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Magazine Issue

Aviation Week & Space Technology November 3/10, 2014 

VOL. 176 NO. 39 November 03, 2014

Zhuhai 2014

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SpaceX Proves Challenging To China's Long March Launcher

Nov 10, 2014
One of China’s strengths in the space game was thought to be cost, but SpaceX appears to be undercutting the country’s edge in this regard.
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C919 Inches Toward Flight-Testing, ARJ21 Toward Upgrade

Nov 03, 2014
Two major sections of the first C919 fuselage have been connected, and the nose is in position to join them. “Final assembly is proceeding steadily,” says Comac, adding that it is trying to complete joining the structure by year-end, after which it will integrate the on-board systems. The roll-out is due in the third quarter of 2015.
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Avic Advances But Struggles To Maintain Focus

Nov 10, 2014
Six years after its reorganization into specialist subsidiaries, Avic is handling a wide range of civil aircraft programs, with a remarkable number of mostly secretive engine developments also coming into view. It still has challenges, however, beginning with its sheer size: it has 400,000 employees, many working in fields unrelated to building aircraft.
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MA700 To Fly In June 2017, Deliveries From 2019

Nov 03, 2014
As the MA700 moves closer to being production-ready, Avic hopes the new offering will be well-received.
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J-20 Stealth Fighter Design Balances Speed And Agility

Nov 10, 2014
China’s new J-20 stealth fighter design points to highly specific mission requirements.
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Use Of General Aviation Aircraft Still Faces An Uphill Battle In China

Nov 03, 2014
In 2010, the hope was that by 2015 private aircraft would be widely usable in China. As of 2014, little progress has been made for propeller-driven aircraft, although helicopter operations are making progress.
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China To Showcase New Defense Equipment At Zhuhai

Nov 03, 2014
The 10th Zhuhai air show sees China emerging as a one-stop military aerospace provider, from surveillance satellites to 50-kg small-diameter precision-guided munitions.

Up Front

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Opinion: SpaceX’s Elon Musk And Walt Disney Not Far Apart

Nov 03, 2014
Musk’s approach strikes me as very similar to one used by another great creator and businessman of his time: Walt Disney.

Leading Edge

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Google Details 'Project Wing' Unmanned Package-Delivery R&D

Nov 03, 2014
Biggest challenge to delivering packages direct to customers using unmanned aircraft may be the recipients themselves.

Reality Check

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Opinion: Airline Business Models Converging Across U.S., Europe

Nov 03, 2014
Business model for legacy and low-cost carriers is converging, in both the U.S. and Europe.

Airline Intel

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Air Berlin, Etihad Code-sharing Approval Extended—For Now

Nov 03, 2014
Although European airlines complain about state support for others, they often take advantage of it themselves

In Orbit

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Space Station Seen As ‘Priceless' For Exploration Development

Nov 03, 2014
After astronauts install a special 3-D printer in the ISS’s Microgravity Science Glovebox and set up the high-definition video cameras that will watch its extruder and work platform from two different angles, controllers at a small startup company in California will send signals to begin making things in orbit.

Washington Outlook

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Intelligence From the U.S. Capital

Nov 03, 2014
Mending Fences If Republicans win control of the Senate in the Nov. 4 congressional elections, the outspoken Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is likely to head the Senate Armed Services Committee. While he is generally well-respected in national security circles, the defense industry remembers his aggressive pursuit of Boeing’s Air Force refueling tanker missteps and his criticism of the Joint Strike Fighter and Littoral Combat Ship.

Space

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Sierra Nevada Corp. Loses Override Appeal As CCtCap Continues

Nov 03, 2014
Boeing and SpaceX are preceding apace with their plans for commercial crew space capsules, now that the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals ruled against Sierra Nevada’s protest.
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Antares Failure Tightens ISS Deliveries Indefinitely

Nov 03, 2014
Contingency planning and the multi-vehicle approach to supplying the International Space Station will mitigate the effects of the worst accident to hit human spaceflight since the Columbia disaster, but not without some belt-tightening and lesson-learning in the months ahead.

Defense

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New Seeker Could Put Tomahawk In Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile Race

Nov 12, 2014
Raytheon is upgrading its Tomahawk missile to ready it to compete for the pending U.S. Navy’s Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare requirement.
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KC-46 First Flight Delayed

Nov 03, 2014
Pentagon procurement chief Frank Kendall is confident Boeing can deliver the initial KV-46s in 2017, but sees possible additional costs for the company
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MDA Inches Closer To Launching ‘On Remote’

Nov 03, 2014
The agency’s ultimate goal is to integrate the disparate elements of a vast ballistic missile defense system—including satellites, airborne infrared data and ground- and ship-based radars—into a single network of sensors and shooters functioning seamlessly.
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Brazil And Sweden Close Gripen Deal

