2005, Chapter: Air Show

[Iamandi]

Northrop Grumman to Demonstrate Hawkeye 2000 Early Warning Aircraft at Aero India 2005 Air Show


Source: Northrop Grumman


"BETHPAGE, N.Y. --- Northrop Grumman Corporation will be demonstrating the capabilities of its Hawkeye 2000 airborne early warning aircraft at the Aero India 2005 Air Show from Feb 9-13 in Bangalore, India.

The company designed, developed and produces the Hawkeye 2000 for the U.S. Navy. It is currently offering the aircraft to the Indian navy as the solution to its requirements for an airborne early-warning and battle-management command-and-control system. India is one of a growing number of countries looking at the Hawkeye 2000 to help satisfy the demand for integrated defense capabilities.

"Six nations now own Hawkeyes," said Timothy Farrell, vice president and leader of Northrop Grumman's integrated product team on airborne early warning programs. "That's more than any other airborne early warning and battle management system in the world. The purchase of new Hawkeye 2000s and the upgrade of existing E-2C fleets demonstrate the confidence that nations have in the Hawkeye and their understanding of the need for an advanced, integrated airborne-surveillance and battle-management system – exactly what the Hawkeye provides.”

According to Farrell, there are several benefits to this growing international use of the Hawkeye 2000. The aircraft offers a powerful and highly automated target detection-and-tracking capability, and the ability to manage peacetime, crisis and wartime operations. It also gives international allies interoperability with the U.S. Navy's Hawkeye fleet and the benefits of United States-developed technology improvements and support.

Another benefit of the Hawkeye 2000 is its "open" system architecture, a concept in which Northrop Grumman has invested heavily. Based on commercial off-the-shelf technology, an open architecture allows users to easily upgrade, add or remove components from a network.

"The Hawkeye 2000's architecture allows it to be integrated with existing networks more easily and at lower cost than any other airborne early warning aircraft in the world," explained Farrell. "For example, in tests involving U.S. Navy fleet aircraft, we've shown that by inserting commercial Internet communications technologies into the Hawkeye, we can create a network that significantly reduces the time from target detection to target destruction."

In 2004 Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector delivered two new Hawkeye 2000 airborne early-warning and battle-management aircraft to Taiwan, bringing its fleet of Hawkeyes to six. The company also delivered the first Hawkeye 2000 upgrade for Egypt's fleet. These deliveries were in addition to four new Hawkeye 2000s delivered to the U.S. Navy, which, to date, has added 14 of these advanced Hawkeyes to its E-2C fleet. Japan completed the conversion of two of its 13 E-2Cs to the Hawkeye 2000 configuration in 2004 with the help of Northrop Grumman. Mexico also joined the ranks of E-2C operators and is preparing to stand up its three aircraft fleet.

Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems is a premier aerospace and defense systems integration organization. Headquartered in El Segundo, Calif., it designs, develops, produces and supports network-enabled integrated systems and subsystems optimized for use in networks. For its government and civil customers worldwide, Integrated Systems delivers best-value solutions, products and services that support military and homeland defense missions in the areas of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; space access; battle management command and control; and integrated strike warfare. "

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Defence Minister to Inaugurate AERO INDIA 2005 on Feb. 09


Source: Indian Ministry of Defence


"The Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the Fifth International Aerospace Exhibition, Aero India 2005 at Air Force Station Yelahanka near Bangalore on 09th of this month.

The significant feature of Aero India 2005 is the increase in the Indian participation from 74 companies to about 140 companies this time. Besides, Indian exhibitors, exhibitors from 30 countries including USA, Russia, UK, France, Israel, Italy, Germany, Poland, etc., would be participating in Aero India 2005.

More than 350 leading companies will showcase their aircraft and aerospace products/equipment through air display, static display and exhibition attracting a large turn out of professionals and businessmen across the world. In addition to the exhibition there will be daily flying displays featuring some of the most advanced and sophisticated aircraft. Various Indian aviation products and aircraft such as, Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT), Indigenously produced Sukhoi - 30 MK – I would be on display.

