Search

The article focuses on the aerospace industry company United Launch Alliance. The company's activities in the modification of the guided missile and spacecraft launching facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California is discussed. The renovation was to enable the facility to be able to launch the Delta IV Heavy rocket for the launching of artificial satellites and other space vehicles.

The article reports on the manufacturing plan of Boeing for the 747-8. According to the author, the production is centered in Building 40:22 at the wide-body airplane headquarters of the firm in Seattle, Washington and reflects the manufacturing legacy of the airplane. Vice president Paul Nuyen will oversee the manufacturing of 747-8. The company predicts that 60% of the 830 freighters due to enter the market in the next 20 years, from the period of 2011 to 2030, will be new.

The article focuses on the flight-test program being conducted by aircraft manufacturer Boeing for its 787 transport. The program requires the completion of three tests come December 31, 2009, one of which was completed by the prototype aircraft ZA001 while the second flight will involve the second prototype ZA002. A rainy weather almost prevented the ZA001 from taking off yet the skies cleared toward takeoff time. Vice president and general manager Scott Francher believes that the first flight stands as a good indicator for the rest of the program.

The article focuses on the efforts of Boeing to address the technical challenges it face covering its 787 jet program. The company has failed to accomplish its goal of flying the aircraft for the first time in the last week of June 2009 which it attributed to the airplane's composite wing induced delamination and deformation on body joint points during pre-flight stress test. Delays of the flight started in September 2007 with the break down of the supply chain. It was followed by problems in program development and the latest is wing bending problems.

The article reports that suppliers for the Boeing 787 are closer to making complete airframe shipments. Presently, all of the aircraft in Building 40-26 at Boeing's Everett, Washington wide-body headquarters are for the flight-test program. The static and fatigue airframes have been moved to their test stands. The first flight airplane, ZA001, has passed the power-on test of its electrical systems and is undergoing specific systems tests. For the 787, Boeing wants wings and fuselages shipped to Everett with hydraulic, mechanical and electrical systems.

The article focuses on the decision of Boeing to increase research and development funding in 2008 as it works its way out of production delays on the 787 aircraft and overcomes the drag that program put on other new products. The new 787 schedule and additional 747-8 development costs will require an increase of $400-600 million in total research & development (R&D) funding, raising the total this year to $3.6-$3.8 billion, according to chief financial officer (CFO) James Bell.

The article reports on the debut of Atlas V on the Pacific Coast. The first mission liftoff, scheduled on February 26, 2008 is for the National Reconnaissance Office using an Atlas V in a 411 configuration. Although classified, mission L-28 is believed to be a signals intelligence satellite bearing an attached Space-Based Infrared System Highly Elliptical Orbit payload for missile defense.

The article presents information on Global Aeronautica LLC, a joint venture between Vought Aircraft Industries Inc. of Dallas and Italy's Alenia Aeronautica SpA. Vought built the 342,000-sq.-ft. factory in a swamp beside a civil-military airport in North Charleston, South Carolina, to support the Boeing's 787 program. The factory can make just-in-time deliveries of composite fuselages for Boeing 787.

This article reports that after waiting three decades for enabling technology to catch up with its design ideas, GE Aviation is deeply embedding itself in composite materials as a next-generation answer to making engines quieter and cheaper to own and operate. The payoff is coming in the GEnx engine, which made its first run on March 19, 2006 when Serial No. 001 was started on test stand 6A at the company's Test Operation Center in Peebles, Ohio. The first fruition of GE's composite technology appeared in fan blades for the GE90 series for Boeing's 777 family, an engine development investment that brought years of market struggle for GE but is now paying off.

This article reports that even as 2005 ended with Asian carriers splurging on orders, their acquisition plans for this year include more than 200 additional short and long-haul aircraft. It seems the region, led by China and India, has an insatiable appetite for new aircraft. Studies by the International Air Transport Association put their combined profit in 2005 at $1.5 billion, compared with $1.3 billion in Europe, and a net loss of $10 billion in the U.S. The International Civil Aviation Organization's forecast expects the Asia-Pacific countries to supplant Europe this year as the second largest aviation region after North America.

This article reports that India has become another major market in the Asia-Pacific mix thanks to the confluence of its economy and a workforce skilled in computing, science and manufacturing. At last year's Paris air show, its airlines signed up for 140 new aircraft. Morgan Stanley analysts Heidi Wood and Greg Alexopoulos are skeptical about the groundswell of these growth plans, but there's no denying India's promise. For the aerospace industry, an even more important India-specific shift is underway. After decades of a U.S. boycott over its nuclear development program, warmer trade and defense relations have been established, as witnessed by a scheduled visit from U.S. President George W. Bush this month, and India is opening its industry and military contracts to foreign participation as never before.