Nov 03, 2014
Signature of a contract for 36 Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen fighters for Brazil—covering technology transfer, the development of the JAS 39F two-seater and a substantial role in the program for Embraer and other Brazilian companies—is a turning point in Gripen’s history, Saab officials say.
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Lawmakers Assail French 2015 Defense Spending Plan

Nov 03, 2014
As France prepares to battle the European Commission over its 2015 spending plan, Paris is under pressure to reduce the nation’s deficit, even as its military takes on new operational commitments in Africa and the Middle East. Pro-defense lawmakers also worry that the six-year military spending plan will collapse if some of the defense ministry’s anticipated funding sources do not materialize as planned.
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France Scheduled For Third Reaper In 2015

Nov 03, 2014
Impressed with the performance of its first two U.S. MQ-9 Reapers, France is looking forward to a third in early 2015.
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'Third Offset' Addresses Operational and Economic Challenges

Nov 03, 2014
The Pentagon’s proposed new strategy—Third Offset—builds on operational challenges faced in the 1950s and 1970s—that took advantage of U.S. technological leadership to overcome operational challenges.
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New Strategy Would Cut F-35s, Boost Bombers and UAVs

Oct 31, 2014
The Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments paper details the roles of new and existing systems in the Third Offset strategy; a larger role for the Long-Range Strike Bomber is one of several systems listed.

Air Transport

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Biggest U.S. Airlines Are Profitable—And Reluctant To Add Capacity

Nov 03, 2014
The nine largest publicly traded U.S. carriers made money in the quarter ended Sept. 30, with several reporting record or near-record earnings thanks to full cabins and lower fuel prices. But the industry is still largely very cautious about adding capacity to capitalize on the improved environment, even as lower fuel prices make once marginal routes more profitable. “We can’t count on $80 [per barrel] crude prices going forward,” warns Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly.
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Europe’s Largest Legacy Carriers Seek Ways To Compensate For Strike Fallout

Nov 10, 2014
Europe’s two biggest legacy airlines are focusing on how to make up for strike-related losses.
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Speedy Financial Recovery Within Reach For Qantas

Nov 03, 2014
CEO Alan Joyce says Qantas is already meeting profitability targets just a few months after reporting massive annual losses. Virgin Australia, meanwhile, is completing its takeover of struggling Tigerair Australia.

Next-Generation Avionics

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Trying Out Rockwell Collins’s New Fusion Touchscreen Flight Deck

Nov 11, 2014
Aviation Week recently ‘test drove’ Rockwell Collins’s Fusion touchscreen flight deck on a Beechcraft King Air 250.
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InSight Flight Deck Is Major Upgrade From Universal Avionics

Nov 03, 2014
Universal Avionics is about to certify a new flight deck called InSight that tightens the working relationship between pilot and machine with a blend of higher-resolution 3-D synthetic vision, larger displays and new icon-based command-and-control architecture. The system is the first major integrated cockpit refresh in nearly a decade from the company that first certified synthetic vision for the multifunction display in 2002, light airplanes in 2005 and air transport cockpits in 2006.
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Seamless Situational Awareness On Honeywell’s Primus Epic Flight Deck

Nov 11, 2014
Three words best describe a suite of new software tools Honeywell is building for its Primus Epic integrated flight decks: seamless situational awareness.
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Honeywell Tackles New Cockpit Concepts

Nov 03, 2014
Engineers at Honeywell’s Flight Deck of the Future Lab help develop advanced cockpit technologies
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Genesys Aerosystems Focuses On Special Missions Sector

Nov 03, 2014
New avionics company Genesys Aerosystems, an amalgam of S-Tec and Chelton Flight Systems, is concentrating on special missions needs to make its mark in the Avionics realm

Editorial

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Editorial: How To Think About Antares Failure

Oct 31, 2014
Lessons will be learned from the failure of Orbital’s Antares. What exactly all those lessons are, it is way too early to tell.

Feedback

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Letters From Our Readers (Nov. 3, 2014)

Nov 03, 2014
Robots In The Cockpit For the last several issues, Aviation Week has devoted substantial space on the Viewpoint and Feedback pages to pilot pay. Perhaps the long-term answer is unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Robots don’t need pensions, bathroom breaks or sleep, nor do they need to adjust their income for inflation. Robotic control systems can be placed nearly anywhere on a large aircraft, allowing more seats to be squeezed in and a much better view from first class (surely increasing the ticket price and bottom line).

