Monday, September 6, 2010

DTN News: BAE Systems Awarded Contract To Enhance Capability Of Finnish Air Force

Defense News: DTN News: BAE Systems Awarded Contract To Enhance Capability Of Finnish Air Force
Source: DTN News / BAE Systems
(NSI News Source Info) YEOVIL, United Kingdom - September 6, 2010: BAE Systems has been awarded a contract to provide a Link 16 network management system to the Finnish Air Force. Supporting the operation of Finland's F-18 aircraft, the system will enable ground command and control operators to connect to, and maintain contact with, their fast jets across the entire country.
BAE Systems will work in partnership with Rockwell Collins, the prime contractor and team leader for the Ground Station programme.
Under the contract, BAE Systems will provide all the software to set up the infrastructure, configure and control the various remote sites and configure and manage the Link 16 network. BAE Systems will also provide a simulation environment which that will provide the Finnish Air Force with the ability to participate in high fidelity collaborative training exercises whilst still supporting live operations.
Built upon a set of proven systems the network management system provides a low risk, innovative solution to meet the complex operational requirements of the Finnish Air Force, along with the challenges of the terrain and environment in which the system will operate.
The Link 16 network management solution offered by BAE Systems allows the Finnish Air Force to dynamically monitor the connectivity between the various ground sites and the aircraft, and to continuously measure how the network is performing to maintain an uninterrupted service.
Paul Burke BAE Systems Business Director said: "We are delighted to be part of the team delivering this capability as we have unparalleled experience in the provision of complex data link network management and support systems. The solution for the Finnish Air Force is based on systems successfully delivered by us to the UK MOD that allow monitoring and management of the UK's Link 16 network, achieving greater than 99% reliability over the period since their introduction.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is a global defence, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of £22. 4 billion (US$ 36. 2 billion).
For further information, please contact:
Nicky Donovan, BAE Systems Tel: +44 (0) 1935 443196

DTN News: Hong Kong Airlines Becomes New Operator Of A330-200F ~ Airlines News

Defense News: DTN News: Hong Kong Airlines Becomes New Operator Of A330-200F ~ Airlines News
* New efficient freighter delivered to global aircraft lessor Aircastle
Source: DTN News / EADS
(NSI News Source Info) BLAGNAC, France - September 6, 2010: Hong Kong Airlines has become the first operator of the new A330-200F freighter in East Asia, following the delivery of the first of three aircraft on long term lease from global aircraft lessor Aircastle Limited. The three A330-200F freighters will be operated on services linking Hong Kong with destinations across Asia, as well as to the Middle East and Europe.
“The A330-200F will enable Hong Kong Airlines to enter the dedicated cargo market with the most efficient aircraft available today in its class," said Yang Jian Hong, President, Hong Kong Airlines. "With our new freight services we will be able to complement our fast-growing passenger network as we work to build Hong Kong Airlines as one of the leading carriers in the Asian region."
“We are pleased to capitalise on the strong recovery in the air cargo market with the delivery of the first freighter aircraft in our A330 programme,” commented Ron Wainshal, Chief Executive Officer of Aircastle. “The A330-200F’s extended payload range and low operating costs make it the best aircraft in its class. This is the first of three aircraft from our order stream committed to Hong Kong Airlines and an important addition to Aircastle's diversified portfolio of modern aircraft.”
“This delivery reflects the confidence of both the airline and investor market in the A330-200F, said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers."The A330-200F marks a step change for cargo operators, bringing unrivalled levels of efficiency to the mid-size freighter market. We are extremely pleased that both Hong Kong Airlines and Aircastle are among the launch partners for the programme."
The A330-200F is the latest addition to the highly successful A330 Family. Offering the lowest operating costs in its size category, it is the only modern mid-size, long haul, all-cargo aircraft capable of carrying 65 tonnes over 4,000nm/7,400km or 70 tonnes over 3,200nm/5,900km.
Aircastle Limited is a global company that acquires, leases and sells high-utility commercial jet aircraft to airlines throughout the world. As of June 30, 2010 Aircastle’s aircraft portfolio consisted of 129 aircraft and had 63 lessees located in 36 countries.
Contacts for the media:
Sean Lee
Communications Director - Asia
Airbus Asia
Tel.: +65 67 37.50 77
Fax: +65 67 33.58 15
Martin Fendt
Tel.: +33 6 17 72 05 81
Airbus Latest Press Releases

