as «tool to bring in airlines as wol ato addross community nose and emissions issues, he says. “I think you'll soe more airports asking “What can RNP do for us?’ It'san entcely new tool they can bring into the conversation, to have the aircraft follow very tightly prescribed tracks that are tailored to provide minimum {impacts to the community.” However, Fulton adds eyslative language that would have allowed airports to use pas- songor facilities chargos to develop the proce- all the data you need in one > as the basis for demand >"Ifind ACAS data accuracy to constantly updated service to forecasting by major be excellent, in my experience it's understand the existing and (OEMs and maintenance always right” future interiors market. 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