Extra info Le Bourget 2003

More information about various aircraft and contestants of the Le Bourget Air Show 2003

Northrop Grumman's Fire Scout UAV performs 'lost communications' autonomous recovery and shutdown

LE BOURGET --- Proving that even bears can be aerodynamic, Frontier Airlines today debuted at the Paris Air Show the first A318 to enter the commercial aviation market a cuddly bear decal blankets the tail fin of the aircraft, the newest addition to the Frontier livery that features a unique wildlife theme on each plane’s tail and winglets, depicting animals native to the continental United States.

     This particular A318 will be formally delivered to Frontier in the coming weeks, entering service for the Denver, Colorado low-fare carrier this summer the first aircraft of its type to carry passengers. Each Frontier A318 will seat 114 people in a single-class configuration. CFM-56 engines from CFM International power the aircraft.

     The aircraft was unveiled under the auspices of Frontier President and CEO Jeff Potter and Airbus CEO Noël Forgeard. The aircraft has been on static display at the air show and will fly this afternoon as part of Le Bourget 2003’s flight demonstration.

The NH90 is an innovative maritime helicopter originally designed to meet the common requirements of the Armed Forces of France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, and the Netherlands. Recognized for its capacity to excel in harsh climates, it also has been selected by the governments of Finland, Sweden and Norway to meet their unique cold weather requirements. In total, nine European nations have now ordered more than 400 NH90s. It is anticipated that over 700 of these versatile multi-role helicopters will be acquired by these nations alone, with a significant number of other countries expected to follow suit.

NHIndustries is the prime contractor for design, development, industrialization, production and logistic support for NH90 helicopters. NHIndustries was established in 1992 by the four companies sharing the design and development of the NH90 program: Agusta, Eurocopter, Eurocopter Deutschland and Fokker Aerostructures.

LE BOURGET, France --- The two Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes are meeting, and often exceeding, expectations as they approach their sixth month of flight-testing.

     As of June 16, crews had evaluated takeoff, landing, handling characteristics and fuel mileage tests through 187 flights and 536 hours of flying. The airplanes will undergo more than 1,600 hours of flight-testing.

     One of the airplanes set a twin-engine airplane maximum takeoff weight record of 774,600 pounds (351,359 kilograms), while the other one is demonstrating engine thrust and fuel performance that's better than predicted.

     Perhaps most importantly for the crews that will fly these newest 777s, flight-test pilots report the airplanes handle just like other 777 family members. "All pilots, including the FAA, have come to the same conclusion -- that the 777-300ER is a very familiar airplane," said Boeing 777 Chief Test Pilot Frank Santoni, who presented a flight-test briefing today at the Paris Air Show.

     Similar handling characteristics help airlines reduce costs for pilot training. It also speaks well for the capabilities of new 777 take-off improvement features, which have allowed the airplane to perform better than predicted.

     One of the features, Tail-Strike Protection, helps the longer 777-300ER avoid tail contact with the ground on takeoff. Operating through the fly-by-wire flight controls, the system allows the airplane to lift off at reduced speed, increasing allowable takeoff weight by 4,000 to 10,000 pounds (1,814 to 4,536 kilograms), depending on airport conditions and airplane structural limits. "It's in the primary flight computer," Santoni said of the special feature. "It's a function that looks at rate of closure of the tail to the ground during rotation, measuring how fast and at what distance the tail is moving toward the pavement."

     If it's too fast or too close, the system moves the elevator for slower nose rotation. During abuse takeoffs, where Santoni has deliberately rotated the airplane early and fast, the system has responded as designed. "It's doing a superb job, which is testament to our engineering team," Santoni said. "On the 777-300 program six years ago we did the same takeoff performance tests and contacted the tail about 12 times, which is expected during flight-test. On this program, we haven't touched it."

     The new semi-levered landing gear allows the 777-300ER airplane to lift its nose early during takeoff by shifting the center of rotation from the main axle to aft axle of the three-axle landing gear truck. "These two features are independent of each other, but both give our customers the ability to take off on shorter runways or put more payload on the airplane for the same length of runway," Santoni said.

     The General Electric GE90-115B engine will power the 777-300ER. Certification of that engine is under way. Each engine produces 115,000 pounds of thrust -- nearly a quarter of a million pounds of total thrust for the airplane. By comparison, the original 777 had 75,000 pounds of thrust per engine.

     "It's just an amazing engine," said 777 Senior Test Pilot Suzanna Darcy-Hennemann of performance evaluations. "It's smooth and quiet. It also allows the airplane to take off and climb very quickly." The additional thrust increases the 777-300ER's maximum take-off weight to 759,600 pounds -- almost 100,000 pounds more than the 777-300 -- with virtually no difference in handling characteristics during takeoff, flight and landing.