DTN News: Israel Aerospace Industries Completed Series of Successful Flight Tests Of Colombian Air Force's Boeing 767 Air Refueling Aircraft

Defense News: DTN News: Israel Aerospace Industries Completed Series of Successful Flight Tests Of Colombian Air Force's Boeing 767 Air Refueling Aircraft
* Itzhak Nissan, President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries: "We are proud to be working with such a distinguished customer as the Colombian Air Force, and are pleased to have been chosen to take on such critical projects as supplying and upgrading Kfir aircraft and supplying aerial refueling aircraft. These projects reflect IAI's strength and its integrative capabilities."
Source: DTN News / Israel Aerospace Industries; issued September 5, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) Tel Aviv, Israel - September 6, 2010: A series of successful flight tests aimed at opening the flight envelope have been completed for the pre-owned B767-200ER (Extended Range) aircraft, converted by Bedek Aviation Group of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to a Multi Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT) configuration for the Colombian government and the end user, the Colombian Air Force.
The converted aircraft is equipped with two Wing Air Refueling Pods (WARPs) of the ARP3 model, developed and manufactured by IAI. During the first 3.5-hour flight test, the full envelope, including altitude, speed, and Mach number, was opened without any flutter or buffet problems. Additional in-flight refueling tests of a C10 Kfir fighter jet, also produced by IAI, were successfully completed. The MMTT pilot reported an extremely smooth flight with no technical events.The air refueling system functioned very well, and the first hook-ups and fuel transfers were the most exciting moments of the flight. IAI's test pilot team that flew the aircraft reported that the systems performed flawlessly. The pilot of the Kfir (the aircraft being refueled) appreciated the easy, stable hook-up in each of the two WARPs.
As previously reported, IAI was awarded a multi-year contract in 2007 worth more than $150 million to upgrade the Colombian Air Force's Kfir aircraft. In June of 2009, the first Kfir aircraft were redelivered to the Colombians, and have been in operational activity ever since.
The tanker conversion project, which lasted more than two years, was completed by IAI's technicians, flight test pilots, and engineers, all of whom contributed to the development and integration of the air refueling system into the B767. Their dedication and hard work culminated in the minutes during which the tanker and the Kfir met in the air and performed the hook-up, an "exciting and proud" moment for those involved in the project.
IAI's chief test pilot Ronen Shapira, who flew behind the B767-200ER in a G250 business jet aircraft, also confirmed the smooth flight: "The flights were successful, and the aircraft performed extremely well with the air refueling pods. The aircraft performance and overall stability of the aircraft and the drogues all displayed impressive results."
Eli Hattem, General Manager of IAI's Bedek Aviation Group, commented: "These successful flight tests are an important milestone in this conversion. We are pleased to report that everything is progressing smoothly and look forward to continuing to strengthen our ties with the Colombian government and its Air Force."
In the coming days, the B767-200MMTT will perform additional flights before its redelivery to the Colombian Air Force.
In the photos:
1-Itzhak Nissan, President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries
2- The Colombian Air Force's Kfir C10 fighter aircraft being refueled by the B767 air refueling tanker
For further details, please contact:
Doron SuslikDeputy Corporate
VP of Communications
Tel: +972-3-935-8509
Fax: +972-3-935-8512

