National Intelligence Director Michael McConnell has opened the door for homeland security and law enforcement use of real-time imagery and other data collected by U.S. intelligence satellites. The Wall Street Journal reported Aug. 15 that a new Homeland Security Dept. (HSD) agency, innocuously named the National Applications Office, will handle requests for access to information from space.
What organization doesn’t want first pick of the most desirable engineering and technical talent? They all do, of course, but making it happen is easier said than done.
NASA, the Canadian Space Agency and contractor personnel mobilized across North America to utilize every new inspection, advanced materials and computational analysis capability developed in the wake of the Columbia accident to support the shuttle management decision to approve Endeavour’s return to Earth this week. But Endeavour will make that Mach 25 plunge from 212-mi. altitude back through the atmosphere without repair to launch-debris-damaged thermal protection tiles under its right wing—where reentry temperatures will reach 2,000F.
I believe that your article “Offense for Japan” is rather oblique on the larger issue regarding Japan’s interest in acquiring the F-22 (AW&ST Aug. 6, p. 24).
The European Defense Agency is investigating the technological feasibility of various forms of novel transport systems as part of a larger effort to lay out a strategic transport agenda. Among the ideas about which the organization wants to gain more information are hybrid airships and wing-in-ground-effect aircraft, with an eye both on military and civil development efforts. The goal is to explore what technologies might be applied to advance capabilities in strategic and intra-theater transport.
Army Lt. Gen. (ret.) Ed Anderson, a principal at the Booz Allen Hamilton consulting firm, says space-based missile defense is “a trend for the future” despite political concerns over potentially starting a space weapons race. Such systems would be useful for space control and anti-satellite capabilities, Anderson argues. Russia has asked the U.S. to agree not to engage in space-based weapons efforts as a precondition to negotiations seeking Moscow’s support for U.S.
Six decades ago, Curtiss-Wright was America’s second-largest company, living off heightened demand for aircraft and engines created by two world wars. The end of World War II brought a quick downward spiral, resulting in layoffs and the loss of industry leadership. Today, Curtiss-Wright Controls ranks number two in Valuing the Individual, according to the 2007 Workforce Study.
A specially modified Rolls-Royce Trent 500, fitted with embedded starter/generators, active magnetic bearings and other advanced electrical systems, is poised to run at Spain’s Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA) test facility as part of the final phases of the European power optimized aircraft (POA) research program.
Galileo officials told a recent joint committee meeting of Copas-Sarsat (the international satellite system for search and rescue) that the new European satellite system will relay distress signals to SAR organizations. In fact, Galileo will be an integral part of Meosar—the Medium Earth Orbit Search and Rescue program. Meosar aims to equip satellites in medium Earth orbit with payloads to receive distress signals from beacons on Earth and relay them to rescue organizations. Copas-Sarsat already has systems on satellites operating in low Earth and geostationary orbits.
Diamond Aircraft has completed a second D-JET prototype and company officials say certification of the personal jet is tentatively scheduled for mid-2008. The second airplane conforms to production configuration and is scheduled to make its first flight this month. Another three airplanes are being built as part of the certification flight-test fleet. Diamond Aircraft reports having orders for more than 300 D-JETs, with delivery positions for the North American market sold out for the first 18 months of production.
I don’t agree with withholding the F-22 from the Japanese air force (AW&ST July 30, p. 22). Our best interest would be served by Japan having the best technology in that volatile theater. China makes a giant footprint in Asia. The Chinese need awareness of our powerful ally with these new and exceptional technologies. Aegis and the F-22 would cause China to reevaluate Japan and realize its neighbor wields a mighty sword. Many believe Aegis technology was not appreciably compromised. In fact, it served to harden security, something that needed to happen.
Mike Navin (see photo) has been named Ascot, England-based managing director of OAG Cargo. He was director of cargo services at OAG. Bart Jan Haasbeek and Dirk de Rooij have become account and business development executives, based in the Netherlands. Simon Wolfe (see photo) has been appointed head of U.K. sales and Kristyna Berankova (see photo) account development executive. Wolfe was cargo sales manager for Varig Log, while Berankova was a sales executive with Globe Air Cargo.
Boeing takes both a design and an operational approach to reducing the impact of aircraft noise on communities and passengers. Airframe improvements have been noticeable since the introduction of the 777 in the mid-1990s and are continuing with the 787 and 747-8. As its aircraft evolve, Boeing insists that design changes produce provable noise reductions that are manufacturable. Separately, the company also consults with airports and airlines on how changes in flight operations can reduce noise footprints for surrounding residents.
