Planenews Aviation News

EVERETT, Wash. (PRNewswire-FirstCall): The Boeing (NYSE: (BA)) 747-8 Freighter successfully took to the sky for the first time today before more than 5,000 employees, customers, suppliers and community leaders. The flight begins a test program for the world’s most efficient freighter.

With 747 Chief Pilot Mark Feuerstein and Capt. Tom Imrich in the flight deck, the newest member of the 747 family took off at 12:39 p.m. local time from Paine Field in Everett and landed at Paine Field at 4:18 p.m.

“It was a real privilege to be at the controls of this great airplane on its first flight, representing the thousands of folks who made today possible,” said Feuerstein. “The airplane performed as expected and handled just like a 747-400.”

Today’s flight was the first of more than 1,600 flight hours in the test program for the newest member of the Boeing freighter family. The airplane followed a route over Western Washington, where it underwent tests for basic handling qualities and engine performance. The airplane reached a cruising altitude of 17,000 feet (5,181 m) and a speed of up to 230 knots, or about 264 miles (426 km) per hour.

Powered by four General Electric GEnx-2B engines, the 747-8 Freighter will transition its testing program to Moses Lake, Wash., and Palmdale, Calif., where the other two test airplanes will join it in the coming month.

“This truly is a great day for The Boeing Company and the 747 program,” said Mo Yahyavi, 747 program general manager and vice president, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “It’s the culmination of the hard work and dedication of our employees, suppliers and customers. While there is still much to do, I am excited to begin the flight-test program, which will demonstrate the capabilities of this airplane.”

The 747-8 Freighter is the new, high-capacity 747 that will give cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any freighter. The airplane is 250 feet, 2 inches (76.3 m) long, which is 18 feet, 4 inches (5.6 m) longer than the 747-400 Freighter. The stretch provides customers with 16 percent more revenue cargo volume compared with its predecessor. That translates to an additional four main-deck pallets and three lower-hold pallets.

“The 747-8 Freighter continues the leadership of the 747 Freighter families, which carries more than half of the world’s air freight, making it the standard of the air cargo industry,” Yahyavi said.

Boeing launched the airplane on Nov. 14, 2005, with firm orders for 18 747-8 Freighters: 10 from Cargolux of Luxembourg and eight from Nippon Cargo Airlines of Japan. All told, Boeing has secured 108 orders for the 747-8, of which 76 are orders for the new freighter. Cargolux, Nippon Cargo Airlines, AirBridgeCargo Airlines, Atlas Air, Cathay Pacific, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Emirates SkyCargo, Guggenheim and Korean Air all have ordered the 747-8 Freighter.

LOUISVILLE (BUSINESS WIRE): UPS (UPS) today announced plans to furlough at least 300 of its airline pilots, but at the same time continued its effort to find a solution with the pilots’ union that would avert or mitigate the layoffs before they take effect. UPS employs about 2,800 pilots. UPS has been working with its union, the Independent Pilots Association, for the past year to identify ways to cut operating costs to avoid any pilot furloughs. Full Story.

If you want a pillow and blanket in coach on American Airlines (ANA), it’s going to cost you. The airline will charge $8 for a pillow and blanket in coach class for domestic trips and some international flights longer than two hours, beginning May 1. The international flights are to and from Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Central America. Spokeswoman Andrea Huguely said Monday it was an economic decision. Full Story.

TEHRAN, (UPI): Iran has opened a pair of production lines for the manufacture of advanced drone aircraft, the country’s defense minister said Monday. Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said the drones would be capable of carrying out precise bombing missions, the state-run Press TV reported. “The two drones, named Raad and Nazir, are capable of carrying out surveillance, detection and even assaults with high precision,” Vahidi said Monday. Full Story.

DUGWAY, UT: Lockheed Martin Corporation [NYSE: (LMT)] and Kaman Aerospace Corporation, a subsidiary of Kaman Corporation [NASDAQ GS: (KAMN)] have successfully demonstrated to the U.S. Marine Corps the capability of the Unmanned K-MAX® helicopter to resupply troops by unmanned helicopter at forward operating bases in Afghanistan.