     That power comes at very little expense. Fuel mileage testing shows a 1 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over original predictions. Such an improvement can reduce by 106,400 gallons (402,724 liters) annually the amount of fuel one airplane uses. That's enough to power 130 automobiles for one year.

     It also increases the airplane's range by 75 nautical miles (139 kilometers) to 7,495 nautical miles (13,881 kilometers); or it increases payload by 2,400 pounds (1,089 kilograms) -- passenger or cargo -- on a 7,000 nautical mile (12,964 kilometer) flight.

     Extended Twin-Engine Operations testing begins in the fall, which will consist of 220 hours of ETOPS flying divided between the two flight-test airplanes. Generally, ETOPS flying will involve engine shutdowns for up to 330 minutes, and various system checks and simulated malfunctions will be flown to ensure the systems are working in the long-range environment.

     Overall, said Darcy-Hennemann, flawless is the word that best describes the 777-300ER's performance so far. "From a test-pilot's perspective, that's something you always like to say about a new product."

The T-50 Golden Eagle, an advanced supersonic trainer developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) with the assistance of Lockheed Martin, has completed its 100th test flight.

     "The T-50 development program continues right on track, and we are beginning to accelerate our flight test program with our two aircraft," said No Sun Park, director & plant manager of KAI's Sachon plant. "We successfully accomplished three flights on the day we flew the 100th flight. On one of those flights, we reached a speed of Mach 1.2 [1.2 times the speed of sound] for the first time. These are both important milestones for the Republic of Korea's consideration of the Initial Production Authorization later this year."

     The ground testing program is also on schedule. On April 25, the airframe durability vehicle completed one lifetime of testing, equivalent to 8,334 flight hours. The 100th test flight was completed on April 28. Durability testing is being conducted at the Agency for Defense Development testing laboratory in Taejon, South Korea, and began on schedule July 22 of last year. Testing continues on a second lifetime, which is expected to be completed in April 2004.

     The T-50 Golden Eagle is being developed by KAI for the Republic of Korea Air Force. Lockheed Martin, as principal subcontractor to KAI, is providing technical expertise for the program and is responsible for developing the T-50 avionics system, flight control system and wings. The two companies are cooperatively marketing the T-50 internationally.

     The T-50 Full-Scale Development program began in 1997 and will continue through 2005. Initial production authorization is planned for the latter part of 2003 with production deliveries to begin in 2005.

     The T-50 will have the maneuverability, endurance and advanced systems to prepare future pilots to fly current and next-generation fighters like advanced F-16s, the F/A-22 and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. These same characteristics give it an excellent capability as a lead-in fighter trainer and potential light-combat aircraft derivative in many air forces.

     Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. is the Republic of Korea's national aerospace company established in 1999 with the consolidation of Samsung Aerospace, Daewoo Heavy Industries and Hyundai Space and Aircraft Co. KAI lines of business include fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter aircraft and satellites. Its major products are the KF-16, KT-1 basic trainer, T-50, SB427 helicopters, UAVs, aerostructures and KOMPSAT satellite program.

     Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., a business area of Lockheed Martin, is a leader in the design, development, systems integration, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its customers include the military services of the United States and allied countries throughout the world. Products include the F-16, F/A-22, F-35 JSF, F-117, T-50, C-5, C-130, C-130J, P-3, S-3 and U-2.

     Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin employs about 125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2002 sales of $26.6 billion

The T-50 Golden Eagle is a supersonic, advanced jet trainer and lead-in fighter trainer being jointly developed and produced by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the Republic of Korea Air Force. The T-50 will be used to train pilots to fly current and next-generation fighters; it will also be marketed for export.

Lockheed Martin is the principal subcontractor and responsible for the wings, flight controls and avionics, plus technical assistance in the development process.

The T-50 is designed to emulate modern fighters in terms of performance and equipment. The aircraft is supersonic, capable of performing high-g turns, and employs a fully integrated avionics suite. The T-50 prepares student pilots by teaching them the characteristics of supersonic flight, transonic maneuverability, and the operation of state-of-the-art avionics.

The supersonic T-50 will have the maneuverability, endurance and advanced systems to prepare future pilots to fly next-generation fighters like the F-22 and the Joint Strike Fighter. These same characteristics give the T-50 an excellent light-combat potential.

The Full Scale Development (FSD) program began in 1997. The first of four FSD aircraft flew on August 20, 2002. First production aircraft is expected to be completed in 2005.