Terry Stinson has been named group vice president for the Wood Dale, Ill.-based AAR Corp.’s Structures & Systems segment. He has been president of commercial operations for the Thomas Group and was chairman/CEO of Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
Raytheon plans to flight-test its Network-Centric Airborne Defense Element, a boost- and ascent-phase anti-missile system based on the company’s Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile platform. The weapon uses an Amraam first stage, and a new second stage built by Aerojet that employs a hydroxylammonium nitrate fuel and a divert-and-attitude control system for maneuvering. Having ground-tested the second stage, the company is now turning to flight-test the seeker.
Global Aero Logistics Inc., the parent company of ATA Airlines Inc., has completed the acquisition of World Air Holdings Inc., the parent of World Airways Inc. and North American Airlines Inc. The $315-million purchase is a cash deal with a price per share of $12.50. The combined company (including ATA) has $1.6 billion in revenue and will provide scheduled and charter passenger services and cargo charters with a fleet of 56 aircraft.
USN Vice Adm. Mark P. Fitzgerald has been nominated for promotion to admiral and assignment as commander of U.S. Naval Forces in Europe and commander of the Allied Joint Forces Command, Naples, Italy. He has been director of Navy staff in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, (CNO) at the Pentagon. Rear Adms. James A. Winnefeld, Jr., and Carl V. Mauney have been nominated for promotion to vice admiral. Winnefeld would be named commander of the Sixth Fleet/commander of striking and support forces for NATO/deputy commander of U.S.
The European Space Agency’s Mars Express orbiter will track the descent and landing phase of NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander as part of increased international networking in exploration missions. The 13-min. oversight, requiring an orbital adjustment, will back up a pair of NASA orbiters. But with NASA’s communications network stretched thin, the assistance could be extended to cover the planned 90-day Phoenix mission itself. Mars Express will utilize a communications system developed for Europe’s failed Beagle lander in the relay task.
Increased demand for security screening devices has led Rapiscan Systems to open a 95,000-sq.-ft. headquarters in Torrance, Calif., increasing Rapiscan’s U.S. production floor space by 400%. A division of OSI Systems Inc., Rapiscan supplies checked baggage and passenger screening technology using X-ray and gamma-ray imaging.
The U.S. can never sell the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor to Japan and the reason is simple: They don’t want to buy the aircraft. The Japanese government wants a trillion-dollar windfall by getting the ability to build the F-22 in Japan, and this is something that the U.S. cannot allow.
Montreal-based CAE has created a new modeling and simulation software subsidiary named Presagis. It combines several companies that CAE has acquired—including Engenuity Technologies, MultiGen-Paradigm and Terrex—with an existing software team at CAE. The new enterprise will serve military customers with commercial off-the-shelf modeling and simulation products. The new company will be led by Patrice Commune, former president and CEO of Engenuity.
The robust commercial aviation market, along with a strong showing in its military and space engine businesses, has helped Avio to improve its half-year financial performance. The engine maker has seen revenue increase to €728 million, or 9% above the same period last year. The operating result showed a rise of 23%, to €95.1 million. Pre-tax profit came in at €27.5 million against a loss of €27.7 million in last year’s first-half. Operating cash flow reached €114.2 million, almost double last year’s figure, and this is allowing Avio to gradually reduce its debt.
Commercial aviation, faced with worldwide concerns about greenhouse gases and looming regulations to reduce them, can count on advances in technology that will help to clean up its operations to a substantial degree during the coming 20 years. But growth in air travel, both an enabler and a product of the burgeoning global economy, is likely to use up the environmental gains faster than they can be achieved.
BAE Systems has sent two Hawk advanced jet trainer aircraft for evaluation by the United Arab Emirates, as that country nears a decision on its future jet trainer requirement. The BAE Hawk 128 is a candidate for the order as is the AleniaAermacchi M-346 and Korean Aerospace Industries T-50. The UAE is expected to announce the winner of the competition before the end of this year. The UAE could purchase up to 40 trainers, which would succeed an earlier variant of the Hawk.
Christopher E. Kubasik has been appointed head of the Bethesda, Md.-based Lockheed Martin Corp.’s Electronic Systems Business Area, effective Sept. 1. He has been the corporation’s executive vice president/chief financial officer. Kubasik will succeed Robert B. Coutts, who will assume a special assignment role reporting to the CEO until retiring in April. Bruce L. Tanner will succeed Kubasik. Tanner has been vice president-finance and business operations for the Aeronautics Business Area.