During a series of flights last week in subfreezing temperatures at the U.S. Army’s Dugway Proving Ground, UT, the Unmanned K-MAX demonstrated autonomous and remote control flight over both line-of-sight and satellite-based beyond line-of-sight data link.

“We met or exceeded the requirements within the scheduled three-day timeframe of the demonstration,” said Dan Spoor, Aviation Systems vice president at Lockheed Martin’s Mission Systems & Sensors facility in Owego, NY. “The system performed a rigorous set of cargo resupply scenarios as programmed, allowing the ground-based operator to monitor progress, and make adjustments to aircraft positioning only when requested by the Marine Corps for demonstration purposes.”

Performance attributes demonstrated included hovering at 12,000 ft. with a 1,500-pound sling load; delivering 3,000 pounds of cargo well within the six-hour required timeframe to a forward operating base (two 150 nm round-trip flights); remotely controlling flight and a precision load delivery by a ground-based operator in both day and night conditions; and uploading a new mission plan to the aircraft’s mission management system during flight.

As an optional demonstration, Team K-MAX showcased the Unmanned K-MAX helicopter’s four-hook carousel, which enables multi-load deliveries in a single flight. Lifting a total cargo of 3,450 pounds, the aircraft flew to three pre-programmed delivery coordinates, autonomously releasing a sling load at each location. At the customer’s request, the fourth load delivery was performed under manual control by the ground operator.

“The Unmanned System performed operationally representative cargo resupply scenarios, and each time the system delivered as promised,” said Sal Bordonaro, President, Kaman Helicopters, a division of Kaman Aerospace Corporation. “This capability gives the Marine Corps a proven unmanned power lifter to bring vital cargo to troops on the battlefield without the need for ground vehicles and manned helicopters.”

Team K-MAX has flown the Unmanned K-MAX nearly 400 hours in unmanned mode since 2007. The demonstration fulfilled an $860,000 U.S. Marine Corps contract awarded to K-MAX manufacturer Kaman Aerospace in August 2009.

A manned version of K-MAX has accumulated more than 250,000 flight hours, conducting repetitive lift operations for the construction and logging industries worldwide.

Kaman Corporation, founded in 1945 by aviation pioneer Charles H. Kaman, and headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut conducts business in the aerospace and industrial distribution markets. The company produces and/or markets widely used proprietary aircraft bearings and components; complex metallic and composite aerostructures for commercial, military and general aviation fixed and rotary wing aircraft; safing and arming solutions for missile and bomb systems for the U.S. and allied militaries; subcontract helicopter work; and support for the company’s SH-2G Super Seasprite maritime helicopters and K-MAX medium-to-heavy lift helicopters. The company is also a leading distributor of industrial parts, and operates nearly 200 customer service centers and five distribution centers across North America.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.

TOKYO: Japanese authorities said Monday they are trying to identify a body found inside one of the landing gear compartments on a Delta Airlines plane flight that arrived in Tokyo from New York. The body of the apparent stowaway, identified only as that of a male with dark skin, was clad only in a long-sleeved, plaid shirt and jeans, police at the Narita International Airport said Monday. Full Story.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.: Space shuttle Endeavour lit up the predawn sky above Florida’s Space Coast on Monday with a 4:14 a.m. EST launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The shuttle’s last scheduled night launch began a 13-day flight to the International Space Station and the final year of shuttle operations.

Endeavour’s STS-130 mission will include three spacewalks and the delivery of the Tranquility node, the final major U.S. portion of the station. Tranquility will provide additional room for crew members and many of the space station’s life support and environmental control systems.

Attached to Tranquility is a cupola with seven windows, which houses a robotic control station. The windows will provide a panoramic view of Earth, celestial objects and visiting spacecraft. After the node and cupola are added, the orbiting laboratory will be approximately 90 percent complete.