Commercial Aircraft Update

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Airbus A318

Nov 03, 2014
Airbus A318 The A318 is a twin-engine, 107-132-passenger narrowbody jetliner. Initial flight occurred in January 2002. The European Joint Aviation Authorities certified the A318 (with CFM56 engines) in May 2003, followed by FAA certification a month later. A318 deliveries began in July 2003; 79 aircraft were produced through 2013. A318s are powered by two 21,600-23,800-lb.-thrust turbofan engines, either the Pratt & Whitney PW6000 or CFM56-5B.
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Airbus A319/A320/A321

Nov 03, 2014
Airbus A319/A320/A321 These models, along with the A318, make up the Airbus A320 family of twin-turbofan, narrowbody airliners. The initial model was the A320, which made its first flight in February 1987. A320 deliveries began in 1988, followed by the stretched A321 in 1994 and the shortened A319 in 1996. All three original models are available with CFM56 or International Aero Engines V2500 engines. The A319 typically seats 124 passengers, the A320 carries 150, and the A321 seats 185. Through 2013, Airbus produced 1,395 A319s, 3,544 A320s and 877 A321s.
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Airbus A330

Nov 03, 2014
Airbus A330 Airbus developed the A330 twin-engine, widebody commercial passenger transport to replace aircraft such as the A300, DC-10-10 and L-1011. An A330 prototype first flew in November 1992, with customer deliveries following in December 1993. Customers have a choice of turbofan engines in the 64,000-72,000-lb.-thrust class: the GE CF6-80E1, Pratt & Whitney PW4000 or Rolls-Royce Trent 700. Three A330 models are available. The A330-300 seats 335 passengers in two classes, or 295 in three classes. The A330-200 seats 293 in two classes, or 253 in three.
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Airbus A340

Nov 03, 2014
The A340 is a four-engine, intercontinental, widebody commercial transport aircraft. A prototype flew in October 1991, and deliveries began in January 1993. The A340-200 and -300 were certificated by the European Joint Aviation Authorities in December 1992 and the FAA in February 1993. Both models are powered by four 31,200-34,000-lb.-thrust CFM56-5C4 turbofans. Two newer models, the longer-range -500 and the stretched -600, are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 500s. Typical seating for the -200, -300, -500 and -600 is 262, 295, 313 and 380 passengers, respectively.
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Airbus A350

Nov 03, 2014
Currently in development, the A350 is a twin-engine, widebody jetliner intended to compete with Boeing’s 787 and 777. The A350 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines rated in the 75,000-97,000-lb.-thrust range, and will have a cruise speed of around Mach 0.85. Three basic versions are being marketed: the -800, -900 and -1000. Depending on the version, the A350 seats 276-369 passengers, and will have a range of 8,100-8,500 nm. The maiden flight occurred in June 2013. Type certification is expected in late 2014, -900 service entry in the same timeframe.
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Airbus A380

Nov 03, 2014
In developing the 525-passenger A380, Airbus chose to leap past Boeing’s 747 in capacity class. Boeing markets the 747-8 to compete with the A380 indirectly, but no direct competition to the A380 exists in the 500-plus-seat market. The A380 is powered by four turbofan engines rated at 70,000-76,500 lb. thrust each, and can be outfitted with either the Rolls-Royce Trent 900 or GE/Pratt & Whitney Engine Alliance GP7200. Airbus currently produces only a passenger version of the A380.
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Airbus C212

Nov 03, 2014
The C212 is an unpressurized, twin-turboprop-powered military transport with room for up to 25 fully equipped troops or a payload of up to 6,504 lb. Along with transport duties, the aircraft has seen popularity in a maritime patrol role. Developed by Spain’s CASA, and once known as the Aviocar, the C212 made its first flight in March 1971; deliveries began in May 1974. Some 477 C-212s (of all versions) were built through 2013, including about 110 aircraft assembled by Indonesian Aerospace (IAe).
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Aircraft Industries L-410

Nov 03, 2014
The L-410 is a 15-19-passenger, unpressurized, twin-turboprop-powered, regional/utility transport aircraft. The current-production L-410UVP-E20 model is powered by two GE M601 engines. Under development is an improved variant called the L-410 NG that will feature GE H85-200 engines, Avio AV 725 five-blade propellers, a new wing and a new glass cockpit. As a first step toward development of the NG model, Aircraft Industries is integrating the H80-200 engine and the AV 725 propellers into the L-410UVP-E20. More than 1,100 L-410s have been produced.
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Antonov An-28/An-38/PZL Mielec M28

Nov 03, 2014
The An-28 and An-38 are twin-turboprop utility/transport aircraft. First flight of the An-28 occurred in 1969, with temporary Soviet certification following in 1978 and full certification in 1986. A Westernized version of the An-28, the PZL Mielec M28, made its first flight in 1993 and received FAA certification in 2004. A stretched An-28 version, the An-38, made its first flight in 1994 and received Russian certification in 1997. The An-28 is powered by two PZL Rzeszow TWD-10B/PZL-10S engines, with the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65B powering the M28.
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Antonov An-124/An-225

