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Category Archives: Aerospace

AIRSHOW – U.S. aerospace companies seek to reassure public on drones

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By Andrea Shalal-Esa

PARIS (Reuters) - U.S. aerospace companies, keen to benefit from billions of dollars in possible future orders for civilian drones, are mobilizing to assuage public concerns about privacy and safety.

The Aerospace Industries Association, the U.S. industry's biggest lobbying group, released a new poll on Wednesday at the Paris Airshow, which showed that 54 percent of Americans favor use of drones for civilian purposes, including border patrol, weather prediction and disaster response.

Marion Blakey, former administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, and AIA's chief executive, said she was heartened by the poll, conducted by the Christian Science Monitor newspaper, but her industry needed to do a better job dispelling misperceptions about drones.

"We feel like there's been too much rhetoric about privacy concerns and things that aren't relevant to domestic use of unmanned aerial systems," Blakey told Reuters. "Nobody's talking about using militarized drones in U.S. civil airspace."

The U.S. government has used unmanned planes in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as, for targeted attacks of suspected terrorists in Pakistan and Yemen.

Federal Bureau of Investigations Director Robert Mueller testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday that the FBI uses drones for surveillance on U.S. soil.

Many states and industry officials favor using drones for civilian purposes, but hurdles including regulatory approval and public skepticism remain.

Blakey said potential benefits were obscured by misperceptions of how remotely piloted planes would be used in the United States. AIA said the worldwide market for such unmanned planes would exceed $89 billion over the next decade.

She said it was important to explain what drones, or unmanned aerial systems (UAS), could or could not do, although she conceded that recent revelations of widespread domestic surveillance by the NSA could be "fogging" the issue.

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AIRSHOW - U.S. aerospace companies seek to reassure public on drones

Bothell aerospace firm to open Everett plant

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Published: Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 5:54 p.m.

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., announced the news Wednesday during a conference call with journalists. Larsen said he had met at the air show with leaders from Pacifica's parent, MTorres of Torres de Elorz, Spain, which designs and builds aerospace manufacturing equipment.

Last year, MTorres bought Pacifica Engineering. At the time, Pacifica employed about 60 people, Larsen said. Since then, Pacifica has added 25 workers in Bothell and plans to employ 100 people in Bothell and Everett by year's end.

State officials did not have additional information about Pacifica's plans for Everett, and company officials could not be reached for comment. But a local aerospace executive who did know said that Pacifica will lease 25,000 square feet of space in the building owned by Majestic Glove, on West Casino Road just south of Boeing's big factory near Paine Field.

The Everett plant, which is to open next month, will employ about 20 people, said the executive, who asked not to be named.

Among other things, MTorres and Pacifica specialize in building tools for the manufacture of carbon composites.

The investment by MTorres in an Everett site underscores the message Larsen learned from talking with representatives of aerospace companies at the air show: "Workforce for these folks is the number one issue."

Many aerospace companies, including Boeing rival Airbus, are looking to expand their presence in the U.S. That gives them the advantage of pricing and selling their products using the U.S. dollar rather than the euro.

Larsen led the delegation of Washington economic development officials, business leaders and educators to Paris on behalf of Inslee, who stayed in Olympia during the legislative special session. Inslee joined the conference call from Washington.

The governor emphasized the need for the Legislature to support his education and workforce training initiatives to keep the state's aerospace workforce strong and attractive to outside companies.

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Bothell aerospace firm to open Everett plant

UTC Aerospace Systems receives two Bombardier’s 2013 In-Service STAR Awards for excellence in customer service

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- PARIS AIR SHOW --UTC Aerospace Systems, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (UTX), was recently recognized by Bombardier with two 2013 In-Service Supplier Top Achievement Recognition (STAR) Awards for its in-service support of Bombardier's Q400* aircraft program, as well as its CRJ700*, CRJ900*, and CRJ1000* aircraft programs.

UTC Aerospace Systems received the In-Service STAR Award from Bombardier based on the performance of air management systems for the Q400 aircraft and actuation systems for the CRJ700, CRJ900 and CRJ1000 aircraft programs over the past year. UTC Aerospace Systems was among six suppliers recognized for superior in-service support at Bombardier's inaugural All Series European Regional Review in Munich, Germany.

"Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and UTC Aerospace Systems is pleased to receive special recognition from Bombardier for the fourth consecutive year," said Cindy Egnotovich, UTC Aerospace Systems Customer Service president. "While our company has evolved since we received the award in 2012 with the integration of Hamilton Sundstrand and Goodrich, we remain committed to delivering the highest quality and most consistent service to support our operators and to help maintain their fleets."

Bombardier's In-Service STAR Awards are presented to suppliers for excellence in customer support based on overall performance in 2012. To be eligible for this award, a supplier must have scored at least 85 percent in areas deemed most important by Bombardier's customers, such as product performance, airline support and customer focus.

UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries. UTC Aerospace Systems supports a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and customer service facilities.

United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries.

*Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries

For updates from United Technologies Corp.'s aerospace businesses visit http://www.utcaero.com or follow @UTC on Twitter.

http://www.utcaerospacesystems.com

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UTC Aerospace Systems receives two Bombardier's 2013 In-Service STAR Awards for excellence in customer service

U.S. aerospace companies seek to reassure public on drones

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By Andrea Shalal-Esa

PARIS (Reuters) - U.S. aerospace companies, keen to benefit from billions of dollars in possible future orders for civilian drones, are mobilizing to assuage public concerns about privacy and safety.

The Aerospace Industries Association, the U.S. industry's biggest lobbying group, released a new poll on Wednesday at the Paris Airshow, which showed that 54 percent of Americans favor use of drones for civilian purposes, including border patrol, weather prediction and disaster response.

Marion Blakey, former administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, and AIA's chief executive, said she was heartened by the poll, conducted by the Christian Science Monitor newspaper, but her industry needed to do a better job dispelling misperceptions about drones.

"We feel like there's been too much rhetoric about privacy concerns and things that aren't relevant to domestic use of unmanned aerial systems," Blakey told Reuters. "Nobody's talking about using militarized drones in U.S. civil airspace."

The U.S. government has used unmanned planes in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as, for targeted attacks of suspected terrorists in Pakistan and Yemen.

Federal Bureau of Investigations Director Robert Mueller testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday that the FBI uses drones for surveillance on U.S. soil.

Many states and industry officials favor using drones for civilian purposes, but hurdles including regulatory approval and public skepticism remain.

Blakey said potential benefits were obscured by misperceptions of how remotely piloted planes would be used in the United States. AIA said the worldwide market for such unmanned planes would exceed $89 billion over the next decade.

She said it was important to explain what drones, or unmanned aerial systems (UAS), could or could not do, although she conceded that recent revelations of widespread domestic surveillance by the NSA could be "fogging" the issue.

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U.S. aerospace companies seek to reassure public on drones

Aerospace Technologies Group Inc. Announces Introduction of Tranquility Shade System: Electronically Dimmable Window …

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WOODBURY, N.Y., June 19, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aerospace Technologies Group, Inc. (ATG) and Research Frontiers (REFR) licensee InspecTech Aero Service (IAS) have announced the Tranquility Shade System, ATG's standalone EDW featuring Research Frontiers' SPD-Smart light-control technology. An SPD-Smart EDW is a dimmable window capable of instantly switching from clear to dark, and any intermediate degree of tint desired.

ATG expanded its product line to include Tranquility due to recent performance improvements in InspecTech's EDW. The new generation provides exceptional cabin darkening without a secondary pleated shade, with full optical clarity when clear. ATG now offers customers a full range of EDW options: Tranquility, with a clean, sleek look and Panacea, which incorporates an elegant fabric look into a combination electromechanical and EDW shade.

In an ATG press release, ATG said:

"Aesthetically pleasing, Tranquility's clean design and customizable options offer the ability to create the perfect complement to the aircraft interior. Tranquility allows virtually instant transition to any level of tint from clear to very dark, thereby eliminating glare while still being able to enjoy the view of the world outside. Tranquility also features automated light-control; passengers set the desired level of light and the system maintains it by automatically adjusting to changing outside light conditions."

