FALCON 7X GROUNDED AFTER PITCH TRIM INCIDENT
European authorities grounded the Dassault Falcon 7X executive jet on 27 May after one aircraft experienced an uncontrolled pitch trim runaway during descent. Flight recorder analysis could not explain the origin of the pitch trim runaway and Dassault Aviation proposed to the European Aviation Safety Agency that it should prohibit all 7X flights until the situation is addressed. "This airworthiness directive is considered to be an interim measure pending the outcome of the investigation currently carried out by the manufacturer," said EASA.
SIA SETS UP LONG-HAUL BUDGET CARRIER
Singapore Airlines plans to establish a local no-frills low-fare subsidiary that will serve medium and long-haul routes using widebodies. Operations will begin within a year, and it will be managed separately from SIA. "It will enable the SIA Group to serve a largely untapped new market and cater to the growing demand among consumers for low-fare travel," added the carrier. Aircraft will initially be sourced from SIA.
BOMBARDIER UPBEAT OVER MARKET TO 2030
Bombardier forecasts that demand for 20- to 149-seat commercial aircraft will result in 13,100 new aircraft deliveries during the 20-year period from 2011 to 2030. The figure is an increase of 300 units compared with last year's forecast. Bombardier expects a requirement for 7,000 new 100- to 149-seat aircraft in the next two decades, a sector at which its CSeries is aimed. It predicts some 5,800 aircraft will be ordered in the 60- to 99-seat category.
ISRAEL PLANS C-130H MODERNISATION
Israel's air force is planning to issue a request for proposals to upgrade three Lockheed Martin C-130H transport aircraft. It will include new avionics and "additional systems", some of which are classified. Israel Aerospace Industries' Bedek division is already replacing the centre wing box on older C-130s. Although the air force recently signed for three C-130Js, pressure on the Israeli defence budget has spurred the C-130 upgrade.
UK SCAVENGER COULD CARRY NEW SELEX SENSOR
The UK Ministry of Defence's requirement for an unmanned surveillance system, dubbed Scavenger, could result in the first aircraft to carry the "platform-agnostic integration system" sensor concept. Selex Galileo is developing the system for medium-altitude, long-endurance and larger air vehicles. It will be ready for deployment from 2012 and feature "full capability" from 2014, said Selex chief executive Fabrizio Giulianini.
NORWEGIAN TO PICK UP ICELANDAIR 787S
Scandinavian budget carrier Norwegian has signed a letter of intent with Icelandair Group affiliate IG Invest for the right to acquire three Boeing 787-8s on order for the Icelandic flag carrier. Norwegian, which is moving into long-haul operations with the type, said two 787s would arrive in 2013 and the third in 2015.
ISRAELI FIRM ADS PLANS JET-POWERED UAV
Israel's Aeronautics Defense Systems is developing a jet-powered unmanned air system with a maximum take-off weight of 5,000kg (11,000lb). President Avi Leumi confirmed the programme is under way. To be powered by one engine, the system is intended "to get as fast as possible to where it is needed," he said.
Source: Flight International
