Skymark Airlines, a low-fare carrier based in Tokyo, plans to begin charter flights from Fukuoka and Southeast Asian destinations early next year using two leased Boeing 767-300s. The new routes were selected because too few routes are available for new domestic service. Skymark and Japan's other economy carrier, Air Do, reported load factors below 50% from Dec. 25-Jan.
China's long climb to great military power is expected to proceed at a far slower technological pace than suggested by Beijing's persistent missile buildup opposite Taiwan, or its alleged theft of U.S. nuclear weapons secrets. Independent threat assessments by noted research institutions such as Rand, National Defense University, London's International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and the Nixon Center for public policy say China has yet to alter the regional military balance, much less approach the threshold of global military power.
Honeywell International Inc. acquired Quantum Laser Corp., a firm specializing in the laser cladding of turbine blades, under terms the company did not disclose. Honeywell said the acquisition will enhance its aerospace business repair technology and expand its customer base.
Although difficult at best, partnering among U.S. government agencies in order to leverage ever-tighter research and development budgets is starting to pay dividends in the form of new technology roadmaps and active programs. However, keeping those partnerships on-track, extending them to a still-skeptical aerospace industry and fostering international link-ups are proving to be problematic.
Primagraphics has released its Metro product range, a cost-effective solution for radar scan conversion. The Metro range provides hardware and software solutions for the acquisition, processing, distribution and display of radar and graphics data on a Windows NT or UNIX platform and is designed to complement the company's VME-based systems. The product is modular and supports a range of software or hardware configurations from stand-alone radar head monitors to multifunction, networked display consoles. Primagraphics Ltd., New Cambridge House, Litlington, Nr.
A breadboard system designed to greatly improve the jamming resistance of GPS-guided tactical weapons completed ``very successful'' tests last year, but data are classified, according to program officials.
Where next for design automation software is the kind of question that Lockheed Martin's Ralph Bell asks. One answer he's looking for is a high fidelity, virtual reality cockpit that will allow the ground test team for the F-22 to see exactly what the cockpit displays in the fighter are showing the pilot during a flight test. However, wish lists are one thing; finding a software house to create a commercially available solution is another.
A highly competitive aeronautical engineering course is giving U.S. Air Force Academy cadets the knowledge and skills necessary to fill specialized flight testing positions after they become USAF officers.
Aerolyte Systems is offering a videotape demonstrating dry stripping applications of rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft. Dry stripping uses wheat starch or plastic media to safely remove coating from aircraft, components and ground support equipment. The process saves money, compared to chemical stripping, and eliminates the need to handle and dispose of volatile, toxic chemicals. Aerolyte can even convert an existing chemical stripping hangar to a state-of-the-art dry stripping facility. A military C-130 is shown undergoing the dry stripping process.
UPS AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES IS DEVELOPING a Wide Area Augmentation System/GPS module that UPS Airlines intends to install in its 229-aircraft fleet to improve the accuracy of their navigation and safety systems. Work on the component, called the GPS/WAAS engine, should be completed this year. By 2001, UPS Aviation Technologies plans to develop and certify a new line of aircraft navigation systems powered by the device. UPS' main interest is to use the GPS/WAAS engine as the heart of its Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast systems.
RAYTHEON HAS DEMONSTRATED a high-power, frequency-agile filter that uses micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) relays for tuning. The filter delivered 25 watts of power at VHF. The researchers say that using MEMS relays can reduce the area and volume of filter-tuning circuit boards by 50% compared with pin diode switches, and can lead to increased efficiency of broadband RF amplifiers. The efficiency improvement will reduce battery and cooling requirements.
Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems is steadily implementing a wide range of lean initiatives designed to reduce cost and improve affordability of the Joint Strike Fighter as well as the F-22 and the F-16.
The first Boeing X-32 Joint Strike Fighter demonstrator aircraft has begun ground vibration testing in preparation for first flight, which could occur within the next few months, according to program officials (Photo 1). The X-32A, unveiled at Boeing production facilities here Dec. 14, has a weapons bay on the right side of the fuselage, which included mockups of an advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (Amraam) and a Mk. 83 1,000-lb. bomb (AW&ST Dec. 20/27, 1999, p. 132).