Shortly before liftoff, Commander George Zamka said, “Thanks to the great team that got Tranquility, cupola and Endeavour to this point. And thanks also to the team that got us ready to bring Node 3 and cupola to life. We’ll see you in a couple of weeks. It’s time to go fly.”

Zamka is joined on the flight by Pilot Terry Virts and Mission Specialists Kathryn Hire, Stephen Robinson, Nicholas Patrick and Robert Behnken. Virts is making his first trip to space.

Endeavour’s first landing opportunity at Kennedy is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 20, at 10:01 p.m. The STS-130 mission will be Endeavour’s 24th flight and the 32nd shuttle mission dedicated to station assembly and maintenance.

NASA’s Web coverage of STS-130 includes mission information, interactive features, news conference images, graphics and videos. Mission coverage, including the latest NASA TV schedule, is available on the main space shuttle Web site at:

www.nasa.gov/shuttle

NASA is providing continuous television and Internet coverage of the mission. NASA Television features live mission events, daily status news conferences and 24-hour commentary. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and schedule information, visit:

www.nasa.gov/ntv

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Vinacopter has purchased four Eurocopter helicopters to serve as the launch fleet for its newly created subsidiary, HeliVietnam, a new commercial charter venture. The fleet, which will consist of one AS355NP, a new generation light twin engine helicopter, two high performance single engine AS350B3 aircraft and one twin engine EC135, will be used for tourism and VIP transport. Delivery of the AS355NP is scheduled for the first half of 2010 while the remainder of the fleet will be delivered in the second half of 2011.

Dr. Bernhard Brenner, President of ESEA said: “Vietnam is a very important growth market for us in Asia. We believe that there are tremendous opportunities in Vietnam, where our product range perfectly matches the requirements for civil missions. We are proud that Vinacopter has chosen to build its fleet using Eurocopter aircraft and we know that our helicopters will deliver the reliable and efficient performance needed for Vinacopter’s success.”

This contract signing follows the announcement made earlier this week by Eurocopter at the Singapore Airshow that Vietnam will be a key focus area and growth driver for the company in 2010. Eurocopter currently holds 50% of the civil and parapublic helicopter fleet in Vietnam. Adding value to Eurocopter’s growing customer base in Vietnam, ESEA has recently inaugurated On-Job-Training programmes which offer opportunities for fleet operators to acquire further industry knowledge and technical capability.

About Eurocopter Southeast Asia

Eurocopter South East Asia (ESEA) is the Regional Headquarters of Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer. Established in 1977 in Singapore, ESEA is in-charge of the sales and customer support activities of 14 territories in the region. In 2009, ESEA achieved a turnover of 124 million Euro. With a staff-strength of nearly 200 professionals, the company has developed a successful commercial network of Singapore-based sales team and regional sales managers and technical representatives.

About Eurocopter

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2009, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.6 billion Euros, orders for 344 new helicopters, and a 52 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 18 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,500 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

Eurocopter Southeast Asia (ESEA), subsidiary of the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, today announced its first sales contract with Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment (MNRE) for one EC135 aircraft. The sale follows the establishment of Eurocopter’s first branch office in Thailand in December last year.

The EC135’s outstanding performance, high versatility and low noise level make it an ideal tool for various public authority operations, ranging from patrol and airborne surveillance to Police and EMS missions. The light, twin-engine helicopter will be delivered to the MNRE in December 2010 and will be utilised for exploration & surveillance flights to help preserve natural resources and protect the natural environment of Thailand.

Dr. Saksit Tridech, Permanent Secretary of MNRE, Thailand said. “We are already operating helicopters manufactured by Eurocopter to increase the efficiency of MNRE’s important missions covering exploration, surveillance and the protection of marine and forests resources. Additional aircraft, with twin engines, under aviation safety regulation, are now needed. The EC135 meets all our requirements and we look forward to the arrival of this new helicopter.”

Dr. Bernhard Brenner, President of Eurocopter South East Asia added, “We are delighted by this vote of confidence from the MNRE. For nearly 20 years we have been supporting their fleet of AS350 helicopters, which emphasizes our long and successful partnership. Our recently-opened branch office in Bangkok will provide even better support for our customers in Thailand and across the region.”

