Bombardier Announces 38 Business Jets Order

Bombardier Aerospace announced  it has received a firm order for 38 Bombardier business aircraft, including 28 Global business jets and 10 Challenger 605 business jets, from an undisclosed customer. The transaction is valued at approximately $2.2 billion US, based on 2013 list prices for typically equipped aircraft.
Bombardier’s Global jets are designed to feature superior speed, cabin volume, range and technology to offer passengers the ultimate business jet experience. The Global aircraft family uniquely covers the large, ultra long-range category with four aircraft models and addresses the increasing needs of business jet travellers and operators to rapidly link key international city pairs non-stop.
The Challenger 605 wide body business jet is designed to set new standards for all-around performance and builds on the quality and reliability of its predecessor, the acclaimed Challenger 604 jet. The Challenger 605 jet is an impressive intercontinental jet that can whisk 12 passengers three crew from New York City to London non-stop.

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100 year anniversary of first commercial flight

1 January 2014 marks exactly 100 years since the birth of commercial aviation. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) invites everyone with an interest in aviation to join a year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary and take part in a conversation about what needs to happen to make the next 100 years even more momentous.

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Defense Authorization bill of 2014 passed by congress

U.S. Congress authorized defense spending of $625 billion in Fiscal Year 2014, but calls for an independent review of the software being developed for the Pentagon’s largest weapons program, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher Bogdan, the F-35 program executive officer, has said that software remains the program’s largest risk. Within 180 days of the law’s enactment, the under secretary and the F-35 Joint Program Office must also report on plans for sustainment of the F-35 autonomous logistics information system, which receives health and maintenance information from the jets in flight.
NDAA supports multi-year procurement of the E-2D Hawkeye and C-130J Super Hercules, modernization of the C-130H for the National Guard and Reserve and advance procurement of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
The legislation authorizes $133.6 million in research, development, test and evaluation of the Navy’s unmanned carrier launched airborne surveillance and strike (Uclass) system. The Pentagon may acquire no more than six Uclass air vehicles before receiving Milestone B approval to begin the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase. 

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Korea solved T-50 payment Time frame

Defense Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez had more good news concerning negotiations, saying that: “We have settled the turnaround time issue. We are discussing the payment scheme” (q.v. Dec 2/13). It sounds like they’ll end up pretty close to KAI’s request payment schedule, but Velez still wouldn’t place any kind of timeline on negotiations. The issue is that any delays beyond this point are going to change the in-service date for the country’s air force, and the planned 2015 time frame is already a bit late, given Chinese pressure. Sources: The Philippine Star, “DND seeks release of funds to buy Korean fighter jets”.
Taiwan needs to grow its fighter fleet, and a TA-50 sale would also provide Taiwan with a local interceptor and light attack jet. China has been antagonizing South Korea lately, and a TA-50 sale would certainly provide a diplomatically painful riposte. 

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Russia to Modify Mi-8 for Harsh Arctic Climate

Russia’s Ulan-Ude aircraft manufacturing plant said that it is developing a variant of the famed Mi-8 transport helicopter for use by the military in harsh Arctic climate.
helicopter’s heating system will be based on technologies used on spacecraft,” said Sergei Solomin, the plant’s chief engineer.

According to the Russian military, two Arctic brigades will be deployed in Russia’s extreme north over the next few years. Russia also plans to return to mothballed Soviet-era Arctic airfields and establish a permanent naval presence along the strategically important Northern Sea Route.
The Arctic, believed to have vast untapped natural resources, has increasingly been at the center of disputes between the United States, Russia, Canada, Norway and Denmark in recent years, as rising temperatures lead to a reduction in sea ice, opening up access to lucrative offshore oil and gas deposits.

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AIRBUS Group Start Joint Brand in 2014

Airbus Helicopters, comprising all commercial and military helicopter activities.
Airbus has been a globally renowned synonym for technology breakthrough as well as aeronautic passion and pride,” said Airbus Group CEO Tom Enders. “Joining forces under the strong Airbus brand gives all our operations and employees the thrust and lift to capture global markets.
EADS group has been rebranded as “Airbus Group”. Uniting all its activities under a single and strong brand, Airbus Group
Both the legal name change into Airbus Group N.V. and the conversion of the legal form into SE are subject to approval of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Shareholders: while adoption of the new name is expected at the AGM in May 2014, the legal conversion is targeted for approval
in May 2015.
In less than two years, the company has not only modernised its governance, broadened the shareholding structure, and united the Headquarters but also thoroughly overhauled its company strategy and launched the integration of the defence and space businesses.

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India Approved demand of Heron UAV from Israel

3rd squadron stands up in the south. Indian Heron UAV In November 2005, media reports claimed that India was set to purchase some 50 Heron MALE (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance) UAVs from Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) in a deal worth $220 million

India shifts some of its Heron UAVs to the 4,057 km Line of Actual Control between India and China.
National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), indicating a loss of almost 640 sq km of Indian territory in eastern Ladakh to China…. the army will soon issue a formal communication about the [UAV] proposal, which came directly from the ground formations
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has reportedly approved an INR 12 billion (about $300 million) budget to buy another 15 Heron UAVs and associated equipment from Israel, and upgrade the existing fleet for improved communications. 