The T-50 Golden Eagle is being jointly developed and produced by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company for the Republic of Korea Air Force. Full-scale development of the T-50 began in 1997 and will continue through 2005, with the first flight set for mid-2002.

KAI is the prime contractor, responsible for overall aircraft design and integration, major component fabrication, and mate-through-delivery. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company is responsible for developing the T-50 avionics system, flight control system, and wings, as well as providing technical expertise to KAI on all aspects of the T-50 program in Korea.

The Republic of Korea will fund 70 percent of the $2 billion development program costs, with KAI and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company providing the remaining 30 percent investment. The initial order of approximately 100 aircraft will be produced for the Republic of Korea Air Force.

* two T-50, two A-50 and two static test airframes.
Subcontractors: Wings (Lockheed Martin), Aft Fuselage (Korean Air Lines).

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bangalore will take part in this year’s Paris Air Show beginning on June 15, 2003.

     The indigenously developed Dhruv helicopter, will fly during the show. The Dhruv helicopter has already been inducted into the Indian Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard since March 2002.

     Two Dhruv helicopters left for Paris on June 06, 2003 in an AN 124-100 aircraft. One of them would take part on each of the show days with a flight demonstration and the second helicopter fitted with a glass cockpit, self protection system and surveillance pod would be on static display.

     The indigenously manufactured Dhruv is being flown for the first time outside India. This helicopter generated a lot of interest internally when it was flown at the Aero India 2003, Bangalore in February this year. Besides from the flight demonstration, the helicopter would also be offered to prospective customers for flight evaluation.

For a first time presentation outside the State of Israel, Elta Systems, a Group and wholly-owned Subsidiary of IAI, will present its Multi-Mission B737 aircraft. The aircraft is capable of performing the following missions: Signal Intelligence (SIGINT), Image Intelligence (IMINT), Tactical Electronic Support, Maritime Patrol, and Airborne Early Warning (AEW) and Control.

     Elta's "Flight Guard" Self-Protection System, designed to protect passenger and freighter aircraft, also protects the Multi-Mission B737 aircraft. Prior to its arrival to the Paris Air Show, the aircraft performed a successful maiden flight on May 21, 2003, with all systems operating. Potential customers will be able to observe the aircraft and be briefed on the systems capabilities onboard the aircraft at the Air Show.

     Final development stages and a certification of the "Flight Guard" system are due to be completed within a short period of time, which will make the "Flight Guard" system the first Aircraft Self-protection System for commercial aircraft. The military version of this system is already installed in airplanes and helicopters of various air forces throughout the world.

     Operator stations to operate the multi-mission systems have been installed onboard the aircraft:

     --SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and Electro-Optical exploitation station
     --Maritime Patrol Radar operator station
     --Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Electronic Support Measures (ESM) workstation
     --Communication Intelligence (COMINT) and Communication Support Measures (CSM) workstation
     --Airborne Early Warning (AEW) operator station

     IAI's Bedek Aviation Group performed the installations and certification of the aircraft. IAI’s Engineering Division performed the aircraft’s engineering modifications.

LE BOURGET --- With this year's Paris Airshow memorizing 100 years of motorized flight and commemorating the historical flight of the Wright Brothers to Paris, Eurocopter honors its roots and the remarkable achievements in helicopter technology over the last 50 years.

     The company's daily Flying Display gives an impressive demonstration of its world leadership in quiet technologies. One of Eurocopter's first commercialized helicopters, the Alouette II, will make a flight immediately followed by an EC 120. Equally, an Alouette III will be followed by an EC 130, latest member of the successful Ecureuil family.

     This direct comparison gives airshow visitors the chance to hear for themselves that the noise emission of Eurocopter's new-generation helicopters is more than 50 to 60 per cent lower than that of the older-generation aircraft. In fact, all of Eurocopter's new helicopters developed over the past 10 years have noise emission levels of 7 or 8 dB below ICAO limits, making each of them a leader in its respective class.

     In flight for the first time at a Paris Airshow is the EC 145, an extensively modified version of the proven, multi-function BK 117 C1 light twin. Its spacious cabin, dynamic system and cockpit design benefit from the latest technologies, which also ensure low noise levels (6.7 dB below ICAO standards and 60 per cent less noise than the BK 117 C1), higher performance capabilities and more comfort. Access to its roomy cabin is particularly easy, thanks to the elimination of the central and door upright posts, two large sliding doors and rear clamshell doors. The EC 145 is the perfect choice for demanding EMS, law enforcement and parapublic operators.