This biennial exposition has gained the status of a major Aerospace event in this part of the world. During the Aero India 2003, more than 250 companies including 176 companies from outside India and foreign delegates from 24 countries had participated in the show.

The exposition which will continue up to 13th of this month is being organised by the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

An International Seminar is being organised by Defence Research & Development Organisation from February 7, 2005 to February 9, 2005 at Bangalore on the topic of "Aerospace Technologies - Developments and Strategies". A significant number of speakers from India and abroad will deliberate on the subject. For the first time, a National Conference on India Aviation is scheduled as a part of Aero India. "

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And the link to, is:

http://www.aeroindia.gov.in/

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[Iamandi]

Aerostar S.A. of Romania at AERO INDIA 2005 (9-13 February)


Source: Aerostar


" Traditionally attending Aero India, Aerostar S.A. is presenting as a leading company of the Romanian aeronautical industry, interested to promote further on its policy of co-operation and association with local partners.

Specialist in the maintenance and overhaul of military and civil aircraft, as well as of ground defence systems, Aerostar confirms by this presence its complex offer from the viewpoint of capabilities covering a large variety of domains.

The in-depth knowledge of eastern-type platforms on which advanced technologies and expertise are integrated, at state-of-the-art level, has brought to Aerostar a well- reputed position, acknowledged by the results of highly successful upgrade programmes: the MiG-21 Lancer upgrade, the LAROM upgrade programme of the 122 mm multiple rocket launcher, the national IFF programme-- DIALOG, the ATROM upgrade programme, a mobile howitzer which can use all types of NATO type, 155 mm standard ammunition, with a firing range of 41 km at a barrel length of 52 calibers.

The expertise gained by Aerostar in the maintenance, overhaul and upgrade programmes for military aircraft and related equipment lead to the consolidation of a highly competent and effective offer on the overhaul market for MiG-21, L-29, L-39ZA aircraft, R-95, R-37, VK-1A, M-701, AI 25TL, R-25 aero engines.

Also, Aerostar as sole Romanian manufacturer of aviation hydraulic equipment for the aircraft: IAR-330, IAR-316B, IAR-93, IAR-99, IAK-52 has extended its offer in the field of development and production of dual-use hydraulic equipment.

Aerostar S.A. has also extended its offer for civil aviation, being JAR-21G approved for production of aerostructures and JAR-145 approved for civil maintenance on aircraft types BAE Systems ATP, SAAB 340 and Boeing 737 series 200/300/400/500, the company being preoccupied to diversify its range of capabilities in this area of operations.

In the field of leisure aviation, Aerostar proposes the Festival airplane which meets the requirements of the new “light sport aircraft” category. This meets the expectations of private sports pilots, students of pilot schools and can also be used for training and entertainment.

Aerostar S.A. has a rich experience to supply services and products in the area of complex industrial systems, from which the main products presented at this exhibition being the fire extinguishers in the Turbojet range designed and proven for extinguishing the fires at oil wells, tank parks, refineries, etc. "


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[Iamandi]

Embraer Signs MOU with India for Development of a New AEW&C System


Source: Embraer


" BANGALORE, India --- Embraer announced today that a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) has been signed with the Indian DRDO (Defense, Research and Development Organization) to support the Indian Air Force new Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) system development.

The new asset will be based on the EMB 145 Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, one of the world's best selling ISR platforms. Embraer's commitment to contribute its previous experience in platform development and complex systems integration was a key factor in the DRDO's selection.

Indian government analysts and Embraer company engineers are collecting necessary technical data on the aircraft for the study. At the request of the Indian government, an Embraer team recently visited Indian Defense Research and Development Organization and held in-depth discussions to support DRDO personnel in their task.

The analysis is expected to result in an initial contract for three EMB 145 AEW&C aircraft and technical support during the development effort. An order for additional aircraft could materialize in the future, based on a successful first development phase.

"The company considers this partnership a significant milestone with the Indian DRDO, an institution renowned to be one of the leading high technology developers in Asia," said Embraer's Executive Vice-President for Defense Market, Romualdo Barros. "The Indian aerospace industry has reached remarkable achievements and Embraer is proud and thrilled to participate in this initiative. Besides the upcoming contract to supply our EMB 145 ISR platform, we could be involved in some engineering work."

