Boeing is developing an elaborate relay mirror prototype to extend the range of laser weapons against ground targets--like mobile missile erectors--or against incoming ballistic missiles. The mirrors hearken back to ideas in the Reagan-era Strategic Defense Initiative, the first large-scale effort by the U.S. to build a missile defense shield.
Former NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe, who is now chancellor of Louisiana State University and A&M College, has been appointed to the board of directors of the Sensis Corp., Dewitt, N.Y.
Douglas Barrie (London), Michael A. Taverna and Robert Wall (Paris)
European airlift programs are hitting turbulence as procurement falters and development efforts encounter weight problems. In Britain, budgetary constraints are shackling ambitions to bolster airlift capability, despite its importance to the U.K.'s expeditionary warfare capability. Meanwhile, the Airbus Military A400M airlifter is coming in at a higher-than-expected weight, forcing designers to embark on a diet for the pan-European transport.
By embarking on a deliberate and some say cautious development approach, officials working on the sea-based missile defense system appear intent on proving that the high-profile failures of the land-based interceptor systems aren't the norm for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).
Steve Norgaard has become vice president-manufacturing operations of nLight, Vancouver, Wash. He was regional quality director of Applied Materials Inc.
Emirates Group reported its 17th consecutive year of profitability--with net profits of $708 million for the year ending Mar. 31--a 49% increase compared with the 2003-04 period. Year-over-year, airline profits rose 49%, to $637 million. Its cargo division carried a record 925.9 tons of freight, an increase of about 27%, and earned $940 million in cargo revenue, a 43% jump.
Philip Winters has been named vice president-aircraft sales and William Clarey regional director of aircraft sales for Western Aircraft Inc., Boise, Idaho.
Charles A. Hunnicut, G. Brent Connor and Scott E. Diamond have joined the Washington law firm of Troutman Sanders from the firm of Robins, Kaplan, Miller and Ciresi, also in Washington.
Dassault hopes to achieve first flight of the 7X Falcon Jet this week, kicking off an approximately 18-month flight test campaign. Aircraft certification is slated for October 2006.
Seven U.S. major airlines are committing to G2 SwitchWorks Corp., an alternative ticket distribution system, in a calculated maneuver that exerts pressures on legacy distribution systems to reduce fees charged for airline services.
The FAA issued an airworthiness directive requiring inspections of the Raytheon Hawker 800XP to detect wire damage in the flight compartment. The action is prompted by reports of miswiring in the power distribution system. The FAA notes that damage to wiring and surrounding equipment could result in smoke or fire. The agency also is proposing an AD for Boeing 737-600/-700/-700C/-800 and -900 aircraft.
Boeing expects defense and intelligence markets to remain strong through 2006 as airlines continue a gradual recovery leading to 7% revenue growth and 20% higher earnings per share next year over 2005. This year's revenues are expected to be $58 billion, driven by moderate growth in network, support, launch and orbital systems, while aircraft and weapons systems remain stable. Earnings per share this year are put in the $2.40-2.60 range. Next year's revenues should climb to $62-63 billion with earnings in the $3-3.2-billion range.
U.S. Missile Defense Agency Director Lt. Gen. Henry (Trey) Obering says quality control, configuration management and "workmanship" problems contributed to the unexpected abort of a silo-based interceptor during a February test. Obering last week told a small audience on Capitol Hill that the investigation into the testing problem continues. He expects a return-to-flight evaluation from Rear Adm. Kathleen Paige, the mission readiness director for the ground-based system, in the next couple of weeks.
In another move, the TSA is to begin Phase 2 of its Airport Access Control Pilot Program in June at five different airports. Aimed at access control for site workers, the project will test radio frequency identification (RFID), advanced video surveillance and various biometric technologies at secure zones such as cargo warehouses and baggage areas. At Boston's Logan International Airport, the TSA will use GPS voice-recognition cell phones and an infrared intrusion detection system to guard the water perimeter.
Kingfisher Airlines is expanding the type of single-aisle Airbus aircraft it will operate, with a recent contract to acquire three A319s. The Mumbai-India-based budget airline already has firm orders for 10 A320s, with options for another 20 of the type in place. The first A319s, to be powered by International Aero Engines V2500s, are to be delivered in December.
I continue to read breathless descriptions of the posh amenities I can expect to find on Airbus A380s when they enter service: private salons, meeting rooms, piano bars, fitness centers, bowling alleys.
NASA-backed Earth scientists losing funds to President Bush's deep-space exploration efforts were heartened when incoming Administrator Michael Griffin told his Senate confirmation hearing that "NASA has certain responsibilities in these areas which cannot and should not be set aside." Now it looks like they'll get a little help from Congress in holding Griffin to his words. "The planet that has to matter most to us is the one we live on," declares Rep.
Boeing delivered its final 757 to Shanghai Airlines last week. It was the 1,050th aircraft produced over 23 years. Only six other commercial aircraft have sold more than 1,000 units. Of the total, 1,030 757s are still flying.
Paris air show security will be tighter than ever for the June event, with armed French police and military keeping a close eye on things for four trade and three public days. There will be bag searches, and service providers will be tracked. The U.S. Defense Dept. will be more fully engaged than two years ago when its presence at the show was curtailed due to political differences between the U.S. and French governments over the war in Iraq.
The three instruments on the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) will use a mix of U.S.-and-Canadian-developed laser, television, infrared and 3D imaging technologies. The sensors are:
The Transportation Security Administration plans to test this year a freight assessment system that will identify "elevated-risk" air cargo through a prescreening process. This will comprise parts of the Known Shipper program, a second program in place for freight forwarders, the use of shipment-specific data as well as technology, says Pam Hamilton, TSA's director of cargo screening. She addressed the Independent Pilots Assn. recently in Washington.
The preproduction prototype Cessna Citation Mustang business jet made its first flight Apr. 23 from McConnell AFB in Wichita, Kan., inaugurating an aggressive flight test program aimed at achieving FAA certification in 2006. Flown by Scotty Jergenson and Dave Bonifield, the twin-engine airplane took off at 10:26 a.m. and landed at Wichita Mid-Continent Airport after various stability and control checks were completed, along with cycling of the landing gear, flaps and speed brakes. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW615F engines, each rated at 1,350 lb.
The Army signed a $32.3-million deal with Raytheon to produce Improved Target Acquisition Systems (ITAS) for Tube-launched Optically Tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) weapons. ITAS is an advanced fire-control system that guides the TOW to its target. The Army had purchased 709 ITAS kits from 1999-2003, and this new contract marks the resumption of production. Raytheon also won a $32.5-million order for the ninth production lot of ALE-50 towed decoys. This lot consists of 1,249 units for the U.S. Air Force and another 245 for U.S. Navy use.
