June 21, 2007

Boeing keeping C-17 line going on its own

By Ian Sheppard

Boeing decided on Tuesday that it would shoulder the risk of keeping the C-17 supply chain going for the additional 10 aircraft, which it hopes will be approved in October, at the end of the latest U.S. Government budget process.

Speaking in the aircraft in the static display at the show, Dave Bowman, C-17 program manager, said: “Boeing has decided at its own risk to start work it needs more

---

India’s Tejas missed the show because of tests

By David Donald

Among the most eagerly awaited show participants listed in pre-Paris releases was the HAL Tejas–India’s Light Combat Aircraft. Two were originally on the list, of which one was due to fly in the air display. However, a new urgency has descended on the program, and the aircraft could not be spared from test flights.

Having proceeded at a leisurely pace since the LCA’s first flight in Ja more

---

Farnborough spiffing up for ’08 event

By Ian Goold

Good news for any aerospace exhibitor who ever complained about the infrastructure or utility services available at the Farnborough Air Show: organizer Farnborough International (Hall 2B, Stand 14B) is spending almost $2 million to improve existing and create new facilities at the site, about an hour’s drive southwest of London. There also may be improved arrangements for business aircraft.
more

---

BAE still supports Jetstreams

By Ian Goold

BAE Systems Regional Aircraft reports a “major service expansion” this year at London City Airport, where 44 percent of daily departures involve its BAe 146 or Avro RJ regional jets, which also account for 62 percent of each day’s seats. A new operator there is to be Transwede, which will begin flights in August with twice-daily service to Norwegian capital Oslo on behalf of Scandinavian flag carr more

---

Super Hornet growing in export stature

By Chris Pocock

Boeing test pilot Ricardo Traven is flying his usual impressive routine here in the Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet. The price of this significantly upgraded warplane to the U.S. Navy has been significantly reduced in recent years, so Boeing is bullish about international prospects. Australia recently became the first export customer for the Super, and Boeing is eyeing India, Japan, Greece and Switzer more

---

Elbit to aid two NATO nations with night vision imaging HUDs

By Ian Sheppard

Israel’s Elbit Systems (Chalet A332) has won contracts to supply its aviator’s night vision imaging system/head-up display (ANVIS/HUD) for the helicopters of two more as yet undisclosed NATO countries.

The ANVIS/HUDs have already been in use with the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy/ Marine Corps since the mid-1990s, being installed on platforms such as the UH-60, CH-53, CH-47, AH-1, UH-1, V-22, more

---

Despite doubling 2007 revenues, Eaton Aerospace looking to buy

By Ian Sheppard

Irvine, California-based Eaton Aerospace (Hall 3, Stand D5) admits to still being on the acquisition trail despite having doubled its revenues to $1.6 billion (2007 estimated) since its last visit to Le Bourget.

Its global growth ambitions have seen it purchasing Cobham’s HiTemp arm, Stanley Aviation and then, earlier this year, Argo-Tech’s aerospace business–all driven by Cleveland, O more

---

Bahrain launches UH-60M exports

By Ian Sheppard

Sikorsky announced Tuesday that the kingdom of Bahrain had signed a letter of acceptance for nine  Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, the first export sale for the variant. Handled through foreign military sales channels, the acquisition is costing $204 million. The UH-60M is the latest Black Hawk version, featuring uprated engines and gearbox, wide-chord rotor blades and a digital, open more

---

Dubai Airshow plans another move in 2009

By Bernard Fitzsimons

It seems inconceivable that next November’s Dubai Airshow, the tenth in a series that began modestly in 1989, will be the last at the new site inaugurated just 10 years ago. But in 2009 the aerospace caravan will be pitching camp at the new Dubai World Central (JXB) Airport in Jebel Ali, 40 kilometers and another huge leap of the imagination away.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al more

---

Unmanned combat aircraft making strides

By David Donald

Two of Europe’s manned combat air vehicle programs have taken significant strides in recent times. The Neuron UCAV technical demonstrator is being built by a Dassault-led team with partners in Sweden, Italy, Greece, Switzerland and Spain. From official notification in February 2006, the team has established an efficient structure for industrial cooperation, leading to a satisfactory interim review more

---