Barros added, "Embraer is working hard to build a strong relationship with India, which started in 2003 when five Legacy aircraft for Authorities Transport were contracted by the Government, and we are always willing to cooperate with new programs such as the new AEW&C System."

Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.) is the world's leading manufacturer of Commercial jets up to 110 seats with 35 years of experience in designing, developing, manufacturing, selling and providing after sales support to aircraft for the global airline, Defense and Corporate markets. With headquarters in Sao Jose dos Campos, state of Sao Paulo, the Company has offices and customer service bases in Australia, China, France, Singapore and the United States. Embraer is among Brazil's leading exporting companies. As of December 31, 2004 Embraer had a total workforce of 14,648 people, and its firm order backlog totaled US$ 10.1 billion. "


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[Iamandi]

Galileo Avionica at Aero India 2005


Source: Galileo Avionica


"At Aero India 2005 Galileo Avionica displays at the Finmeccanica stand (Hall C stands 465 – 478) two of its most advanced products:

FALCO UAV model (scale 1:4): Entirely designed and developed by Galileo Avionica, FALCO tactical unmanned air vehicle is a turboprop-powered UAV. Falco has a 40 m/sec maximum speed and an 8-14 hour endurance. It can carry up to 70 kg of state-of-the-art payloads, including multisensor (FLIR, Colour TV, TV Spotter) and surveillance radar.

With Galileo Avionica’s dedicated sensors, Falco is a versatile and cost-effective solution for airborne surveillance, identification, maritime and border patrol, environmental monitoring and emergency control, as well as target identification and classification.

SEAGULL 2000: A maritime surveillance radar for light and medium platforms. With its fully coherent operation and digital pulse compression, Seagull is employed for search, detection and track while scan (32 targets) of small targets in high sea state. It is equipped with sea target imaging (ISAR, SSAR), Seagull is a light weight radar with modular architecture for easy installation and integration.

Galileo Avionica S.p.A., a Finmeccanica Company, is the Italian avionics leader. It focuses on the design, development and production of avionics and electro-optical equipment, airborne radar and precision approach radars, UAVs and Simulators, space equipment for platform and payloads. Galileo Avionica offers systems integration capabilities and know-how and participates as prime or partner in all European military co-operative programs (Eurofighter, NH-90, EH-101).

In 2003 Galileo Avionica registered revenues of Euros 553 million "

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[Iamandi]

Rosoboronexport State Corporation Showcases Aerospace Industry of Russia at Aero India’05 International Aerospace Show


Source: Rosoboronexport


"Indo-Russian cooperation in military-technical area has more than four decades of current history and forms up a core of strategic partnership between Moscow and New Delhi. The main feature of military-technical cooperation (MTC) between our countries pertains to its systematic and long-term character. India is actually the only country in the world, implementing together with Russia the joint Program on MTC till 2010, which covers practically all aspects of interaction between defence industries of both states.

The current visit of the Russian President V.V. Putin to India in December, 2004 gave a new impetus to our cooperation. The main bulk here is taken by its aviation component. The Year 2004 resulted in real progress in implementation of current contracts and working out new ones.

So, in December 2004 was completed the delivery of 40 Su-30K/MKI fighters to the Indian Air Force. This Project is unique not only for India and Russia. No Air Force in the world has in its inventory fighters with the thrust vector control feature. Its radar – N011M “Bars” – has phased array capability. By now no a single country in the world has exported such equipment. Finally, for the first time Russia exports on-board electronic equipment, developed in co-operation with Indian, French and Israeli companies.

Implementation of Su-30MKI Project heralds a new phase in the current history of Indo-Russian military-technical cooperation. Designers and specialists from both countries have been working as the united team on development of technologically very sophisticated project. Obtained experience has allowed our countries to proceed to the more advanced state-of-the-art enterprise – license production of 140 Su-30MKI fighters on the production lines of HAL Corporation contracted in December 2000.