For details, we invite you to read two ATG press releases:

Aerospace Technologies Group Inc. announces the introduction of the Tranquility Shade System

Aerospace Technologies Group Inc. and InspecTech Aero Service Inc. "up the ante" with performance improvements to their latest offerings

For further information about SPD-Smart technology, visit http://www.smartglass.com/, or contact:

Michael LaPointe Vice President -- Marketing Research Frontiers Inc. +1-516-364-1902 Info@SmartGlass.com

About Research Frontiers Inc.

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Aerospace Technologies Group Inc. Announces Introduction of Tranquility Shade System: Electronically Dimmable Window ...

Sikorsky Aerospace Services Signs Agreement for Customer Service Centre in United Kingdom

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PARIS, June 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --PARIS AIR SHOW --Sikorsky Aerospace Services announced today the signing of an agreement with Vector Aerospace that appoints Vector's United Kingdom facilities as authorized Customer Service Centres (CSC) to support Sikorsky S-76 helicopters. Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) is the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (UTX).

(Logo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060403/SIKORSKYLOGO)

"Vector Aerospace is recognized in the industry as a leading provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. Aligned with our international strategic initiatives and overall commitment to our worldwide customers, this agreement serves as an important launch point in the U.K.," said Frank DiPasquale, SAS Vice-President, Business Development & Strategic Relationships. "We are pleased to work with Vector Aerospace and look forward to future opportunities to strengthen our relationship and enhance our support capabilities for Sikorsky's commercial operators throughout Europe. "

The Customer Service Centres will offer Sikorsky S-76 helicopter operators complete aftermarket support, including Sikorsky trained local maintenance personnel for on-site comprehensive maintenance management, inspections and spare parts procurement.

"Vector's full depth support capabilities combined with Sikorsky's Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) integration services will provide enhanced support for the U.K.'s S-76 VIP platform. This agreement further highlights our policy of working with the world's leading rotary wing OEMs offering aftermarket support to platforms on a global scale," said Declan O'Shea, Vector Aerospace CEO.

Vector's facility in Gosport, Hampshire, U.K., is a long established provider of full depth maintenance for a range of major rotary-wing platforms. With its close proximity to the North Sea oil and gas market, Vector's component support facility in Almondbank, Perthshire, provides strategic importance. The CSC will be a key support facility for the future expansion of Sikorsky's S-76 commercial aircraft fleet in the UK and surrounding areas.

SAS provides comprehensive support to rotary and fixed wing operators throughout the world. It offers its military and commercial customers a full portfolio of support services, including material distribution, maintenance, overhaul & repair, aircraft modifications and life-cycle support. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. For updates from United Technologies Corp.'s aerospace businesses visit http://www.utcaero.com or follow @UTC on Twitter.

Vector Aerospace is a global provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. Through facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, South Africa and Kenya, Vector Aerospace provides services to commercial and military customers for gas turbine engines, components and helicopter airframes. Vector's customer-focused team includes over 2,700 motivated employees. For more information, visit http://www.vectoraerospace.com

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Sikorsky Aerospace Services Signs Agreement for Customer Service Centre in United Kingdom

Parker Aerospace Partners with Rolls-Royce on Trent XWB-97 Engine Program

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PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Parker Aerospace, an operating segment of Parker Hannifin Corporation, has been chosen by Rolls-Royce to partner on its Trent XWB-97 engine program.

The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engine is being developed for the new Airbus A350 XWB-1000 aircraft and is the sole engine currently available to power this new aircraft. Parker estimates that the agreement will generate approximately $2.2 billion in revenues over the life of the program.

This long-term partnership with Rolls-Royce allows Parker to invest in the future and contributes to our growing global presence, supporting one of the worlds premier engine manufacturers, said Parker Aerospace President Roger Sherrard. Parker is proud to build on a history of success with Rolls-Royce on the Trent engine series. The Trent XWB-97 will be used by airline fleets around the world.

Product design, manufacture, and support will be completed by multiple Parker Aerospace divisions, including Fluid Systems Division in Irvine, California; Stratoflex Products Division in Fort Worth, Texas; and Gas Turbine Division in Devens, Massachusetts.

The first Parker-supplied Trent XWB-97 components are scheduled for delivery to Rolls-Royce in late 2013. Initial ground testing of the Trent XWB is due to commence in 2014, with maiden flight on the new Airbus twinjet scheduled for 2016.