DTN News: Nine AW139s For Weststar Aviation Services

Defense News: DTN News: Nine AW139s For Weststar Aviation Services
Source: DTN News / AgustaWestland
(NSI News Source Info) VERGIATE, Italy- September 6, 2010: AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to confirm a previously unannounced order by Weststar Aviation Services of Malaysia for nine AW139 medium twin engine helicopters. The helicopters will be used to perform offshore transport missions supporting oil & gas industry operations in Malaysia. All nine aircraft will be delivered by March 2011. Dedicated pilot and technician training services and a comprehensive support package will be provided by AgustaWestland Malaysia Sdn Bhd. Emilio Dalmasso, Senior Vice President Commercial Business Unit, AgustaWestland said “It gives us great pleasure to have signed this contract with Weststar Aviation Services, one of the leading Malaysian helicopter operators, marking the entrance of the AW139 in the South East Asia offshore helicopter market. We are sure the AW139 with its outstanding performance, comfort and safety will prove to be extremely successful in the overall offshore market in the region.”The AW139 has achieved great success in Malaysia in recent years with orders placed by local operators for corporate, fire fighting, EMS/SAR and coast patrol missions. State-of-the-art technology, outstanding performance, low operating costs and the only helicopter in its class to meet the latest safety standards, have made the AW139 the helicopter of choice in the medium twin market. With its power reserve, the AW139 delivers Category A (Class 1) performance from a helipad (elevated or at ground level) at maximum take-off weight with an unmatched one engine inoperative capability. The standard configuration provides seating for twelve or fifteen passengers in a large and bright 8.0 m3 cabin with excellent ease of access and egress via large sliding cabin doors. Excellent payload and performance ensure unmatched productivity for offshore operations. Energy-absorbing landing gear, fuselage and seats as well as high main and tail rotor ground clearance provide added safety for the passengers and maintenance teams whilst on the ground. Over 120 customers from almost 50 countries have ordered more than 480 helicopters to perform a wide range of roles including offshore transport, EMS/SAR, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement, utility and government missions.
AgustaWestland Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of AgustaWestland, continues to play a major role in the Malaysian helicopter market expanding its presence and increasing its capabilities through a continued programme of investment. Located at Kuala Lumpur's Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, AgustaWestland Malaysia’s regional maintenance and support centre is a Malaysian DCA approved maintenance and repair organization. AgustaWestland Malaysia Sdn Bhd is providing local support and training for the growing fleet of AgustaWestland customers in the region. Formed in 2003, Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Weststar Group, is a leading aviation company providing helicopter and jet charter services as well as offshore helicopter transport services.

DTN News: Chinese President Encourages Hong Kong Tycoon To Contribute More To National Modernization

Defense News: DTN News: Chinese President Encourages Hong Kong Tycoon To Contribute More To National Modernization
*Li Ka-shing hails Shenzhen's 30 years of growth
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources including Xinhua
(NSI News Source Info) SHENZHEN - September 6, 2010: Chinese President Hu Jintao Monday encouraged Hong Kong's richest man to play a greater role in the country's reform and opening up as well as modernization.
Hu made the remarks in his meeting with Li Ka-shing, chairman of Cheung Kong (Holdings) Limited, on the sidelines of a rally in Shenzhen Monday to mark the city's 30th anniversary as China's first economic reform zone.
"Mr. Li is a witness to the development of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone as well as an important participant in building it," Hu said.
He called on Li to continue to use his influence to boost Hong Kong's cooperation with Guangdong and Shenzhen and to help maintain long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong.
Hu said Li was an outstanding member of Hong Kong's commerce and industry community, who had contributed to the country and Hong Kong.
The country's development had created a unique opportunity for Hong Hong and its businesses, said Li.
"I will would work with all my heart and strength to boost cooperation between Hong Hong and the Mainland and to contribute to the prosperity of the country and Hong Kong," he said.
Also present at the meeting were Vice Premier Wang Qishan, Liu Yunshan, head of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and Wang Yang, secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee.
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