The contract is being implemented in accordance with obligations undertaken by the sides. So, on November 28, 2004 at the HAL Nasik division was held a roll-out of the first Su-30MKI a/c, manufactured with the participation of the HAL specialists within the framework of the license contract. As it was stated by Indian officials, the license manufacturing of the Su-30MKI fighters is being considered a milestone in the development of the Indian aerospace industry.

In the early 2004, RAC MiG Corp signed the contract on supply to the IN of 16 MiG-29K (KUB) ship-born fighters. Nowadays, the Corporation concentrates its efforts on series production of the aircraft. All the works are being implemented in the strict accordance with the timeframe jointly agreed with the Indian side.

One of the most prominent events in our bilateral aerospace collaboration last year was a final choice in favor of the Russian bid within the HAL tender on aero-engine for the Indian jet trainer (Intermediate Jet Trainer Project). AL-55I aero-engine was considered the best option while facing the strong competition from leading European engine producers.

Nowadays the Sides are visualizing new large-scale projects in aviation sector, of which to be mentioned first of all should be the Program of joint manufacturing of Multi-role Transport Aircraft, with the strong involvement of Rosoboronexport, IRKUT, HAL and Iljushin DB, and the Project of joint development of “5” generation fighter.

Russian participation in the Bangalore Show is becoming increasingly prominent. The Russian exposition at Aero India'05 showcases products of around 50 Russian defence industries. In accordance with decision of the Russian government, Rosoboronexport Corp is assigned to organize the whole Russian exposition.

By means of live products, dummies, posters and leaflets are being demonstrated here up to 270 items of state-of-the-art aviation weaponry and equipment, as well as above 400 items of dual-use and civil application. The Russian exposition is made out with due regard to the most promising trends in Indo-Russian MTC and major requirements of the armed forces in Asia.

Russian Aviation-Building Corporation (RAC) MiG showcases at the exhibition a live model of MiG-29M2 a/c, which is an up-dated version of the famous MiG-29 fighter and STBP-29, a specialized simulator of MiG-29 a/c for combat use.

MiG-29M2, which is also known as MRCA Project (Multi-Role Combat Aircraft), is in fact a qualitatively new multi-role aircraft developed as per a concept of the open architecture of the board with evidently increased flight range as compared with the original version of MiG-29 fighter. Both Rosoboronexport and RAC MiG promote MiG-29M2 within the IAF's tender on acquisition of a batch of multi-role fighters. Among strong points of the Russian proposal one may mention outstanding technical performances of the aircraft, its high degree of unification with MiG-29K a/c and unmatched experience of Russian enterprises in high technologies transfer to India (for example, license production of Su-30MKI at HAL divisions).

The aircraft will participate actively in demonstration flights and, undoubtedly, be noticed by specialists and guests of the show.

Practically the whole range of export models of Su-family a/c is being demonstrated at the Russian exposition, including Su-27SKM, Su-30MK multi-role fighters, Su-33 ship-borne aircraft, Su-32 fighter-bomber.

Sukhoi Aviation Holding together with Sukhoi DB JSC demonstrate worldwide known Su-30MK two-seater, which features meet requirements of aircraft of “4+” generation. The fighter ensures engagement of not only air targets but also of the whole range of ground and sea objects with high precision weapons. The aircraft is highly maneuverable and unsurpassed in its flight capabilities. Su-30MK is in operation with the Air Forces of some leading Asian countries and is considered the core of their combat power.

IRKUT Corporation together with Yakovlev DB will display a model of Yak-130 trainer-combat aircraft. The aircraft is designed for training flying personnel on all types of planes of both Russian and foreign origin. At the moment, works are going on aimed at transforming Yak-130 trainer into light combat aircraft capable to perform striking missions in the conditions of limited intensity conflicts. As per estimates made by Forecast International (FI), the US research company, in the next decade will be sold worldwide above 1050 trainers and a potential share of Russian-made trainers may come up to 20%, FI experts believe.

The current military conflicts in complicated mountain and desert conditions of Middle East have clearly demonstrated a special role played by helicopters, both strike-combat and transport. That's why a considerable place in the Russian exposition is occupied by varied versions of helicopters of ‘Mil' and ‘Kamov' trade-marks: Ka-50 and Mi-28NE combat helicopters, Ka-31 early warning helicopter, Mi-17-1V assault transport helicopter, Mi-35, Mi-35P, Mi-35M transport combat helicopters, Ka-60 multi-mode rotorcraft, Ka-50-2 combat double-seater helicopter, Mi-26 heavy transport helicopter, Mi-171Sh military transport rotorcraft, Ka-226 light multi-mode helicopter.

