DPI Labs has introduced the world's first 600-watt, multi-configurable audio amplifier, calling it ideal for one, two, and three-cabin planes or corporate helicopters. The MS3006 audio amplifier, with interchangeable I/O connectors and six independent 100-watt audio channels, can take the place of up to three high-end amplifiers, saving up-front costs while conserving space and fuel.
TRW Aeronautical Systems (Lucas Aerospace), a leader among OEMs intent on developing an e-commerce capability to support their own customers (as opposed to developing industry-wide marketplaces) launched AeroVantix at Paris. The product, which TRW described as ``the first fully functional, all-encompassing aerospace e-business portal,'' is designed to give TRW customers round the clock access to TRW and its supply base with on-line service to key data.
Hawker Pacific Aerospace's majority shareholder, Lufthansa Technik AG, has provided a revolving line of credit to Hawker's wholly owned London subsidiary, Hawker Pacific Aerospace Ltd., for up to approximately $7.4 million.
EADS will acquire Australian Aerospace Pty. Ltd., the defense activities of Australia's Hawker Pacific. Australian Aerospace's core businesses include airframe modification and maintenance.
M.M. Newman Corp. is offering a new temperature-controlled soldering station featuring a 25-watt soldering iron and selection of gold-plated tips to provide easy wetting and conform to military electronic soldering requirements. Antex Model 660-TC temperature-controlled soldering station has thumbhole-selectable settings from 150 deg. F to 840 deg. F. and a 25-watt soldering iron providing tip-to-ground continuity. System heats up fully in less than two minutes, and provides quick recovery time, company says. Gold-plated tips slide directly over .135-in. heating element.
TRW Aeronautical Systems (Lucas Aerospace) signed a long-term agreement with HRD Aero Systems Inc./HRD Oxygen Systems Inc., Valencia, Calif., to invest jointly in a service center for aircraft pressure vessels in the Asia-Pacific region. The new service center will be set up within the existing TRW Aeronautical Systems repair facility in Singapore.
Rolls-Royce signed an agreement with Blades Technology Ltd. (BTL), making the Israeli company the exclusive original equipment manufacturer for existing configuration T56 and Model 501-D22 Series III engine first-stage turbine blades.
Heico Corp. and American Airlines parent AMR Corp. are forming a joint venture to produce and sell engine parts. Under the deal, AMR and Heico will put up more than $10 million for the new venture. Heico will develop the parts and obtain FAA parts manufacturer approvals; AMR will provide both technical and marketing support as well as input on what parts will be made.
Jet Aviation received approval from Germany's civil aviation authority, LBA, to maintain Challenger 604, Gulfstream and Falcon 900EX business jets at its facility in Hanover, Germany.
United Air Specialists, Inc.'s Kleentek line of electrostatic oil-cleaning systems is designed to remove insoluble contaminants, including tars and varnishes, from hydraulic oil systems for maximum performance and control in aviation facilities, company says. Kleentek oil-cleaning systems minimize maintenance problems by using electrostatic principles to draw contaminants of all sizes out of oil, trapping them on a collector. System is so effective that the need for continual oil changes is eliminated, company says.
Duncan Aviation Engine Service Center named Doug Alleman turbine engine service sales representative. A 13-year veteran of Duncan, Alleman has served as engine technical representative and MPI shop supervisor. Also, Duncan named Mike Bernholtz MPI shop supervisor for its Lincoln, Neb., facility; and Craig Bohling engine technical representative and training coordinator. Also, Dan Buzz was named vice president of modifications and completions at Duncan Aviation in Lincoln, Neb.
Airline Suppliers Association named Mitch Weinberg to its board of directors, replacing Paula Sparks, who left the board after leaving AVTEAM and joining Pratt&Whitney. Weinberg is a 23-year veteran of International Aircraft Associates, Inc.
Rockwell Collins named Robert Chiusano executive vice president and COO, government systems; and Neal Keating executive vice president and COO, commercial systems. Chiusano previously was vice president and general manager of Rockwell Collins Government Systems; Keating previously was vice president and general manager, Rockwell Collins Air Transport Systems.
Wood Group Power Inc. has created Wood Group Aero Propulsion division by combining Wood Group Aero, Inc., Wood Group Turbopower, Inc., and Wood Group Aviation Support, LLC, under central management. Robert Hanrahan, formerly executive vice president of Wood Group Gas Turbines and president of Wood Group Aero, will become president of Aero Propulsion.
Alenia Aerospazio and Aeronavali have signed a memorandum of agreement with The Boeing Co. to become partners in the development, production and support of a tanker/transport version of the 767. The agreement was triggered by the Italian Air Force's selection of the 767 to fulfill its need for a new tanker.
RTS Rework Inc. won parts manufacturer approval (PMA) to produce the replacement/modification for air inlet screen assemblies for Pratt&Whitney Canada PT6A engines.
Once used to protect the leading edge of helicopter rotor blades and for airframe decals, fluoropolymer self-sticking film, often refered to as an ``applique,'' may eventually cover entire airframes as an alternative to paint. In May, St. Paul-based Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co. (more commonly known as 3M) introduced to the aerospace market the 3M 5004 Paint Replacement Product.
Toronto-based Spar Aerospace won a $3.2 million (U.S.) contract from Canada's Department of National Defense April 17 for prototype installation of structural and electrical upgrades on board a CAF Lockheed CC-130 Hercules tactical transport. Scheduled for completion by June 2002, the prototype rewiring and airframe upgrades will take place at Spar's approved Lockheed Martin service facility in Edmonton, Alberta, as a continuation of several DND initiatives to sustain Canada's 32-strong CC-130 fleet throughout its operational life.
Few problems have been a greater challenge to aircraft completion centers and more vexing to operators than completing interiors on time and within budget. The concern is particularly acute within the new class of ultra-long-range business jets -- the Boeing Business Jet, Gulfstream V, Bombardier Global Express and Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) -- where some completions have run thousands of hours over schedule and tens of thousands of dollars over budget.
An advanced mission computer (AMC), which Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics&Surveillance Systems (NE&SS) has been selected to provide from an anticipated $58 million order, will be a key component in the upgraded avionics suite of the 80 Block 60 F-16s recently ordered by the UAE from a $6.4 billion contract. Dramatic improvements in processor throughput and memory are claimed by NE&SS for its AMC. Its flexible design facilitates future enhancements. AMC deliveries for the UAE contract will start in 2003.
What if one of the most demonstrably successful companies in your business offers you the chance, not only to see how they do things, but also the chance to re-organize your business on the same lines as theirs?
TransDigm signed an agreement to buy Champion Aviation Products from Federal-Mogul Ignition Co. Liberty, S.C.-based Champion produces igniters for turbine engines and spark plugs and oil filters for piston engines. With sales of $70 million in 2000, Champion will increase TransDigm's annual sales by almost 50%.
Astronics said the USAF has exercised the final option on its contract to provide night vision lighting upgrade kits for the USAF fleet of F-16 aircraft. The option calls for deliveries worth more than $10 million.