Nov 03, 2014
The An-124 is a four-engine, intercontinental-range, heavy-lift cargo transport, and the An-225 is a six-engine, heavy-lift jet designed to carry the Soviet shuttle orbiter Buran. Initial flight of a production An-124 prototype took place in 1982 and commercial operation began in 1986. The An-124 is powered by four Ivchenko-Progress D-18T turbofan engines, while the An-225 uses six. Fifty-five An-124s and one An-225 have been produced to date.
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Antonov An-140

Nov 03, 2014
The Antonov An-140 is a twin-engine transport primarily used as a commercial regional airliner seating 52 passengers, but it is also employed by the Russian Ministry of Defense. The aircraft is powered by Motor Sich TV3-117VMA-SBM1 turboprop engines, 2,500 shp each, although Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127As (also 2,500 shp) may be used as alternatives. First An-140 flight occurred in 1997, and an estimated 31 units have been built to date. The Aviacor plant in Samara, Russia, also manufactures the An-140, and Iran’s HESA offers a license-built An-140 “Oghab” maritime patrol aircraft variant.
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Antonov An-148/An-158

Nov 03, 2014
The An-148 is a twin-engine regional jet designed to serve the 70-80-seat market. First flight of the An-148 took place in 2004, with type certification by Russia and Ukraine following in 2007. Power for the aircraft comes from two Ivchenko-Progress D436-148 turbofan engines. Three test aircraft and approximately 15 production aircraft were manufactured through 2013, and an additional 62 are forecast through 2023.
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ATR 42/ATR 72

Nov 03, 2014
The ATR series are turboprop-powered regional transport aircraft first developed in 1981 by the European joint venture formed by Aerospatiale (now Airbus Group) and Aeritalia (now Alenia Aermacchi, part of the Finmeccanica group). The ATR 42’s first delivery occurred in 1985, followed by the ATR 72 in 1989. The latest versions are the ATR 42-600 and the ATR 72-600. Both -600 variants are powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney PW127M engines, rated at 2,400-2,750 shp each. Through 2013, ATR delivered 429 ATR 42s and 678 ATR 72s.
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Avic Xian MA60/MA600

Nov 03, 2014
The 52-60-passenger MA60 twin-turboprop transport aircraft is a stretched version of the Xian Y7-200A, which in turn is a variation on the Antonov An-24. The aircraft is powered by two 2,750-shp Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127J engines. Initial flight and delivery of the MA60 took place in 2000. A freighter version, the MA60-500, is also marketed. In May 2010, a new variant, the MA600, was awarded certification by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.
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Avic Xian MA700

Nov 03, 2014
Xian’s parent firm Avic formally launched full-scale development of the new MA700 turboprop airliner in December 2013. Program plans call for preliminary design review by the end of this year, first flight in 2016, Chinese certification in 2018 and service entry in 2019. Certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency or the FAA also will be pursued, achievement of which would enable the MA700 to penetrate markets beyond those currently served by the MA60 or MA600.
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Beechcraft King Air

Nov 03, 2014
Beech launched the King Air series of 8-12-seat, twin-turboprop aircraft in 1963. Since then, numerous variants have appeared. Total production amounted to 6,449 aircraft through 2013. Beechcraft, which Textron acquired last March and operates along with Cessna in a new segment called Textron Aviation, markets the King Air C90GTx, King Air 250 and King Air 350i. The C90GTx is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-135s producing 550 shp each.
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Boeing 737

Nov 03, 2014
The 737 series is a family of twin-engine, narrowbody commercial transports. Seating capacity varies depending on the model, though the most typical two-class configurations are 126 passengers for the 737-700, 162 for the 737-800 and 180 for the 737-900ER. All three models, which are the current production versions, are powered by two CFM56-7 turbofans. The first 737 flew in April 1967 and received FAA certification in December 1967.
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Boeing 747

Nov 03, 2014
The 747 is an intercontinental widebody commercial transport aircraft powered by four turbofan engines. First flight and certification occurred in 1969. In February 2010, Boeing conducted the maiden flight of the 747-8 series, which includes the 747-8 Intercontinental passenger model and the 747-8 Freighter. Both are equipped with General Electric GEnx engines rated at 66,500 lb. thrust each. The 747-8I is stretched 18 ft. compared to the 747-400 to accommodate 467 seats in a three-class configuration. The first 747-8F delivery, to launch customer Cargolux, occurred in September 2011.
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Boeing 767

Nov 03, 2014
A prototype of this twin-engine, widebody commercial transport aircraft was rolled out in August 1981, with first flight occurring the following month; through 2013, Boeing produced 1,110 767s. Only two civil 767 versions are in production: the extended-range 767-300ER passenger model and 767-300F freighter. The 767-300ER seats 218 passengers in a three-class layout or up to 350 in one class, and has a maximum range of 5,990 nm. The -300ER is available with a choice of GE CF6-80C2 or Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines. The -300F is powered by the CF6-80C2.
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Boeing 777