Mi-35M combat transport helicopter incorporates results of a “deep” up-gradation of the famous Mi-35 combat transport helicopter. Due to its equipping with more powerful engines, modern avionics, high precision navigation and night-vision systems, arms systems, the combat power of the helicopter is substantially improved. It is now capable to perform landing operations and application of armament round o'clock and in all weather conditions.

Ka-226 light multi-mode helicopter features modular construction, which enables its application in varied options, like utility, transport, rescue-emergency, air ambulance, patrol, fire protection. According estimates of foreign experts, Ka-226 helicopter has substantial export potential. Nowadays, the rotorcraft is being proposed to potential customers in South and South-East Asia, India including.

At the Russian exposition are being exhibited also a great number of other items corresponding to main topics of the Airshow in India. Among them are modern anti-aircraft missiles (Tactical Missile Armament Corporation, Korolev-Town, Moscow region), aviation engines for various flying machines (Ufa-based UMPO Company and SATURN Association, Rybinsk), on-board aviation radars (FAZOTRON-NIIR Corp., Moscow), a wide range of optronic systems (Ural Optical Mechanical Plant, Yekaterinburg), different elements of on-board avionics for Sukhoi and MiG a/c (Technocomplex SPC, Ramenskoe-Town, Moscow region; Russian Aviation Instrument-making Alliance, Moscow).

Rosoboronexport State Corporation is confident that participation of Russia in Aero India'05 will become an important step in the expansion of military-technical co-operation of Russia with India and other countries of Asian continent. "


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Irkut Corporation Keeps Developing Strategic Cooperation with the Indian Aviation Industry


Source: Irkut Corp.


"This year, IRKUT Corporation participation in the Aero India 2005 almost coincided with delivery of the third phase Su-30MKI multifunctional fighter to the Indian Air Force. In the course of this unprecedented project implementation, a further development of the delivery contract became an agreement signed in 2000 regarding organization of Su-30MKI licensed production in India at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited facilities, including manufacture of engines and avionics.

Currently, IRKUT and HAL have reached agreement regarding manufacturing of some Su-30MKI components in India to be installed on aircraft intended for third countries.

Using positive experience of cooperation with the Indian industry, IRKUT started joint work with HAL to develop medium multifunctional transport aircraft (MTA) as risk-sharing partners. The sides finance aircraft projecting on their own and interact from the very initial stage of research and development being conducted by a “distributed design bureau”. According to expert forecasts, around 570 aircraft of this class for the total of USD 45 billion may be sold for the next 10 years.

This year, IRKUT Corporation is presenting at the Aero India its newest product, the Yak-130 trainer that can also be used as a light strike aircraft in perspective.

In 2002, Yak1-30 won in a tender of the Russian Defence Ministry to deliver a training aircraft for main and advanced training of fighters’ pilots. It is optimized for training pilots of Su-27/30 and MiG-29 families. Yak-130 is equipped with quadro-redundant fly-by-wire control system providing simulation of any existing and perspective fighters’ control algorithms. Yak-130 avionics including display system, are unified with Su-30MKI by 70%. Flight trials of the trainer are scheduled to be completed in 2006, the same year it will be proposed to the market. "

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[Iamandi]

Cooperation Between MBDA and Bharat Dynamics Limited Moves to a New Level at Aero India 2005


Source: MBDA


"At the AERO INDIA exhibition in Bangalore today, MBDA and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the industrial basis for the development and production of Indan / Milan ER, an enhanced anti-tank infantry weapon for the Indian and French armies as well as the wider export market.

BDL has already been producing MBDA’s Milan 2 anti-tank system under licence for the Indian armed forces since 1981. The MoU signed today paves the way for the development and industrialisation of Indan / Milan ER, an enhanced Milan system with extended range and an improved anti-jamming capability to meet the requirements specified by both the Indian and French armies.

