SEATTLE, Sept. 10, 2014 ? Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered the fifth P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to India, on schedule, on Sept. 9 as part of a contract for eight aircraft to support the Indian Navy?s maritime patrol requirements.

The aircraft arrived at Naval Air Station Rajali, after a flight from Seattle?s Boeing Field, and joined the four previously delivered P-8Is.
Russia Gelendzhik.
Hydroaviasalon

12 September 2014 Press Release

With its maiden flight on September 13, 1994, the popular Beluga cargo aircraft, affectionately named after the white whale because of its remarkable shape, is celebrating this week twenty years of transporting Airbus component parts between Airbus? European manufacturing sites.

Since 1995, the fleet of five Beluga aircraft replaced the ageing Super Guppy transporters in order to supply the Airbus final assembly lines in Toulouse and Hamburg. Today, more than sixty flights are performed each week between eleven sites, carrying crucial parts for all of the Airbus programmes, including the A380*.

The Beluga fleet is operated by Airbus Transport International (ATI), an Airbus subsidiary airline, and each Beluga crew is composed of a pilot, a co-pilot and a flight engineer.

With the production start of the A350 XWB in 2012 and the production ramp-up on other Airbus programmes, the Beluga activities again will substantially increase over the next five years.

In order to accompany this challenge, Airbus launched in 2011 the Fly 10 000 project. Flight crew numbers and flight hours have grown and loading procedures have been further optimized, with the opening of new integrated loading facilities in Hamburg and Bremen in Germany and Saint-Nazaire in France. Broughton, UK and Getafe, Spain will follow soon. Fly 10,000 should allow the Beluga fleet to double its activities by 2017 (from 5,000 to 10,000 flight hours).

?The Beluga is an essential element of Airbus? integrated logistics and production ?system. It is thanks to its reliability and engagement of the Beluga teams that we can fulfil our constant pursuit of efficiency?, said G?nter Butschek, Airbus Chief Operating Officer.

The Beluga is based on the twin-engine A300-600R, appreciated for its reliability and its cost-effectiveness. It is powered by General Electric CF6-80C2 engines. With its impressive dimensions (56 m long, 17 m high, a fuselage diameter of 7.71 m and a main-deck cargo volume of 1,400m3), the Beluga is the champion of its category (compared with the Antonov AN-124 or even the C-17). The Beluga can carry a maximum payload of 47 metric tonnes non-stop over a range of 1,660 km/900 nm.

Germany

Die 5. Kompanie des Gebirgsj?gerbataillons 232 f?hrt auf dem Truppen?bungsplatz Grafenw?hr eine Ausbildung im sogenannten Schie?en der verbundenen Waffen durch. Zum Einsatz kommen Panzerhaubitzen der Artillerie, Kampfhubschrauber und die schweren Waffen des Bataillons wie M?rser; Maschinenkanonen; Granatmaschinenwerfer und Panzerabwehrwaffen. Die Feuerleitung und die Koordinierung des gemeinsamen Feuers obliegt den Joint Fire Support-Trupps. Im Bild: Ein Kampfhubschrauber Tiger wird im vorgeschobenen Versorgungspunkt betankt.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 10, 2014) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Fist of the Fleet of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25 lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations and training exercises. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Aiyana S. Paschal/Released)


SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 15, 2014 ? Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT], in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the University of Notre Dame, has demonstrated the airworthiness of a new beam control turret being developed for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and AFRL to give 360-degree coverage for high-energy laser weapons operating on military aircraft. A research aircraft equipped with the Aero-adaptive Aero-optic Beam Control (ABC) turret conducted eight flights in Michigan.

?These initial flight tests validate the performance of our ABC turret design, which is an enabler for integrating high energy lasers on military aircraft,? said Doug Graham, vice president of advanced programs, Strategic and Missile Defense Systems, Lockheed Martin Space Systems.

The ABC turret system is designed to allow high-energy lasers to engage enemy aircraft and missiles above, below and behind the aircraft. Lockheed Martin?s flow control and optical compensation technologies counteract the effects of turbulence caused by the protrusion of a turret from an aircraft?s fuselage.

All turret components met U.S. Air Force and Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness requirements.

Subsequent flight tests over the next year will demonstrate the turret in increasingly complex operations.

Lockheed Martin has pioneered the development and demonstration of high-energy laser capabilities for more than 30 years and has made advances in areas such as precision pointing and control, line-of-sight stabilization and adaptive optics and high-power fiber lasers.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation?s net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.
(Photo: Air Force Research Laboratory.)