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Sikorsky wins contract $724 M for 58 UH-60M helicopters

Sikorsky Aircraft corp wins $724 M for 58 UH-60M helicopters.

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Mi-28 Night Hunter Helicopter enter into Russian Air Force

Mi-28N Night Hunter helicopters boast superior flight capabilities, allowing it to perform aerobatic manoeuvres. The legendary Golden Eagles (Berkuty) helicopter aerobatics team have flown Mi-28N Night Hunter helicopters since 2012.
The Ministry of Defence tested it in various conditions and developed a  dedicated training and support base. This work was carried out jointly with specialists from the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, which developed the Mi-28N Night Hunter, and the Rosvertol aviation plant, which has series produced the helicopter since 2005.
Russian Helicopters is constantly working to further hone and improve the flight capabilities of the Mi-28N Night Hunter helicopter. A special Mi-28N with dual controls was created for pilot training, which completed its first flight on 9 August 2013.
Defence Ministry has officially accepted the Mi-28N testifies to the fact that the Night Hunter meets the requirements for a combat helicopter, has passed all the necessary tests, and is ready to enter into service with the Russian Air Force.

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Drone (UAV) Carrying Stonger Chemical Weapons in Future

Unmanned aircraft carrying stronger chemical weapons could also be on the horizon, the U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) revealed in its Unmanned Systems Integrated Roadmap.
Drones that can choose to deviate from a set mission and hunt in ‘swarms’ could be patrolling skies within the next 25 years, according to a new roadmap.
While the document sets out plans for unmanned maritime, land and air vehicles, there is a lot of focus on the future capability of controversial drones, which, if the plans come to fruition, could deviate from mission commands set by humans if they spot a better target.

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US Airforce B-1 Bomber $750 mln Contract wins by Boeing

 

      US Air Force B-1 Bomber contract includes engineering services such as computer network support, flight safety technical analysis according to US Defense department digest.

Boeing selected for this contract amount $750 Milion period is 5 years. Pentagon announced Monday Dec,30.

The contract includes integrated engineering services such as computer network support, technical analysis, flight safety analysis, and potential enhancement work, according to the U.S. Defense Department digest of major contracts. Also included in the contract are four one-year options and a one-year base period. - See more at: http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/military/Boeing-Wins-US-Air-Force-B-1-Bomber-Contract_80967.html#.UsUVSfsS5zh

The contract includes integrated engineering services such as computer network support, technical analysis, flight safety analysis, and potential enhancement work, according to the U.S. Defense Department digest of major contracts. Also included in the contract are four one-year options and a one-year base period. - See more at: http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/military/Boeing-Wins-US-Air-Force-B-1-Bomber-Contract_80967.html#.UsUVSfsS5zh

has been selected to fulfill a $750 million five-year contract for work on the U.S. Air Force fleet of B-1 bombers, the Pentagon announced Monday, Dec. 30. - See more at: http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/military/Boeing-Wins-US-Air-Force-B-1-Bomber-Contract_80967.html#.UsUTAPsS5zg

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French Snecma Bestowed $300 mln Contract of LEAP Turbine Disk to AVICXi'an

French Snecma bidding for LEAP series engines the result of global competitive . AVIC Xi’an Aero-Engine Group (hereinafter referred as AVIC Xi’an) , with the great supports of China Aviation Supplies Holding Company, won Snecma LEAP-1B engine low-pressure turbine disk procurement contracts at two levels, following Snecma engine LEAP-1A/1C low-pressure turbine disk procurement contracts at three levels in this August. AVIC Xi’an fully embodied its core competencies in delivery, cost and quality and finally won the 2015-2027 long-term purchase agreement with Snecma after the arduous negotiations, with the contractual value over $300 million.

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C919 testing started by COMAC

Comac C919 is a planned family of 158-174 seat narrow-body airliners to be built by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac). It will be the largest commercial airliner designed and built in China.

Chinese airframer Comac has started tests on the C919 iron bird ground rig.

The iron bird is a key test facility necessary for the validation and integration of different systems on the aircraft, which will also allow for troubleshooting, says Comac.
Comac has secured 400 aircraft on its backlog for the C919, mostly from Chinese airlines and leasing companies.
horizontal stabilisers for the iron bird were also delivered by Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing.
Comac announced in August that the C919's first flight has been pushed back a year to the end of 2015. The programme has entered the "most critical stage of engineering development" as detailed design continues. Aircraft structural data has also been distributed, while parts and components manufacturing is currently "in full swing" across at least five different Chinese cities.
 

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RAK Airways suspended opration

RAK Airways, which was launched in 2006, stopped operations in 2009 amid a global downturn but resumed service a year later. Starting yesterday, it again suspended all operations until further notice.
RAK Airways grounded, the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport wore a deserted look yesterday, apart from two Russian passengers who had not flown with RAK Airways and had been stuck at the airport since Tuesday because of visa issues.
“RAK Airways’ load factor was steady across its

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Emirates Offring Special Fares

Emirates airline, valid exclusively on flight EK655 and the return flight EK654, the special Economy Class fare of Rs 56,340 is inclusive of the cost of a visa and all taxes and surcharges, making it one of the best value-for-money deals in the market.

Emirates, has announced a special travel fare for destination, Colombo to Dubai to celebrate the addition of three more weekly services on the route in late October.

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