The article focuses on the 787 aircraft program by Boeing Co. The company is now investigating how shape-memory alloys, which make engine chevrons more efficient, and noise-absorbing nacelle lip liners might reduce the need to carry as much noise-absorbing insulation in the fuselage. The chevron and nacelle tests are part of a broader effort to reduce cabin and airport noise that Boeing, General Electric, Goodrich Aerostructures Group and the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Langley Research Center undertook in August 2005 at Boeing's Glasgow Flight Test Facility. INSET: Anticipating Certification.

This article reports that Boeing Co. chief's ouster creates shock waves on both sides of the Atlantic, and ignites debate about whether an outsider will be tapped to run the company. Just one month ago, Harry C. Stonecipher waved off a question about who might succeed him as president and CEO of Boeing Co. Boeing's board abruptly sent him packing over an extramarital affair with a female company executive, complete with e-mails. The race is on to lead the world's largest aerospace company, and much sooner than Stonecipher had anticipated. Whoever it is will face the challenge of bruising competition from Europe's Airbus in the commercial airliner business and looming pressure on Boeing's defense business from an expected decline in Pentagon procurement. The new chief also will inherit a company whose reputation is just beginning to recover from high-profile defense procurement scandals that led to the ousters in late 2003 of Phil Condit as chairman/CEO and Michael Sears as chief financial officer.

The article focuses on possible changes in the inflight entertainment industry. The inflight entertainment establishment is regrouping, pumping up the "wow" factor in seatback imagery and pushing hard to let Internet savvy passengers do at 30,000 feet what they're accustomed to doing on the street. However, an insurgency has been building over the past year, bent on convincing airlines that their IFE choices can be more portable, less costly and possibly a great new source of revenue. Last year, airline expenditures on inflight entertainment, cabin communications products and services were up 17 percent, reaching $1.6 billion.

Japan, which is about the size of California, has not developed a two-city equivalent of Los Angeles and San Francisco as international gateways. Instead, the air services of this country of 128 million — 3.5 times the size of California — are dominated by just one city — Tokyo, Japan. But with the backing of some of Japan's best known companies, the central Japanese city of Nagoya has plans to change that profile by opening a new airport with an emphasis on regional passenger and cargo traffic, and expanding operations for executive jets. As Nagoya acts, the Japanese transport ministry is updating Tokyo's big domestic and international airports.

Whether in new airliners, fighter competitions, air traffic management requirements or finding new ways to calm jittery passengers, the Asia-Pacific region has regained its place as the world's most dynamic market. The aerospace industry gathers this week in Singapore for Asian Aerospace 2004. Airbus and Boeing are both putting new versions of long-haul medium and large transports into the market this year. Singapore Airlines Ltd. debuted the Airbus star earlier this month on a flight the carrier has long wanted to make — nonstop from Los Angeles to Singapore.

Northrop Grumman Corp.'s plan for building the James Webb Space Telescope emphasizes using established technology, continuity with earlier programs and lots of testing. The art and reality of building a major orbiting observatory has been compared to the creation of one of Europe's great cathedrals. Both require a grand plan, an ability to keep working under stress and similar amounts of toil. Eight years from now, an Ariane 5 is expected to boost the 5,400-kg. (11,880-lb.) observatory toward the second Lagrangian point (L2), 1.5 million km. (930,000 mi.) beyond Earth's orbit. L2 offers the closest practical orbit for the deep space cold soak that the telescope needs.

Reports on the challenge of assembling aircraft for different types of customer. Views from Martin McLaughlin, a senior Northrop Grumman manager, on the issue; Types of materials used in producing wings for the conventual takeoff and landing aircraft; Techniques in making different aircrafts without incurring high costs.

Reports on the results of 'Aviation Week & Space Technology's survey about the aerospace industries' information technology (IT) and e-business strategies. Primary objectives in pursuing e-business; Return received on IT investment; e-capabilities in place or planned; e-business solution implementation; Use or intention to use exchanges.

Reports on the search for ways to make information technology and electronic business applications successful ingredients for airline maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations as the electronic revolution expands. Web support from original equipment makers; Considerations of airlines when attempting to transition from its mainframe to either a client/server or browser-based system.