Hamburg
17 September 2014 Press Release

At a ceremony in Hamburg hosted by Airbus, Qatar Airways, one of the world?s fastest growing airlines welcomed a new star to its fleet ? the A380. In the presence of His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, and Fabrice Br?gier, Airbus President and CEO, the airline took delivery of the first of its 10 Airbus A380 aircraft on order.

The delivery marks the beginning of a new chapter for Qatar Airways, as it pushes boundaries and expands its operations. The A380, with its unique combination of increased capacity, long-haul range and unbeatable fuel efficiency, will enable the airline to carry its passengers even further and at deluxe comfort standards.

As a five-star performer, the A380 has become a firm favourite with passengers and airlines, due to the smoothness of the flight, quietness of the cabin and the spaciousness of the overall aircraft layout. These unique characteristics allow Qatar Airways to achieve their ambition of providing excellent services to their passengers. The A380?s built-in cabin flexibility has also given Qatar Airways the opportunity to make innovative use of the aircraft?s space, offering the airline?s passengers an exceptional in-flight experience.

All seats are equipped with the latest entertainment systems, and the stylish and comfortable interior for Qatar Airways? A380 will accommodate a total of 517 people ? 461 in Economy, 48 in Business and eight in First Class, featuring the widest first-class seats in the industry. The aircraft has two full-length passenger decks - First and Business Class cabins will both be located on the aircraft?s upper deck, along with a special lounge area for premium passengers.

Qatar Airways? Group Chief Executive, His Exellency Akbar Al Baker, said: ?By introducing the A380 to our ever expanding fleet, it will strengthen Doha?s position as a key regional and global aviation hub. As we are continuously reviewing our passenger offering to always provide the very best in class, for us the arrival of the A380 opens a new chapter in the unparalleled, signature service we provide to travellers on board with Qatar Airways.?

?We are very pleased to welcome Qatar Airways as the latest airline to offer unprecedented A380 services to the world. The multi-award-winning carrier and our flagship product are a perfect match to excite the flying public in all markets,? said Fabrice Br?gier, Airbus President and CEO. ?Leading carrier Qatar Airways aims for the best, and we are proud our A380 is an essential ingredient in their strategy to showcase their excellence and hospitality, connecting the world.?

Qatar Airways is the 12th world class carrier to fly the A380. The airline?s first A380 will make its debut on the popular London Heathrow route, from Hamad International in Doha, followed by Paris Charles de Gaulle.


DENVER, Sept. 16, 2014 ? The U.S. Government?s CLIO satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT], was successfully launched today from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Lift-off occurred at 6:10 p.m. MDT aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle. Initial contact with the satellite was confirmed at 9:08 p.m. MDT.

The CLIO system is based on innovative commercial technology, and includes Lockheed Martin?s A2100 satellite bus. The A2100 bus is a common framework that includes the satellite?s solar arrays, propulsion system and core electronics. There are currently more than 40 A2100 spacecraft in orbit with more than 400 collective years of on-orbit service, including both commercial and U.S. Government satellites.

?We are very proud to deliver mission success for our U.S. Government customer,? said Rick Ambrose, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Space Systems. ?Our A2100 bus provides outstanding reliability, flexibility and proven performance, all at an affordable cost to our customers.?

The Atlas V is one of the world?s most reliable launch vehicles, with an unparalleled record of 49 consecutive successful launches. United Launch Alliance is the launch services provider.

A jet aerial tanker(BAE-146) drops its load of fire retardant on a fire near Pollack Pines, Calif., Monday, Sept. 15, 2014. The fire, which started Sunday has consumed more than 3,000 acres and forced the evacuation of dozens of homes.(AP Photo/Rich
Pedroncelli)

17 September 2014 Press Release

Lufthansa Group?s supervisory board has announced that SWISS, a member-airline of the Group, will expand its A320 fleet with a firm order for 15 A320neo aircraft, plus an additional ten of the type to be confirmed at a later stage. The fuel-efficient NEO-fleet will gradually renew and replace SWISS? existing fleet of A320 Family aircraft.

?Our decision to go with the cleanest, the most reliable and the most efficient belongs to the image of Switzerland, thus the A320neo was a natural fit with our modernization strategy,? says Nico Buchholz, Executive Vice President Lufthansa Group Fleet Management.