Nov 03, 2014
The 777 is a twin-engine, widebody jetliner. First flight occurred in June 1994, followed by certification in April 1995 for the Pratt & Whitney-powered version. Deliveries began in June 1995. The 777-200ER seats 301-440 passengers, and is powered by PW4000, Trent 800 or GE90 turbofans rated at 84,000-95,000 lb. thrust each. Two newer versions are the 777-200LR and 777-300ER. The -200LR, which seats 301 passengers in three classes, is powered by 110,100-lb.-thrust GE90-110B1 or 115,300-lb.-thrust GE90-115BL turbofans.
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Boeing 787

Nov 03, 2014
The 787 Dreamliner is a family of twin-engine widebody airliners. Three versions are marketed. The 787-8 carries 210-250 passengers and has a range of 7,650-8,200 nm. The 20-ft.-longer 787-9 carries 250-290 passengers and has a range of 8,000-8,500 nm. The 787-10 is stretched 18 ft. beyond the 787-9. All three models are available with either two Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 or General Electric GEnx turbofans. The Dreamliner received certification in August 2011, followed by delivery to Japan’s All Nippon Airways of the first 787-8 the following month.
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Bombardier CRJ Series

Nov 03, 2014
The CRJ series is a family of twin-engine, 44-100-seat regional jets. The initial model was the 50-seat CRJ100, which first flew in May 1991; deliveries began in October 1992. The CRJ100 was replaced by the 50-seat CRJ200, which is powered by 9,220-lb.-thrust GE CF34-3B1 turbofans. Other variants are: the 44-seat CRJ440, also powered by CF34-3B1s; the 64-78-seat CRJ700, powered by 13,790-lb.-thrust CF34-8C5s; and the 86-90-seat CRJ900, powered by 14,255-lb.-thrust CF34-8C5s. Bombardier’s Challenger 850 business jet/corporate shuttle is based on the 50-seat CRJ200LR.
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Bombardier CSeries

Nov 03, 2014
Launched in July 2008, Bombardier’s CSeries family is the CS100 version, which carries 110 passengers, and the larger CS300 model, seating 135 in a standard configuration. The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW1500G geared turbofans producing up to 23,300 lb. thrust each. With an extra-capacity seating option, the CS300 can carry up to 160 passengers. CSeries service entry is slated for the second half of 2015. The CS100 will compete with the Embraer 190 and 195, while the CS300 will vie against the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A319.
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Bombardier Q Series

Nov 03, 2014
This twin-engine turboprop aircraft family initially was known as the Dash 8 series. The original Q100 made its first flight in June 1983; first deliveries followed in October 1984. The Q100 carried 37-39 passengers, and was equipped with 2,150-shp Pratt & Whitney Canada PW120/121 engines. Other models out of production are: the 37-39-passenger Q200 (with 2,150-shp PW123C/D engines) and 50-56-seat Q300 (with 2,500-shp PW123Bs). The 68-78 seat Q400 (with 5,071-shp PW150As) remains in production.
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Cessna Caravan

Nov 03, 2014
This single-turboprop-powered utility/passenger aircraft first flew in December 1982. Through 2013, Cessna produced 2,319 Caravans of all types. Designed with the small-package delivery segment in mind, Caravan models in production include the Caravan 675 and 208B Grand Caravan. Both are powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-114A turboprop engine rated at 675 shp. Also in production is the upgraded Grand Caravan EX model, featuring a more powerful PT6A-140 turboprop engine. The EX achieved certification in January 2013. Cessna is forecast to deliver 988 Caravans in 2014-23.
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Comac ARJ21

Nov 03, 2014
Initially, the new ARJ21 regional jet from Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (Comac) is to be available as the ARJ21-700 78-90-seater, while later introduction of the 98-105-seat ARJ21-900 is a possibility. Power is provided by two GE CF34-10A turbofans producing 18,500 lb. thrust each. Rollout of the first ARJ21-700 occurred in December 2007, followed by first flight in November 2008. Six ARJ21s were built through 2013, and 86 additional examples are forecast for production through 2023. The ARJ21 faces competition from Bombardier and Embraer.
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Comac C919

Nov 03, 2014
A twin-turbofan, commercial passenger transport aircraft, the C919 targets the international duopoly in narrowbody airliner sales currently enjoyed by Airbus and Boeing. Variants include the baseline C919-200, which seats up to 168 passengers; the C919-100, a 130-seat model that will compete against the Airbus A319; and the C919-300, a larger 190-seat model designed to compete with Airbus’s A321 and Boeing’s 737-800/900. Comac has selected the CFM International Leap-1C engine, with 30,000 lb. thrust, to power the C919. Service entry is planned for 2016.
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Daher-Socata TBM 850/900

