All news – Page 6767
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The dimensions debate
The case for a new generation of larger 70-to 100-seat class regional jets is clear. But debate continues on the optimum cabin configuration, the degree of cross-family commonality and correct cockpit system philosophy. Much is riding on each of the manufacturers getting it. The battle over aircraft cross-sections is ...
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Chandra cleared for launch
Tim Furniss/LONDON The STS93 Space Shuttle mission to deploy the Chandra X-ray telescope has been cleared to fly on 22 July. The much-delayed Columbia launch has been put on hold because of concerns about its Boeing inertial upper stage (IUS) after a similar stage failed during a US Air ...
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Ultimate power
Sole sourcing is being debated as the battle to power Boeing's 777-200X/300X moves into a decisive phase Guy Norris/LOS ANGELES It is time again for cards to be put on the table in the power battle between the industry's "big three"- General Electric, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce. Unlike previous ...
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Rafael reveals glide bomb ingredients
Israeli weapons manufacturer Rafael has unveiled a kit that turns the 900kg (2,000lb) Mk84 free-fall bomb into a guided glide weapon. Described as the "poor man's Popeye", the Smart Precise Impact and Cost Effective (SPICE) kit has completed drop trials from Israeli air force aircraft. A SPICE kit includes aerodynamic ...
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Raytheon picked for GPS landing aid
Raytheon Systems has been selected over a Honeywell/Lockheed Martin/ Rockwell Collins team to develop the US military's next-generation precision-approach landing aid. The US Air Force awarded Raytheon an initial $5.8 million for risk-reduction efforts in support of the Joint Precision Approach Landing System (JPALS). Early work will include development ...
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Modifications for Apache-mounted Starstreak revealed
Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC Shorts and Lockheed Martin have outlined a series of modifications to the Starstreak missile. The changes are intended to improve integration of the helicopter-launched version of the surface-to-air weapon with the Boeing AH-64 Apache, ahead of a planned shoot-off against the competing Raytheon Stinger. The ...
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'Super Frog' partners sought
Boeing is seeking international partners for its "Super Frog" outsize tactical transport project. The tilt-wing aircraft is a tailless, swept-wing, four-turboprop, short take-off and landing design. The company claims the Super Frog would be a "quantum leap" over other tactical airlifters, such as the Lockheed Martin C-130. It has ...
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Cut and thrust
After much deliberation, Airbus has launched its attack on the 100-seat market with a cut back, Pratt & Whitney PW6000-powered, A320 derivative Max Kingsley-Jones/LONDON The journey to Airbus Industrie's entry into the 100-seat market has been long and sometimes controversial. The consortium took its time studying the smaller end of ...
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Europe at the crossroads
Europe's idea of challenging the USA's aerospace dominance by gathering its major concerns under one umbrella has made little progress since its conception Chris Jasper/LONDON When the world's aerospace manufacturers last gathered in Paris, the fulfilment of Europe's grand aim of gathering its major aerospace players under one umbrella ...
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Regional ramp up
Paul Lewis/SAN ANTONIO/TORONTO/WASHINGTON DC The regional aviation industry is in a state of transition. Airlines have bade farewell to major manufacturers such as Fokker, Jetstream and Saab, together with an increasing number of their turboprop aircraft. They have been replaced by Bombardier, Embraer and Fairchild, offering a range of new, ...
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Fairchild poised for US 428JET order
Paul Lewis/SAN ANTONIOFairchild Aerospace plans to announce a $1.5 billion launch order for the 428JET regional jet, along with additional 328JET sales, at the Paris air show. The company has refused to identify the customer, but it is widely believed to be US carrier Atlantic Coast Airlines (ACA). San Antonio-based ...
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USA and Australia strike secret deal on Asian satellite pictures
Peter La Franchi/CANBERRA The Australian Department of Defence is to gain access to photographic imagery generated by US low-earth orbit reconnaissance satellites under a secret two-nation agreement being implemented this year. The agreement will give the Australian military high-resolution photographic intelligence on locations throughout much of Asia. The agreement, ...
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Italian tie-up
Alenia Aerospazio and Aerospace Industries of Malaysia (AIM) have signed a memorandum of understanding under which Alenia will provide the Malaysian aeronautical industry with technical assistance and training "for the development of specific engineering capabilities, particularly in aerostructures". In return, AIM will assist Alenia with marketing activities. Source: Flight International
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GPS projectile
Interstate Electronics of California has shipped the first global positioning system (GPS) receiver designed for use in a rocket-assisted projectile. The miniature receiver fits into a 127mm (5in) US Navy shell, and can acquire GPS signals within seconds of clearing the barrel of the upgraded Mk45 deck-mounted gun. The GPS ...
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Matra BAe/IMI team for Australian bid
Peter La Franchi/CANBERRA Matra BAe Dynamics (MBD) has ditched plans to offer its Storm Shadow for the Royal Australian Air Force's Follow On Stand Off Weapon requirement. Instead, British Aerospace Australia (BAeA) has joined Israeli Military Industries (IMI) to offer the Delilah II. An agreement between IMI and BAeA ...
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Telescope proposal unveiled
A Lockheed Martin-led team, which includes Raytheon, Honeywell, and Jackson and Tull, has announced its proposal for the NASA Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST). NASA will award two $12 million contracts on 30 June for competing NGST designs. The Lockheed Martin team is facing competition from groups led by Ball ...
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USA backs Eurocontrol ATM
Julian Moxon/BRUSSELS Eurocontrol has won US support for its approach to a future air traffic management (ATM) system that offers the potential to double airspace capacity by 2015. Presenting the results of its 10-year programme for harmonised air traffic management research (PHARE), the agency says the US Federal Aviation ...
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UAE lease firm ready for launch
Max Kingsley-Jones/LONDON A new Gulf-based leasing and charter company is under formation, ready for launch at November's Dubai air show. The business is being set up by the Qatar-based Gulf Falcon Leasing Group, headed by Qatar Airways founder Sheikh Hamad Al-Thani. "We are forming two companies that ...
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Mikoyan braves finance snags for MiG-110 work
The Mikoyan Engineering Centre, previously known as ANPK MiG, is pursuing development of the MiG-110 twin turboprop utility aircraft, despite its financial difficulties. First announced in 1993, the MiG-110 is designed as a convertible passenger/cargo aircraft and is vying with the Sukhoi S-80 to succeed the Antonov An-26 turboprop. ...
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Marketplace
Air Sicilia is adding two Fokker F28 Mk4000s on lease from Montenegro Airlines. Royal Air Maroc has taken delivery of two Boeing 737-800s, leased for three years from GE Capital Services. The two aircraft are supplementing the Casablanca-based carrier's own Next Generation 737s on its European, African and Middle East ...