?We are delighted to welcome SWISS as a new customer for the A320neo and thank the Swiss Flag carrier for their continuous confidence in our products,? said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. ?For many years SWISS has successfully cashed in on all the economic and environmental benefits the A320 Family offers. The A320neo will be the hero in many chapters of SWISS? success story well into the future. We are happy that our NEO-offering will enable SWISS to operate their routes even more efficiently with significantly reduced CO2 and noise emissions.?

SWISS is the national airline of Switzerland and with A319s, A320s, A321s, A330s and A340s in its fleet the carrier will be able to take maximum benefit from the unique commonality across the Airbus Family.

18 September 2014 Press Release

easyJet has placed an order for 27 additional current engine option A320s, taking its combined total order for the type to 315 aircraft. With an all Airbus fleet, easyJet selected the A320 Family aircraft as it delivers the best operating economics and the roomiest cabin for unequalled passenger comfort in the single aisle category.

"We are bringing new aircraft into the fleet as we continue to see a significant number of new profitable opportunities in our core markets in the near term and in order to maintain our cost advantage," said Carolyn McCall, easyJet Chief Executive.

?easyJet is a demanding customer and this repeat order is as solid an endorsement as you can get for the A320?s proven productivity, reliability and comfort. The A320 Family has the widest cabin which also helps with faster airport turnaround times,? said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

The A320 Family aircraft already offer the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft and the Sharklet wing tip devices help to reduce fuel burn by a further four per cent and to increase range by 100nm.

Currently easyJet operates a fleet of some 225 A320 Family aircraft. In June 2013, EasyJet became a customer for the A320neo, with an order for 100 aircraft. Altogether, with this latest order, easyJet?s combined total order for all members of the A320 Family rises to 415 aircraft.

easyJet is the largest A320 Family customer and operator in Europe and operates one of Europe?s most extensive route networks. The airline is the UK?s largest by numbers of passengers carrier.
Sierra Sue II has flown

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 17, 2014) An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 launches from the flight deck of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as part of Valiant Shield. The U.S.-only exercise integrates Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps assets, offering real-world joint operational experience. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro/Released)

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (Sept. 18, 2014) The MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system prepares to land at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., after completing an approximately 11-hour flight from Northrop Grumman's California facility. (U.S. Navy photo by Kelly Schindler/Released)
Scotland.
Royal Air Force aircraft at RAF Lossiemouth have launched the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) for the first time since the Moray base took on the role of defending the UK?s Northern airspace. Typhoon jets were scrambled to identify aircraft in international airspace. The aircraft, identified as Russian military ?Bears?, did not enter UK airspace.

CHICAGO, Sept. 20, 2014 ? Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Ethiopian Airlines today announced an order for 20 737 MAX 8s. The order, previously unidentified on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website, is worth more than $2.1 billion at list prices and also includes options and purchase rights for a further 15 737 MAX 8s. The order represents the largest single Boeing order by number of airplanes from an African carrier.

Seen here, a 737 MAX 8 in Ethiopian livery.

Voronezh, Russia. Air Show 20.09.2014




22 September 2014 Press Release

IAG has decided to convert eight A330-200 options, previously announced, into firm orders for Spain?s flag carrier Iberia, which will become a new operator of the A330-200. The aircraft will be delivered from the end 2015 and will be equipped with GE CF6 engines. Iberia?s all Airbus fleet already includes eight A330-300s.

?We are just delighted that Iberia has reconfirmed its confidence in the A330, and are extremely pleased to welcome them as a new operator of the A330-200 benefiting from the enhanced performance that the new 242 tonne version brings, while continuing to deliver the family synergies of an all Airbus fleet,? said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

Iberia today operates an all Airbus fleet, including 13 A319, 12 A320, 18 A321, 8 A330-300, 8 A340-300 and 17 A340-600. On 1st August 2014, the new A330s were announced alongside an order for eight Airbus A350-900 aircraft. In total they will replace 16 A340 family aircraft in Iberia?s long-haul fleet. The airline flies to more than a 100 destinations in 38 countries.

The A330 Family, which spans 250 to 300 seats, has now attracted more than 1,300 orders, with over 1,000 aircraft flying with more than 100 operators worldwide. The A330 is one of the world?s most efficient aircraft with best in class operating economics, averaging dispatch reliability well above 99 percent.

23 September 2014 Press Release

The A320neo Family is reaching new heights, with increased fuel burn savings per seat further improved to 20% across the entire family by 2020. The 20% fuel burn saving is achieved through Airbus? latest cabin innovations reinforced by further engine efficiency improvements.