Nov 03, 2014
The TBM 850 is a single-engine, 4-6-passenger, turboprop-powered aircraft that replaced the earlier TBM 700 in 2006. Power is provided by an 850-shp Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66D engine. The aircraft has a range of 1,585 nm. Through 2013, production totaled 339 aircraft. Production of 13 units is forecast for 2014-23. The TBM 900 is an upgraded TBM 850 model introduced in March 2014. It features a new five-blade propeller, winglets and tailcone. Daher-Socata also added a banana-shaped air intake, new exhaust stacks and carbon-fiber cowlings to increase engine airflow circulation.
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Embraer 170/175/190/195

Nov 03, 2014
This is Embraer’s E-Jet family of twin-engine, 70-132-seat regional jetliners. The 70-80 passenger 170 made its first flight in February 2002, followed by the larger 78-88-seat 175 in June 2003. The 170 and the 175 share a common engine in the 14,200-lb.-thrust GE CF34-8E. The 94-114-seat 190 made its initial flight in March 2004, while the 106-122-passenger 195 first flew in December 2004. GE CF34-10E engines, rated 20,000 lb. thrust each, power these models. Additionally, Embraer developed the Lineage 1000, a business jet version of the 190; deliveries began in 2009.
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Embraer ERJ 135/140/145

Nov 03, 2014
The ERJ 135/140/145 family is a series of twin-engine, 37-50-seat regional jets. The initial model was the 50-seat ERJ 145, which first flew in August 1995; deliveries began in late 1996. The next model was the 37-seat ERJ 135, which made its initial flight in July 1998, followed by deliveries in July 1999. The 44-passenger ERJ 140 first flew in June 2000, with initial deliveries in July 2001. All models use variants of the Rolls-Royce AE 3007A series turbofan. Through 2013, 730 production ERJ 145s were built.
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GippsAero GA10/GA18

Nov 03, 2014
The Australian company GippsAero, which is a subsidiary of India’s Mahindra Aerospace, is developing a 10-seat, single-engine turboprop aircraft dubbed the GA10. The new aircraft is powered by a 450-shp Rolls-Royce 250-B17F engine. The GA10 has a maximum takeoff weight of 4,750 lb. First flight occurred in May 2012. Australian type certification and initial deliveries are planned for 2014. GippsAero is also developing an 18-seat twin-turboprop aircraft called the GA18. This aircraft is a reengineered version of the GAF N24 Nomad, production of which ended in the mid-1980s.
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Harbin Y-12

Nov 03, 2014
The Y-12 series is a family of twin-turboprop aircraft. The Y-12-II is equipped with Western avionics and Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27 engines flat-rated to 620 shp each. The Y-12-IV has winglets, a strengthened undercarriage and redesigned seating for 18-19 passengers. Another version is the Y-12E, which is powered by 750-shp PT6A-135 engines. A total of 58 Y-12-II/-IV and Y-12E aircraft are forecast to be produced for the civil market in the coming 10 years. Harbin is developing the Y-12F, which is substantially different from the earlier designs.
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Ilyushin IL-96

Nov 03, 2014
This four-engine, medium/long-range, widebody commercial passenger and cargo transport aircraft first flew as the Il-96-300 in 1988 and was awarded certification in December 1992. It is powered by Aviadvigatel PS-90A1 engines rated 35,275 lb. thrust each. The Il-96-400, a stretched version of the -300, is powered by uprated PS-90A1 engines. The Il-96-400 passenger version can carry 436 passengers in a single-class configuration, 386 in two classes or 315 in a three-class layout. Two Il-96-300 are forecast for production in 2014-23.
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Irkut MS-21

Nov 03, 2014
The Irkut MS-21 is a twin-turbofan, narrowbody derivative of the defunct Yakovlev Yak-242 airliner. The MS-21 family is the 150-seat MS-21-200, 181-seat MS-21-300 and 212-seat MS-21-400. All three are to be available in both basic and extended-range versions; the -200 is also to be available in a long-range variant. Power will be provided by Pratt & Whitney PW1400G or Aviadvigatel PD-14 engines. First flight is planned for 2015, with a service entry target date of 2017. Primary competition for the MS-21 is likely to come from the Boeing 737, Airbus A320 and Comac C919.
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Mitsubishi Regional Jet

Nov 03, 2014
Mitsubishi formally launched the twin-engine Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) family in March 2008; rollout was late last month. Initially, two basic models are planned: the 78-passenger MRJ70 and 92-passenger MRJ90. The MRJ70 is powered by 15,600-lb.-thrust Pratt & Whitney PW1215G engines, while the MRJ90 is powered by 17,600-lb.-thrust PW1217Gs. Extended- and long-range versions of each model are envisioned, while a 100-seater dubbed the MRJ100 is being considered. First flight is planned for the second quarter of 2015, with service entry slated for 2017.
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Pilatus PC-12

