Thielert Insolvency Grounds Cessna Diesels
The accounting scandal that led diesel engine maker Thielert to insolvency has also delayed delivery of the first Cessnas with factory-installed diesels. Skyhawk 172S models were to have Jet-A fuelled 155hp (116kW) Thielert Centurion 2.0 litre turbos, but Cessna says there will be no deliveries in 2008. Chief executive Jack Pelton says of Thielert's assets: "I don't see Cessna buying them, but we have been in contact with other companies that are very interested in potentially buying Thielert. We are very interested in the product, but we are going to make sure they have a path forward."
GKN Gains C-130J Follow-on Order
GKN Aerospace has won a $400 million, five-year follow-on contract from Lockheed Martin to supply the integrated nacelle for the C-130J transport starting in January 2009, bringing the total value of its C-130J work to more than $800 million over 20 years. GKN has been the sole source provider of the integrated nacelle for the C-130J since its inception in 1993. The integrated nacelle includes the engine mounting structure, lower pan, scoop, doors and air inlet, and also contains all the associated fluid systems including bleed air ducting, fuel, hydraulic and anti-ice systems. GKN delivers the nacelle with most of these systems installed.
US Congress Freezes Decision On FAA Head
US Congressional consideration of Robert Sturgell's nomination to a five-year term as head of the Federal Aviation Administration remains on hold after US senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey blocked it because he says the FAA under Sturgell "shows no sense of urgency" over issues such as runway safety. Sturgell has been acting administrator since Marion Blakey's five-year term expired last September.
Central Europe To Negotiate Airspace Block
Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina are to negotiate a formal functional airspace block agreement to integrate sections of their airspace and improve air traffic control efficiency. Eurocontrol says: "This co-operation would also support the early implementation of some of the block's elements by [air traffic control] providers prior to the formal entry into force of the Central European functional airspace block agreement."
Hampson To Buy US Aerospace Tooling Firms
UK-based precision engineering group Hampson Industries has conditionally agreed deals to acquire US companies Odyssey Industries and Global Tooling Systems in a move it says will make it the largest manufacturer of tooling systems for composite aero structures. Hampson will pay up to $314 million for the two Michigan-based suppliers of large, close-tolerance tooling systems and services for programmes including the Boeing 787.
Boeing Engineering Student Of The Year Award
If you are an engineering student whose work has an impact on aeronautical or space technology, enter the Engineering Student of the Year award, sponsored by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. The winner and a companion will be guests of Boeing for a presentation during Flight International's 100th anniversary celebrations at the 2008 Farnborough air show. Details and entry instructions at flightglobal.com/student
Source: Flight International
