Eurocopter’s EC145 helicopter: 500 deliveries completed
02.05.2012
The 500th EC145 helicopter now was delivered by Eurocopter, marking a new milestone for this twin-engine workhorse rotorcraft that continues in high-rate production for international customers. Eurocopter’s 500th EC145, along with the 501st production helicopter, were provided to Transportes Aereos Pegaso, which is the largest Mexican operator in the Gulf of Mexico. [more...]
TITAL manufactures stiffening elements for Airbus A350XWB
19.04.2012
The titanium and aluminum investment casting specialist TITAL has supplied titanium components for the Keel Beam for the Airbus A350XWB. The Keel Beam is a large structural component located on the bottom side of the aircraft fuselage directly behind the landing gear compartment. This area of the aircraft has a particularly sturdy design and has to bear massive mechanical stress. The stiffening elements made from titanium castings were among the first titanium parts that TITAL has produced for Airbus’ new long-haul aircraft. [more...]
Airbus starts final assembly of first A350 XWB
05.04.2012
Final assembly of the first A350 XWB is now underway at the brand new final assembly line in Toulouse. This latest step in the A350 XWB’s progress is achieved as Airbus starts joining the 19.7 metre long centre fuselage with the 21 metre long front fuselage. This first A350 XWB airframe will be used for the static structural tests that all new aircraft undergo as part of their certification process. The assembly of the first flying A350 XWB, MSN1, will start during summer. [more...]
MT Aerospace to manufacture flight hardware for IXV reentry vehicle
30.03.2012
MT Aerospace received an important follow-up order to manufacture ceramic compound body flaps and heat shield components for the European IXV reentry vehicle: after completion of the development phase and successful Critical Design Review, Thales Alenia Space Italia, as prime contractor, and the Augsburg/Germany based company signed a contract for the qualification and manufacture of the IXV vehicle’s flight hardware. IXV will be launched into space in 2014 to test reentry technologies for future space applications. [more...]
New seating and galley equipment flies into Aircraft Interiors Expo 2012
01.03.2012
A host of innovative approaches to seating and airline galleys will be on display next month when Aircraft Interiors Expo returns to the Hamburg Messe from 27-29 March. Following interest in its pre-production concept at the 2011 exhibition, Pitch Aircraft Seating Systems has rapidly advanced its design for a new light weight seat, due to be showcased at this year’s show. Developed in conjunction with Intier Automotive for single aisle short-haul flights, the innovative seating solution weighs less than 25kg and features a backrest moulded from lightweight composite materials. A number of airlines have already expressed significant interest in Pitch’s sophisticated design and, having successfully passed the landmark 16g dynamic test, the company is on track to deliver the seats at the end of the year. [more...]
Boeing to Begin Final Phase of 737 MAX Wind Tunnel Testing
13.02.2012
Boeing (NYSE: BA) announced yesterday that the final phase of wind tunnel testing, a major milestone in airplane development, will begin on the 737 MAX program this week. “Wind tunnel testing is on the critical design path of the program,” said Michael Teal, chief project engineer and deputy program manager, 737 MAX program. “Based on previous work in the wind tunnel, we are confident this final phase of testing will substantiate our predictions of the aerodynamic performance of the airplane.” [more...]
EADS Board of Directors announces future top management appointments and Board composition
27.01.2012
EADS N.V. announces that its Board of Directors has designated Tom Enders to take over the role of CEO when Louis Gallois steps down at the end of his mandate. Concurrently, Arnaud Lagardère will assume the role of Chairman of the Board presently held by Bodo Uebber. The change-over was prepared diligently by the Board and results from the application of the succession process under the governance of EADS, which was updated in October 2007. It will take place after the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 31 May, 2012. [more...]
7,000th Airbus aircraft delivered – an A321 to US Airways
20.12.2011
Airbus has delivered its 7,000th aircraft, an A321, to US Airways – the airline that operates the largest fleet of Airbus aircraft in the world – from the Airbus facility in Hamburg, Germany. This milestone comes just two years after the delivery of Airbus’ 6,000th aircraft which underlines the continued vibrancy of the commercial aviation sector and the market’s clear vote for eco-efficient aircraft. [more...]
German DLR tests Australian spacecraft
15.12.2011
Can new types of engine make spaceflight easier and more economical? This question is being investigated by researchers at the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) using one of Europe’s leading hypersonic wind tunnels, located in Göttingen. The engine is being tested for an Australian Scramjet-based Access-to-Space Systems (SCRAMSPACE) experimental spacecraft – SCRAMSPACE I – scheduled for launch in 2013. [more...]
AELS starts aircraft disassembly at Business Park Aviolanda
12.12.2011
AELS (Aircraft End-of-Life Solutions (www.aels.nl)) has started the disassembly and dismantling of a Boeing 737-500 at Aviolanda. It’s the first aircraft that is being recycled by AELS at Woensdrecht Airport, Business Park Aviolanda (www.businessparkaviolanda.nl ). AELS and Aviolanda have signed a long term agreement to provide this new service at Woensdrecht airport as part of the “one-stop-shop” principle. AELS will work in cooperation with Fokker Services (www.fokkerservices.nl), Aviolanda Business Park and Rewin (www.rewin.nl) to develop this service further. [more...]