A continued focus on business fundamentals and performance improvements driven by Parkers Win Strategy has allowed Parker to deliver the increased value that its customers are seeking. The Win Strategy ensures a focus on value-added services, attention to customer needs, a culture of planned innovation that secures rewards for investors far into the future, and a trusted partnership for Parker customers.

Parker looks forward to enhancing its existing relationship with Rolls-Royce on this exciting new program.

The bill of material covers several product lines in support of Rolls-Royce requirements: the pneumatics valve suite that enables anti-icing, turbine case cooling and engine bleed functions; the oil pump that feeds oil to bearings and gearboxes and scavenges that return oil; and the hydraulic engine build-up system that includes tubes, hoses, and attaching hardware required to convey the aircraft hydraulic power between the engine-mounted pumps and the aircraft as well as high-temperature hoses that channel fuel to the engine.

As part of the partnership, Parker will provide all-inclusive customer service and support on its components for the life of the engine program. This approach is a continuing tradition for Parker on Rolls-Royce TotalCare programs and helps provide optimized, predictable cost over the long-term.

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Parker Aerospace Partners with Rolls-Royce on Trent XWB-97 Engine Program

UTC Aerospace Systems supports Airbus A400M certification and first production delivery

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --PARIS AIR SHOW --UTC Aerospace Systems proudly supported Airbus Military in securing the A400M's European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification in March 2013 and is preparing for the first production aircraft delivery. UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (UTX).

"We congratulate Airbus Military on the A400M achieving its Type Certificate from the EASA, and we commit our continued support to this important program as we prepare for the first production aircraft delivery to the French Air Force," said Michel Ferey, general manager, Propeller Systems for UTC Aerospace Systems.

UTC Aerospace Systems supplies a wide range of systems for this multipurpose new-generation airlifter, including the A400M's Secondary Electrical Power Distribution Center, Ram Air Turbine emergency power system, Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Actuator, Throttle Control Assembly, Secondary Flight Controls, Air Data Sensors, Cockpit and Load Master Workstation Lighting, and an eight-bladed 17.5-foot diameter Propeller System, the largest all-composite propeller in production. The Propeller System, which is manufactured by UTC Aerospace Systems' Propeller Systems business, received EASA certification in March 2012, and features a pair of clockwise and counter-clockwise rotating propellers on each wing that enhance overall aircraft stability and control and contribute to overall operating efficiency.

The Secondary Electric Power Distribution Center is highly configurable, using UTC Aerospace System's Solid State Power Controller (SSPC) technology to provide control and protection of the A400M's electrical loads. Each distribution center is capable of controlling more than 600 SSPCs and 15 utility functions.

The RAT emergency power system comprises a 50-inch diameter turbine, with nearly 80 hp of shaft horsepower, to carry the load required to safely land the aircraft if all other forms of electric power are unavailable.

The Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Actuator (THSA) and Throttle Control Assembly (TCA) are supplied by UTC Aerospace Systems' Propellers Systems business. The THSA is designed to actuate the aircraft's horizontal stabilizer as a full fail-safe system, powered by dual hydraulic channels and an electric back-up channel.The TCA includes four power levers that permit pilots to drive the four 11,000 hp engines and are equipped to automatically adjust soft detent position to power setting in auto pilot mode.

The Flap System Supplied by UTC Aerospace Systems' Actuations Systems business is comprised of Ballscrew Actuators, Gearboxes, Torque Limiters and a carbon fiber reinforced plastic Transmission. The Flap System is designed to control the movements of the flap during take-off, approach, landing and military operations. The trailing edge high lift system consists of two flaps with fixed vanes per each side of the wing.

The Air Data System, supplied by UTC Aerospace Systems' Sensors & Integrated Systems business, consists of three primary systems that provide pressure and flow angle information required for navigation and flight control. The system utilizes the company's Micro Electrical Mechanical Systems (MEMS) pressure sensors to provide superior accuracy and long-term stability.

The suite of 24 unique cockpit and loadmaster workstation lights, supplied by UTC Aerospace Systems' Page Aerospace, use leading edge LED lighting technology. This lighting is designed to perform with dual functionality, under both normal and night vision conditions.

UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries. UTC Aerospace Systems supports a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and customer service facilities.

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UTC Aerospace Systems supports Airbus A400M certification and first production delivery


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