     Another in-flight appearance is made by the EC 725 in the 11 metric ton category. Like its civil counterpart, the EC 225, it is derived from Eurocopter's famous Super Puma/Cougar family. The advanced technologies applied in the EC 725/225 mean enhanced safety, higher performance, and lower costs. And the new 5-blade Spheriflex main rotor offers improved reliability and improved performance. Other features are a complete de-icing/anti-icing system extending the operating envelope, and a hydraulically operated rear ramp for easier loading. With an impressive load capacity - 2 pilots, 29 troops and a 5,000 kg sling load capacity - and a maximum range of 1,000 nm, the EC 725/225 can perform a very wide variety of missions.

     Never missing from Eurocopter's flying display are the advanced Tiger combat helicopter and the tactical transport/naval NH90 helicopter, both of them the most modern and capable helicopters in their respective mission envelopes worldwide.

     An EC 135 and an AS 355 are available for customer demonstration flights.

     In its Static Display, Eurocopter presents the EC 120, EC 130, EC 145, EC 155, EC 635 and EC 225 in commercial and parapublic configurations, plus the multi-role Tiger combat support helicopter. Adjacent is the NH90, presented by NH Industries.

     EADS is a global aerospace and defense company, and is the world’s second largest in terms of revenues, having achieved 29.9 billion euros in 2002. EADS maintains a workforce of more than 100,000 and is a market leader in defense technologies, commercial aircraft, helicopters, space, military transport and combat aircraft, as well as related services.

     Its family of leading brands includes the commercial aircraft maker Airbus; Eurocopter, the world's largest helicopter manufacturer; Astrium, the space company and MBDA, the world's second largest missile company. EADS is also the biggest partner in the Eurofighter consortium and heads the A400M military transport aircraft program. EADS has more than 70 facilities in France, Germany, Spain and the UK. It is active in markets around the world, including the U.S. and Asia.

On display at the show, Bombardier Business Aircraft products will include its three newest business jets - the performance driven Bombardier Learjet 40 light aircraft, the popular Bombardier Challenger 300 super-midsize aircraft and the versatile Bombardier Global 5000* super-large business jet. All are appearing at Le Bourget for the first time. Bombardier is the only manufacturer with a full product and service offering in each of the business aircraft segments, ensuring the best possible fit between the customer's mission and the aircraft available to fulfill it.

Bombardier Regional Aircraft will showcase its new generation 78-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprop and 64- to 70-seat Bombardier CRJ700 Series 701 regional jet. Bombardier identified a requirement for larger versions of the Bombardier Q Series turboprop and CRJ Series regional jet to meet market growth and, was first to market with these regional aircraft.

     Following a reassessment of the EMBRAER 170 certification campaign, Embraer has defined November 2003 as the new certification date for the EMBRAER 170.

     The decision results from delays in the completion of system related tests and the production of associated documentation, and the inclusion of capabilities currently scheduled as post-certification items in the basic certification program.

Currently the EMBRAER 170/190 family has 234 firm orders and 289 purchase options from Alitalia, Air Caraïbes, GECAS, JetBlue, LOT, US Airways and SWISS.

The first Italian Navy EH101 in the Heliborne Early Warning (HEW) configuration is making its public debut at Le Bourget 2003.

     The Italian Navy has to date ordered 20 aircraft with 8 configured for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)/Anti-Surface Warfare (AsuW), 4 for Airborne Early Warning and 8 for amphibious operations. The contract for the last batch of 4 aircraft is expected to be awarded at the end of 2003 bringing the Italian Navy order for EH101 to 24. Deliveries of the ASW/AsuW aircraft have now been completed.

     The HEW aircraft, equipped with a pulse-doppler surveillance radar and APS 784 antenna housed in a 3m diameter radome, is able to detect and track multiple air targets even if embedded in ground or sea clutter, track surface targets and perform real-time surveillance of air and surface threats. Secondary maritime roles include over-the-horizon targeting and surveillance, AsuW and search and rescue. The mission sensors are controlled and integrated through the Mission Computer System (MCS), the core of which comprises two Mission Computer Units (MCUs).

     The MCS conducts control of mission sensor systems, processing of tactical data received from sensors, collation and data fusion of tactical data, display processing for presentation of tactical data to operators, processing of operator control functions, stores management, data link processing, tactical aids and fault detection and reporting. The MCS manages the operator's interface at crew station level to aid the crew in the execution of the mission. These functions include tactical database management, tactical aids, tactical navigation management and data link management.

     The EH101 HEW is also equipped with a full suite of ESSM, ECM and ECCM interfaced to the MCS.