This MoU is a significant advance from the earlier MoU signed by the two companies during the last Aero India Show in 2003 and will result in the setting up of a joint-venture (JV) in the latter half of 2005. Significantly, there is a strong possibility that this JV will extend collaboration to the Mica /Aster family of missiles.


BACKGROUND NOTES:

MBDA and BDL have already been working closely together in proposing VL Mica as a solution to meet the Indian Air Force’s requirement for a Low Level Quick Reaction Missile (LLQRM). VL Mica, which features the same missile as the in service and well proven air-to-air Mica IR/RF system, is being developed to provide sensitive military and civilian assets with a rapid reaction air defence against a wide range of threats. The same missile is also incorporated within a naval variant of VL Mica, enabling small ships such as corvettes and frigates to counter the threat of saturating missile attack.

The Aster family of missiles comprises Aster 15 and Aster 30 developed under the Franco / Italian FSAF (Future Surface to Air Family) programme for the SAAM and PAAMS (naval) and for the SAMP/T (ground) air defence systems. Aster 15 has already been delivered to several navies. First deliveries of Aster 30 will commence at the end of 2005.

Milan is a highly accurate and portable, wire guided infantry weapon for anti-tank warfare. Many customers around the world have been equipped with different versions of the system.

Bharat Dynamics Limited is a Government of India enterprise headquartered in Hyderabad, India.

With an annual turnover exceeding EUR 3 billion, a forward order book of over EUR 13 billion and over 70 customers world wide, MBDA is a world leading, global missile systems company. MBDA currently has 45 missile system and countermeasure programmes in operational service and has proven its ability as prime contractor to head major multi-national projects.

MBDA is jointly owned by BAE Systems (37.5%), EADS (37.5%) and Finmeccanica (25%). "

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BAE Systems Exhibits Latest Wireless Communications Technology at Aero-India 2005


Source: BAE Systems


"BAE Systems Avionics Group is set to demonstrate its latest wireless communications technology at Aero-India, Bangalore 2005 in a month where full scale flight trials of the system are due to begin.

This revolutionary technology enables hands free communication between flight crew and the platform intercom system without being physically connected to it. In removing the need for long leads and hand signals, the system creates a safer and more efficient environment resolving the problems of tangled and snagged wires that can restrict movement and become accidentally disconnected at critical moments. The technology enhances operational efficiency whilst improving the ability of operators to meet their duty of care to aircraft and ground based staff.

The Wireless Communication System comprises two units; the Platform Interface Unit that communicates with the intercom system, and the Operator Interface Unit that is worn by the operator. This configuration enables the operator to dismount from the platform and maintain hands-free, full-duplex communication with the platform’s intercom system.

The system can be utilised in many applications for air, sea and land platforms and is able to support mission durations in excess of 30 hours when connected to a standard headset or more than 5 hours when powering an active noise reduction variant. It can also be used as an Emergency Crew Control link for use when all other communication systems fail. The system also supports digital transmission, voice encryption, PTT functionality and a durable design enabling it to be immersion proof to 1 metre.

In addition to extensive air activity, the system has also been proven in naval and land environments demonstrating the main benefits including improved spacial awareness, speed of dismounted activities, increased operational effectiveness with terrain assessment and unbroken communication links.

Paul Beck, Vice President Helicopter Systems, said: “I am delighted that we are able to exhibit this technology in India, particularly at the same time as flight trials on fixed and rotary wing platforms are due to go ahead. We believe that its ease of integration and already demonstrated effectiveness will be of immense benefit to our customers.”

BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately £12 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.

BAE Systems Avionics is one of Europe's leading avionics companies, and the UK's foremost supplier of electronic systems for military platforms in the air, at sea and on land. With its head office at Basildon in the UK, the Avionics organisation has major sites in southern England and Scotland. The Group employs 4,900 people. "

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Pratt & Whitney Canada Turboprops Gain Altitude in India's Regional Airline Market


Source: Pratt & Whitney Canada


"AERO INDIA, Bangalore, India --- The recent order by Bangalore-based Air Deccan of 30 new ATR 72-500 aircraft, powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada's (P&WC) PW127F engines, underscores the growing popularity of turboprop-powered aircraft among India's regional airlines. Deliveries will begin this year and be spread over a five-year period.