Reports on the finding that aerospace manufacturers are motivated to develop Internet sites for fear of being left behind in the competition according to a survey by Deloitte Consulting and `Aviation Week & Space Technology.' Experimentation and willingness of companies to enter the electronic business relationships.

Reports on worldwide airplane manufacturers' focus on Asian airlines in the wake of the region's economic recovery in 2000. Other factors that contributed to the delay of the introduction of aircraft; Efforts of the region's largest carriers to join global alliances to increase their marketing strengths; Implications of having a worldwide fleet of code-sharing partners; Passengers' use of alliance members' hubs.

Focuses on the transfer to advanced computer tools for the United States aerospace and defense sector's maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) function. Impact of the lack of common enterprise resource planning on the introduction of electronic business tools in the military; Use of software to enhance MRO operations.

Shows that despite the economic crises, Asia-Pacific nations are continuing to expand their remote-imaging capacity. Comments from industry officials; Roots of the region's interest in mapmaking; Information on the Australian Resource Information and Environment Satellite project.

Outlines reaction of the British, Spanish and Italian partners in the European Fighter Aircraft program to Germany's refusal to authorize production funding for the EFA. German officials are calling for a `lighter,' less expensive variant, which is not considered to have sufficient range or weapons capability to satisfy the other partners' defense needs. Luftwaffe officials stick by the Jaeger 90 as an F-4F Phantom replacement; Alternatives to EFA.

Focuses on the development of the Chek Lap Kok airport in Hong Kong, China. Consideration of the services at the old Kai Tak airport; date for opening ceremonies; Hong Kong being one of the busiest international airports; Number of people to be employed at the airport; How the Chek Lap Kok Island was enlarged to become an airport; Computer resources; Growth potential.

Focuses on the issue of whether the aerospace industry in the United States can compete with other high-technology industries for computer programmers. Examples of how aerospace companies Raytheon Aircraft, Pratt & Whitney, Boeing, and others are exploiting information technology.

The article discusses the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuStar) artificial satellite to be launched on June 13, 2012 by the U.S. National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA). The satellite's function as a space telescope which detects high-energy X-rays to observe black holes is considered. Similarities and differences between NuStar and NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory satellite are examined.

The article discusses the aircraft company Boeing's decision to close its facility in Wichita, Kansas in order to lower costs in response to reduced U.S. military spending. The reaction of machinists from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Kansas politicians, and Boeing officials are examined. The construction of the KC-46A tanker for the U.S. Air Force, the aviation industry in Wichita, and other Boeing plants are discussed.

The article discusses supply chain management in the aerospace industry, looking at the role of suppliers in the design of systems, program risk management, and the effects of consolidation on prime contractors. The author examines the increasing percentage of components made by aerospace suppliers, the necessity of developing clear program requirements, and potential problems with international collaboration related to lead times, translations, and security.

The article discusses the Boeing 787 jet airplane, looking at the use of aerodynamically molded plastics, fuel-efficient motors, and environmental control system. The author argues that despite lengthy delays, the 787 will have a substantial impact on the aircraft industry. The delivery of planes to launch customer All Nippon Airways (ANA), the 787 program costs, and differences between the Boeing 777 and the Boeing 787 are examined.

This article presents information about the development of the James Webb Space Telescope that is expected to probe deeper into space than the Hubble Space Telescope and is expected to provide an answer to the Big Bang Theory. The James Webb Telescope hopes to have the technology that will keep the telescope's components cool for longer periods than other telescopes. Cool equipment is necessary for the telescope to detect faint glows of distant objects. The expected launch date is June 2014.

The article focuses on the plan of aircraft manufacturer Boeing for production alternatives to its Boeing 737s and 777s. It notes that the company is considering to address production issues with the two planes which posted delivery records in 2009 following a year of recession. It mentions that the plan of competitor Airbus to conduct a power plant upgrade for the A320 brings pressure on Boeing. The product development team for the 737 will be headed by vice president Mike Bair while consultant Lars Anderson will lead the 777 program.

The article focuses on the expectation by several U.S. satellite manufacturers that there will be steady orders for new and replacement voice, data and broadcast satellites over the next 10 years starting in 2010. The manufacturers that observe such notion are Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems, Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems and Space Systems/Loral. They follow the belief that opportunities in the commercial sector will be expanded by a growing commitment to hosting government payloads.