Nov 03, 2014
This pressurized, single-turboprop-powered, corporate/utility transport aircraft first flew in May 1991, and received Swiss and U.S. certification in 1994. It has seating for nine passengers in its standard layout. Portugal’s OGMA assembles green aircraft and manufactures some components. The current PC-12 production version, the PC-12 NG (Next Generation), is powered by a 1,200-shp Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67P turboprop engine. Some 1,231 PC-12s, including 443 PC-12 NGs, were built through 2013. Production of 846 units is expected in 2014-23.
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RUAG Aerospace Do 228 Next Generation

Nov 03, 2014
Launched in 2007, RUAG Aerospace’s Do 228NG (Next Generation) is an updated version of Dornier’s original Do 228. The aircraft is powered by twin 776-shp Honeywell TPE331-10 engines, and features other improvements such as a new glass cockpit, five-blade propellers and aerodynamic changes to the wing. The first RUAG-produced Do 228NGs were delivered to customers in 2010, with eight aircraft delivered to date.
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Sukhoi Superjet 100

Nov 03, 2014
The Sukhoi Superjet 100 is a family of twin-engine regional transports powered by Snecma/NPO Saturn SaM146 turbofan engines, rated at 13,500-17,500 lb. thrust each. The series was launched with a 95-98-seat baseline model, the Superjet 100-95. The shortened 100-75, a 75-78-seat version, and the lengthened 100-115/120, a 115-120-seat version, are being considered. The Superjet 100-95 made its first flight in May 2008, and achieved initial Russian/Commonwealth of Independent States certification in early 2011.
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Tupolev Tu-204/214

Nov 03, 2014
A twin-turbofan-powered, short/medium-range, narrowbody commercial transport aircraft, the Tu-204-100 is powered by Aviadvigatel PS-90A turbofans, while the Tu-204-120 variant has Rolls-Royce RB211-535E4 engines. The Tu-214 has a higher maximum takeoff weight of 110,750 kg (243,600 lb.) than the Tu-204-100. It retains the PS-90A powerplants of the -100 but carries additional fuel. The Tu-204’s first flight occurred in January 1989 and, through 2013, 89 Tu-204s and Tu-214s were produced. Nine Tu-214 aircraft are forecast for production in 2014-23.
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Viking Air DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400

Nov 03, 2014
Viking Air owns the manufacturing rights to a number of out-of-production de Havilland aircraft, including the DHC-6 Twin Otter, an all-metal, non-pressurized, high-wing, twin-engine turboprop utility aircraft. In April 2007, Viking Air launched a program to restart production of the 19-passenger Twin Otter. The updated Viking Air Twin Otter Series 400 incorporates more than 800 changes to the Series 300, and is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34s or optional PT6A-35s.
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Summaries Review Statuses Of Commercial Aircraft Programs

Nov 03, 2014
Aircraft program summaries include program reviews and production projections.

The World

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F-35 IOC Dates Likely To Slip

Nov 03, 2014
It is growing more likely that July 1, 2015, will not mark the initial operational capability (IOC) declaration for the F-35B desired by the U.S. Marine Corps, according to Pentagon procurement chief Frank Kendall. Also in jeopardy is the U.S. Air Force’s ability to declare its F-35A operational by Aug. 1, 2016, due to an impending shortfall in maintainers to repair the single-engine, stealthy jet.
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Antares Blast Rocks Orbital-ATK Deal

Nov 03, 2014
The Antares rocket explosion over a Virginia launch pad last week may yet have its most profound reverberations on Wall Street next month. That is because shareholders of rocket provider Orbital Sciences Corp. and Alliant TechSystems are scheduled to vote Dec. 9 on the companies’ April proposals to split up ATK and merge its aerospace side under Orbital.
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Power Deal

Nov 03, 2014
The Pentagon’s latest pact for 48 F135s from Pratt & Whitney for the single-engine F-35 program will cost $1.05 billion, according to U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher Bogdan, program executive officer for the F-35. This is 4.5% lower than for the previous lot, he says. The Pentagon announced the deal on Oct. 30 as a $793 million modification to an earlier contract. “Pratt & Whitney has shown a commitment to getting back on the ‘war on cost’ curve,” Bogdan said.
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Rockets from V-22

Nov 03, 2014
Bell Helicopter is to carry out live-fire trials of guided rockets from the V-22 Osprey later this month. The self-funded program, will see the company’s Osprey testbed launch guided. rockets from a single pod mounted on the starboard forward fuselage of the tiltrotor, at the Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona. Forward-firing weapon capabilities for the V-22 are of particular interest to Air Force Special Operations Command.
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Slovakia Orders C-27Js