Many public authorities in countries such as Germany, France, UK and the United States are currently operating the EC135 helicopter. In Asia, the EC135 helicopter is already flying in different countries such as Thailand, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Hong Kong, Malaysia, China.

About Eurocopter Southeast Asia

Eurocopter South East Asia (ESEA) is the Regional Headquarters of Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer. Established in 1977 in Singapore, ESEA is in-charge of the sales and customer support activities of 14 territories in the region. In 2009, ESEA achieved a turnover of 124 million Euro. With a staff-strength of nearly 200 professionals, the company has developed a successful commercial network of Singapore-based sales team and regional sales managers and technical representatives.

About Eurocopter

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2009, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.6 billion Euros, orders for 344 new helicopters, and a 52 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 18 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,500 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

EVERETT, Wash. (PRNewswire-FirstCall) Boeing (NYSE: (BA)) completed taxi tests on the first 747-8 Freighter today. With Chief Pilot Mark Feuerstein at the controls, the airplane reached a top seed of approximately 90 knots (103.5 mph, 166.6 kph).

“The airplane performed well,” said Mo Yahyavi, 747 program vice president and general manager, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Based on early indications, the airplane is ready to fly.”

This was the last functional test planned before first flight. The first flight of the 747-8 Freighter is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 8.

WOBURN, MA.: Iscon Video Imaging is introducing two new airport passenger scanners with a patented Thermal-Boosted Infrared Detection System that only shows objects and clothing without any harmful radiation. It is currently being tested by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The new Iscon system reveals the thermal imprint of any material, plastic, wood, ceramics, powder as well as metal.

“The Iscon system is a next generation imaging and detection system that creates a temperature differential between clothes and a hidden object,” explains founder and President, Izrail Gorian. “We’ve
eliminated the two most prevalent concerns about airport scanner technology, radiation exposure and privacy issues. The U.S Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently testing our technology which we are ready to sell to airports and other security-sensitive facilities.”

The patented, proprietary Iscon system is being introduced in two configurations. The whole body scanner portal, Iscon 1000D, is less expensive than other systems and takes up less space at cramped security check-in areas. A complete scan and detection takes 30 seconds so passengers can quickly move through security areas.

Iscon is also introducing a portable system called “GameChangeIR”, a hand-held device, using the same technology in the 1000D for more selective scanning applications. Security personnel can use it to
detect objects hidden in “difficult” hiding places. Used in conjunction with a metal detector, it provides the operator with a sophisticated body scanning system at a fraction of the cost of other
body-scanning portals.

“The GameChangeIR simply automates the intrusive, time consuming pat-down, which is a welcome advancement for airport security personnel as well as any passenger who has been unnecessarily
subjected,” Gorian explains. It is easy to deploy and can be operated with minimal training. In addition to smaller airports, this device can be used for screening at government and corporate buildings and factories as well as retail establishments for loss prevention.

For more information or to view the Iscon 1000 D Video, please visit Iscon Video Imaging.

About Iscon Video Imaging

Currently based in Woburn, Massachusetts, Iscon Video Imaging, LLC was founded in 1997 by Izrail Gorian, PhD and Galina Doubinina, PhD. The company began as an image processing consulting company and was
incorporated in the State of Delaware. On October 10, 2005, Iscon raised seed money to develop IBSS, Infrared Based Security Screening. Since then Iscon has secured multiple rounds of financing from a range
of companies including Isonics and later New York private equity firm, Columbus Nova. In 2006, Iscon was converted from an LLC to Iscon Video Imaging, Inc. Iscon Video Imaging.

DORAL, Fla. (UPI): An 18-foot piece of aircraft wing fell into a mall parking lot Friday morning without causing any significant damage, officials said. The piece came loose from an Atlas Air Cargo 747 that was descending to land at Miami International Airport after a flight from Santiago, Chile, The Miami Herald reported. It came down in Miami International Mall in Doral at about 11:30 a.m. Full Story.