The article reports on the failure of Boeing officials to provide details about how the problem of a failed wing test of 787 will be corrected and when the new jet will fly. According to Boeing Chairman James McNerney, the goal of program managers has not changed since a failed wing test was revealed a week before Boeing's previous deadline for first flight. He adds that although some initial tests have been conducted, a way to install strengtheners in tight-fitting spaces in the airplane is still being sought.

The article reports that Boeing is anxious to get first flight over with so it can get into the business of flight test, certification and delivery of its long-delayed 787. The 787 program has been affected by production meltdowns, a strike and a series of design issues. According to Boeing flight test operations director Frank Rasor, their expectation is to get type certification in the eight-to-nine-month timeframe.

The article offers information on the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (Lcross). The satellite, which will launch with the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, will photograph the impact of its own Centaur upper stage burrowing a hole likely to be 30 yards wide and 15 feet deep in the bottom of a crater near one of the Moon's poles. The Lcross mission is aimed at confirming the presence or absence of water ice in a permanently shadowed region of the Moon at either its north or south pole.

The article reports on the unsuccessful launch of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO), a satellite designed to track the delicate interplay between land, forest and ocean absorption and release of carbon dioxide globally. It cites the appointment of Goddard Space Flight Deputy Director Rick Obenschain to lead an investigation into the unsuccessful launch of OCO on February 24, 2009.

The article reports that the U.S. National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) is set to add the Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO), a satellite that will draw a global profile of carbon dioxide (CO2). The OCO will become the newest member of the Afternoon Constellation, or A-Train, of Earth-observing spacecraft funded by NASA, France and Canada. It will be launched on February 23, 2008 by an Orbital Sciences XL 3110 booster from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Information is presented on the functions of OCO.

The article reports on the goal of the U.S. Air Force to demand for more capacity to know about what assets are in space. The U.S. has long used ground networks and adapted its space-based assets to track and assess the military capabilities of other countries' spacecraft. The Space-Based Surveillance Satellite (SBSS) Block 10 satellite is leading the effort to provide in-orbit intelligence.

The article reports that Lockheed Martin will continue work on its first Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) spacecraft as the U.S. Department of Defense debates how to proceed with the Transformational Satellite (TSAT) program. The AEHF system will be part of a new series of satellites that will follow the Milstar constellation and will also provide jam-proof communications for users until the next program.

The article offers updates on the Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) satellite, which has been in orbit over the Pacific Ocean for a year. It provides the same amount of high-bandwidth capacity as the entire Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) that WGS is beginning to replace. The WGS network is used by all the military services and is based on Boeing's workhorse 702 commercial satellite and it has features that allow operators to detect the presence of jamming or other interferences.

The article reports on a strike held by employees at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Nearly 27,000 machinists have stopped work at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, largely because they want more say in the company's outsourcing strategy. The strike began on September 6, 2008, but its roots go back to 2002 when Boeing established the right to bring outside vendors on to the shop floor and narrowed rules under which it would consult with workers on outsourcing.

The article highlights the growing demand for a wider use of U.S. unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in non-military operations such as environmental monitoring, law enforcement and disaster relief. It mentions that efforts to expand the use of government-owned UAS focus on the Northrop Grumman Global Hawk and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Predator Bs which are being operated by the U.S. Air Force, Customs and Border Protection and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The article reports on the concerns about the Boeing 787 aircraft's power systems and electric brake monitoring controls, which are potential obstacles to its first flight. Boeing Vice President and 787 General Manager Pat Shanahan says most systems are ready to go, but brake control monitors supplied by Crane Aerospace to the former Smiths Aerospace division of GE Aviation are late. However, Shanahan is not able to make predictions about when Boeing will be able to ramp up production to make up lost ground on deliveries.

The article reports that Exostar has been awarded a design authority contract for an unspecified fee to collaborate with members of the Transglobal Secure Collaboration Program (TSCP) to develop the reference architecture and define the standards to exchange information securely regardless of the software platforms used. TSCP was established by BAE Systems, Boeing, EADS/Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and Rolls-Royce.

The article reports on the MRJ70/90 regional jet family to be introduced by Mitsubishi which features a cutting-edge engine design and composite wing. But as Japan's biggest aerospace company moves forward with its Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) ambitions, it is benefiting from changes in sourcing and partnering that have swept across the industry, especially since Boeing introduced the 787. The company is introducing Pratt & Whitney's geared turbofan engine.

The article reports on the aim of Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to put itself and Japan back in the business of designing and building commercial aircraft. The board of directors has granted its aerospace business unit authority to offer the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) to airlines. The Japanese government is expected to finance a substantial portion of the estimated $1.9 billion development cost.