Air Deccan joins a growing number of regional Indian airliners, including Alliance Air, a unit of Indian Airlines and Jet Airways, which are flying P&WC turboprop-powered aircraft to take advantage of their low Direct Operating Cost (DOC), versatility, dependability and environmental friendliness.

Air Deccan already operates nine PW121-powered ATR 42-320 aircraft on its domestic network, which links numerous cities throughout India that were not previously served by airliners. The fast growing, low-cost airline said it is expanding its fleet with the new generation, 72-seat ATR 72-500 to meet increased demand and to benefit from the aircraft's low seat mile costs.

"Regional turboprop aircraft have a number of key advantages," says Stefan Mazareanu, Area Manager, International Business Development, P&WC. "These aircraft offer low acquisition cost, low fuel consumption and low DOC. They can operate from short, semi-prepared fields in extreme temperatures, and offer cabin size, vibration and noise levels similar to jet-powered aircraft. It all adds up to a winning combination."

"Operators are increasingly recognizing the economic advantages of turboprops, especially in this time of rapidly escalating fuel prices," says Mr. Mazareanu. "Turboprops burn up to 40 per cent less fuel than regional jets and the latest-technology turboprops offer jet-like comfort and jet-like speed.

"P&WC is the leading turboprop engine manufacturer in the airline industry, powering more than three-quarters of modern, pressurized airline turboprop aircraft. P&WC engine customers in Asia Pacific are supported by the P&WC Service Centre in Singapore, which is dedicated to providing the highest quality of engine repair and overhaul services while maintaining competitive pricing and world class Turn Around Times (TAT) for the PW100 turboprop engine line. "P&WC is currently developing an integrated product support approach in India to meet the needs of the growing number of turboprop operators," notes Mr. Mazareanu.

P&WC, based in Longueuil, Quebec, is a world leader in aviation engines powering business, general aviation and regional aircraft, and helicopters. The company also offers advanced engines for industrial applications. P&WC's operations and service network span the globe. P&WC is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation, a high-technology company based in Hartford, Connecticut. "


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Aircraft Makers Eye Growing Indian Market


Source: Voice of America news


" NEW DELHI --- A five-day international air show held in Bangalore city recently attracted as many as 240 companies from 31 countries.

They included giants such as Boeing and Airbus on the civil aviation front and Lockheed Martin from the United States and France's Snecma on the military side.

These companies are eyeing a potentially huge market in India. A host of domestic airlines are expected to snap up more than three hundred passenger aircraft over the coming years. Analysts say India could spend up to $35 billion on new jets in the next 20 years.

Steadily falling prices for air travel and an expanding economy have made it possible for many more Indians to fly.

The French aviation group Dassault says the country's strong economic growth has also opened up an opportunity to sell business jets in India. In addition, the Indian air force plans to buy 126 new warplanes. The United States, Sweden, France and Russia are all vying for a share of that market.

But India is not content with being just a buyer. Defense Minister Pranab Mukherjee says the air show provided an opportunity to global aviation companies to explore the potential of joint ventures with India's state-run aerospace industry. "It is an ideal forum to explore business opportunities as well as to facilitate joint ventures, collaborations and tie-ups for mutual benefit. It is emerging as an important platform for showcasing capabilities of both Indian and foreign companies in design, development and production of aircraft and ground systems both for defense and civil sectors," he said.

Indian officials say foreign aviation companies can profit by outsourcing research, design and some manufacturing work to India, which has high technical expertise and low costs.

Some already plan to collaborate with Indian companies. Lockheed Martin has signed an agreement with an Indian company to share data on its P-3 Orion surveillance aircraft. France's Snecma says it plans a joint venture in India to make engine parts.

And Boeing says it has signed a pact with a technology company to develop a platform for a flight test system. "


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Between 15 to 20 March is Australian International Airshow 2005 "The shape of things to come", at Avalon Aireport, Victoria.

http://www.airshow.net.au/index1.html

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