Nov 03, 2014
The Slovakian government has ordered a pair of AleniaAermacchi C-27J Spartan airlifters as part of the modernization of the country’s air force. The type will replace aging Antonov An-26s. The first Slovak C-27 is scheduled to be delivered in 2016, and the second in 2017.
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NATS and Thales Win Deal

Nov 03, 2014
Aquila, a consortium of Thales and air navigation service provider National Air Traffic Services has secured a 22-year £1.5 billion ($2.4 billion) contract to modernize air traffic management services at military airfields operated by the U.K. Defense Ministry. The project will fit new workstations and equipment into air traffic control towers, as well as new airfield radar systems and navigation aids with work beginning in April 2015, prioritizing on new radio systems. £400 million will be spent on new equipment.
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Russia Upgrades ASW Helos

Nov 03, 2014
The Russian navy plans to enhance its antisubmarine warfare (ASW) capability by upgrading about 50 of its Kamov Ka-27PL (Helix-A) antisubmarine rotorcraft fleet after the trials of the modernized Ka-27M version are completed this fall. The major advantage of the upgraded variant is that it is equipped with the new Kopye-AA radar designed by Moscow-based Phazottron-NIIR. It will replace the aging Osminog search-and-sighting system. With the Kopye-AA, the Ka-27M can operate 100-150 km (62-94 mi.) from its ship at an altitude of 4-5 km. The new radar also provides a 360-deg.
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GSAT-16 Launch On Deck

Nov 03, 2014
India’s next national communication satellite, GSAT-16, is scheduled to be launched in December to augment its communications capability and boost existing services. The 3,150-kg (3.5-ton) satellite will be dual-manifested on a European Ariane 5 rocket along with another satellite, DirecTV-14, says a senior scientist at the Indian Space Research Organization. The liftoff of GSAT-16, initially slated for next year, has been advanced by six months to meet the rapidly growing demand for GSAT services.
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Boeing Debt Rated High

Nov 03, 2014
In nearly identical affirmations last week, both Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services and Moody’s Investors Service assigned “A” and “A2” ratings, respectively, to Boeing’s upcoming $850 million debt issuance. The rating agencies gave high-ranking credit scores to Boeing’s unsecured notes despite a newly forecast softening in so-called free cash flow, which could pinch near-term returns to shareholders and investors. A revised cash-flow forecast came as part of Boeing latest quarterly report Oct.
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Engility Buys Tasc

Nov 03, 2014
Engility and Tasc announced Oct. 28 that they will merge in a $1.1 billion stock-and-debt deal, creating an expanded and diversified engineering services company for U.S. government customers. After the deal closes, which is expected in January, Engility’s overall defense market concentration will fall to 48% from 64%, with 28% of total business stemming from intelligence agencies and the last 24% from the Homeland Security Department, FAA and NASA combined.
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Cobham Work Up Down Under

Nov 03, 2014
Cobham’s new 12-year, $563 million contract to provide an airborne search-and-rescue capability for Australia should add 1% to the British-based company’s top line, RBC Capital Markets analysts said Oct. 24 after the deal was unveiled.
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UTC Looking Better

Nov 03, 2014

Correction

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Wrong Attribution

Nov 03, 2014
In a recent Up Front column (Oct. 13, p. 16), Richard Aboulafia misattributed a quote to Boeing Senior Vice President Tim Keating. The comment was made by Ray Goforth, executive director of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace.
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Wrong Measure

Nov 03, 2014
An article in the Oct. 27 issue (page 14) should have stated that the Terrafugia Transition, on the road, will deliver 35 mpg. at highway speeds.

Who's Where

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New Positions, Promotions, Honors And Elections

Nov 03, 2014
Margus Rahuoja has been appointed the European Commission’s director of aviation and international transport affairs. He is head of cabinet for EC Vice President Siim Kallas.

Aerospace/Defense

Aerospace Calendar

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Upcoming Events (Nov. 3, 2014)

Nov 03, 2014
Nov. 11-16—Eighth China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition. Zhuhai. See www.airshow.com.cn Nov. 12-14—11th ALTA Airline Leaders Forum. Nassau, Bahamas. See www.alta.aero/2010 Nov. 18—SpeedNews 12th Aerospace and Defense Industry Suppliers Conference. Litchfield Park, Arizona. See speednews.com/aerospace-and-defense-industry-suppliers-conference Dec. 8-10—Middle East Business Aviation. Dubai. See www.meba.aero
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Conferences & Exhibitions

Nov 03, 2014
Nov. 19-20—A&D Programs, Litchfield Park, Arizona. Jan. 13-14—MRO Latin America, Buenos Aires. Feb. 2-3—MRO Middle East, Dubai. March 5—Laureate Awards, Washington. April 14-16—MRO Americas, Miami.