Polydamp is a lightweight acoustical/thermal insulation product for use where low flame spread and minimal smoke generation is a requirement. PMF does not drip when ignited and stops burning when the ignition source is removed. It produces minimal flame and smoke and offers heat resistance up to 375F without a protective facing. The polyurethane films offer excellent abrasion, chemical and moisture resistance, while the Kapton facings offer excellent flame resistance and withstand temperature up to 500F.
The Fischerscope MMS is a modularly designed coating thickness measuring device that allows the user to combine and configure different test methods for a variety of coating thickness measurements applications. With a single base unit and multiple ``Smart Probes,'' measurements using the magnetic induction, eddy current, beta backscatter or a combination of these methods can be performed. A new dual probe that combines the eddy current and magnetic induction method has been recently introduced.
This red steady-state light is designed to last up to 10 times as long as conventional incandescent lights, extending replacement intervals and reducing maintenance costs. At 12.5 watts it uses nearly 90% less energy than a standard 116-watt bulb. It resists aircraft induced vibration, which can cause incandescent lights to fail prematurely. The 860 Series exceeds the FAA's intensity specification for an L-810 light and can meet its -55C temperature requirement. An optically designed glass lens enhances LED operation and provides 360-deg. visibility at 70 cd.
Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater and FAA Administrator Jane F. Garvey are declaring that their top priority for 2000 is getting an FAA reauthorization through Congress, preferably before the presidential campaign heats up come late spring. Privately, though, Hill and Administration insiders alike don't see much chance of that.
The SU320-SMC is sensitive in the 900-1,700 nanometer (nm.) spectral range. With peak response at 155 nm., applications include eyesafe laser diagnostics, Lidar and telecommunications component inspection. The 320 has both digital and video outputs and the Indium Gallium Arsenide 320 X 256-element focal plane array used offers high quantum efficiency exceeding 70% over a wide band without the need for external cooling. Integration times are selectable using an external trigger. Sensors Unlimited Inc., 3490 Route 1, Bldg. 12, Princeton, N.J. 08540-5914.
U.S. officials are evaluating a British proposal to ease restrictions on transatlantic passenger flights to London's Heathrow Airport, but negotiators remain deadlocked in talks to open cargo markets to more competition.
Asian-Pacific airlines are increasing fares to offset fuel price rises. Carriers have seen the price of Singapore jet fuel climb from $16 a barrel to $25 in the past six months. Air New Zealand has hiked fares by 5%, while Taiwan has approved increases of up to 35% on some domestic routes. Malaysia Airlines has a price rise pending, while Thai Airways is going for a 13.5% hike. According to American Express estimates, air fares will climb 4.5% to cover fuel costs.
The U.K. will no longer provide government export credit support for arms sales to 63 of the world's poorest nations. The move makes permanent a temporary ban instituted by the U.K. in 1997 and adds another 22 heavily indebted countries to the original list, including Albania, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
The Philips G3 AutoDome is an integral camera, pan/tilt, receiver/driver in one package. The 1/3-in. CCD camera with 72 mm. lens features 16x optical and digital zoom. Its monochrome and color systems offer pendant, ceiling or parapet mount models with rugged motors and fewer moving parts for outstanding reliability. This new generation of AutoDomes offers a smaller, compact dome system with further zoom capabilities, greater low-light performance, simplified installation and easier operation.
U.K. customs officials seized a shipment containing Scud missile parts at Gatwick airport destined for Libya last November. The shipment, which reportedly originated in Taiwan, was consigned for Malta, via London. But U.K. investigators say the ultimate destination was Libya.
3M brand 8400 Series ESD Vinyl Floor Tile is now available in a new 24-in. format, the standard size for static control tiles for use in raised access floors in computer rooms and cleanroom environments. Tiles are cut at 24.25 in., allowing for custom trimming during the manufacture of the access panels. The tiles offer long-term protection against charge generation and electrostatic discharge and are available in either static-dissipative or conductive varieties.
The new StressTel FlawMIKE is a rugged, low-cost, easy-to-use ultrasonic flaw detector. Direct access keys control all frequently used functions including gain, backlight and report printing. The 4.8-in. dia. high-resolution LCD display has 60 Hz. update rate and excellent daylight visibility. Other key features include two gages for precision thickness measurement, built-in trig functions and an 80 data set storage. The instrument has a sturdy metal housing and industrial keypad. StressTel, 2790 West College Ave., State College, Pa. 16801-2605.