?The A320neo Family keeps getting better as we are continuously innovating both in cabin productivity and engine efficiency to stay ahead of the game,? said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. ?The NEO will deliver a 15% fuel burn savings from day one in 2015 and we will go up to 20% by 2020, ensuring the A320 maintains its position as the leading next generation single-aisle aircraft family.?

Without compromising best in class passenger comfort, Airbus is offering airlines the option of higher seat counts enabled through latest cabin innovations. These include new generation slim line seats, Airbus? Space-Flex rear lavatory & galley arrangements and Airbus Smart-Lav which together optimize the efficient use of the cabin floor space. The authorities will recertify the A320 family with increased seats limit by end 2014.

The A320neo (new engine option) incorporates cabin innovations, new generation engines and Sharklets (large wing tip devices) which together deliver 20 percent in fuel savings per seat by 2020.

To date, firm orders for the NEO reached 3257 aircraft from 60 customers, representing a 60 per cent market share in its category.

ST. LOUIS and SUNNYVALE, Calif. ? Sept. 23, 2014 ? Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Liquid Robotics, the market leader in unmanned ocean vehicles, today signed a global, multi-year teaming agreement for collaboration on product development, maritime services and operational deployments.

The initial focus of the collaboration will be to develop total integrated solutions for anti-submarine warfare, maritime domain awareness and other maritime defense applications.

?It?s a great opportunity to partner with Liquid Robotics to provide new and existing customers a unique portfolio of defense solutions and capabilities,? said Chris Chadwick, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. ?This relationship allows the Boeing-Liquid Robotics team to solve maritime security and surveillance challenges in entirely new and highly effective ways and provides unprecedented capability and value to customers worldwide."

The agreement combines Boeing Defense, Space & Security?s vast experience developing and fielding multi-layered intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance solutions with Liquid Robotics? award-winning autonomous ocean technology.

?We look forward to teaming with Boeing to expand domestic and international opportunities that combine Boeing?s expertise in aircraft systems and integrated defense solutions with Liquid Robotics? expertise in persistent unmanned ocean vehicles,? said Gary Gysin, President and CEO of Liquid Robotics. "Together, Boeing and Liquid Robotics will provide customers an integrated, seafloor-to-space capability for long duration maritime defense.?

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, is one the of world?s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world?s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 56,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Liquid Robotics is an ocean drone manufacturer with a goal of instrumenting the ocean with fleets of networked, naturally powered robots carrying sensor payloads. Our Wave Glider? ocean drones are transforming ocean observation, making data collection and monitoring easier, safer, and more cost-effective. Visit www.liquidr.com.



ARABIAN GULF (Sept. 23, 2014) An F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31 and an F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213 prepare to launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) to conduct strike missions against ISIL targets. George H.W. Bush is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert Burck/Released)

RED 7 graces the sky again

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 24, 2014 ? The Republic of Korea finalized its formal selection of the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35A Lightning II aircraft for its F-X fighter acquisition program, announcing its intent to sign the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) between the U.S. and Korean governments for 40 F-35A Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) variant jets with initial deliveries beginning in 2018.

?We are honored by and appreciate the trust and confidence the Republic of Korea has placed in the 5th Generation F-35 to meet its demanding security requirements on the Korean Peninsula. We look forward to producing and delivering, on time and within budget, Korea?s F-35A Conventional Take Off and Landing variant aircraft,? said Orlando Carvalho, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics executive vice president. ?This decision strengthens and extends our long-standing security partnership and truly enhances the regional stability among our greater Asia Pacific allies.?

Following a comprehensive evaluation process for its F-X program, the Republic of Korea, which first announced its competitive selection of the F-35 over the 4th Generation Boeing F-15 Silent Eagle and the EADS Eurofighter Typhoon in March this year, now becomes the third Foreign Military Sales country to procure the F-35, joining Israel and Japan who selected the F-35A in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Containers with military equipment for Iraq in front of a Dutch air force plane at the airport in Leipzig, central Germany, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014. The first German delivery of weapons and ammunition to Iraq had to be postponed due to a technical problem of the Dutch plane. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer)

September 23, 2014 - Saudi pilots returned to their base unharmed after they fulfilled their duty in directing successful and effective attacks against "Daash" in Syria. The Muslim scholars emphasized the corruption of the ideas and actions of the organization "Daash" and stressed that it harms the image of Islam. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense said that his sons pilots have their duty towards their religion and their homeland, emphasizing pride in their professionalism and their courage to stand up against those who distort the purity of Islam. (SPA)