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CMC Electronics to Ship 100^th EVS this Month
CMC Electronics says it will ship its 100th EVS (enhance vision system) sensor later this month, following a strong year of deliveries.

ARINC Direct Launches New Iridium Datalink Service
ARINC Direct is launching a new low-cost satellite communications service, based on the Iridium global satellite constellation and avionics hardware from the International Communications Group (ICG).

ARINC White Paper Discusses European Gatelink Trial Results
ARINC has released a gatelink white paper based on extensive operational trials, conducted earlier this year in Europe, which shows that avionics connected to a host application using a very high bandwidth, can be relied upon when an aircraft flies to different airports.

ARINC Introducing XML Messaging Service
ARINC is introducing its new business-to-business messaging service that takes advantage of the latest IP (Internet protocol) technologies including XML (extensible markup language) and Web services, while maintaining backward compatibility with the air transport industry's legacy and proprietary messaging methods.

Jet-Care Adds More Engine Types to its Monitoring Program
Jet-Care International has added Pratt & Whitney International and Williams International engines to its Honeywell and General Electric engine trend monitoring program portfolio.

NavAero's EFB Granted STCs for Several Aircraft Types
The FAA has granted STCs (supplemental type certificates) developed by the Avionics Support Group to install navAero's class-2 EFB (electronic flight bag) on MD-10s and 11s as well as the Airbus 320 family of aircraft.

Universal and IFR Avionics Undertaking Display Retrofit for G-IIIs
Universal Avionics along with IFR Avionics say they are underway with their first flight-deck retrofit of the Gulfstream III, and expect a G-II program to follow.

Universal Avionics Gets another KCAC Order for New PC-12 Displays
Kansas City Aviation Center (KCAC) ordered ten more shipsets of triple flat-panel displays from Universal Avionics to retrofit into Pilatus PC-12s.

Rapiscan Receives TSA Contract for Data Network Software
Rapiscan Systems, a part of OSI Systems, received a $13.2 million contract from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as part of the second phase of the agency's STIP (security technology integrated program).

FAA Begins Equipping Some of Its Own Aircraft with Anti-Missile System
The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the FAA has begun installing anti-missile systems on some of its aircraft that operate in parts of the world where they may be vulnerable to these kinds of attacks.

JetBlue Airways Selects Jeppesen's Carmen Crew Tracking
JetBlue Airways has selected Jeppesen's Carmen Crew Tracking system to manage the schedules and administration of its pilots and cabin crewmembers.

Avitat Network to Use Megadata's PASSUR FBO Software Suite

EMTEQ Launches New AC Outlet Product Line
EMTEQ Aerospace is launching a 110/220 VAC outlet product family suitable for corporate and helicopter operators.

Korry Electronics Introducing "Quick" Cockpit Switch
Korry Electronics is introducing a new 5/8" LED (light emitting diode)-illuminated push-button cockpit switch that can be available in five working days.

Air One Selects Mainly Thales Avionics On Its New A320s
Italy's biggest private carrier, Air One, will equip its up-to-90 new A320s, which will be delivered between 2006 and 2008, mainly with Thales's avionics.

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CMC Electronics to Ship 100^th EVS this Month

CMC Electronics says it will ship its 100th EVS (enhance vision system) sensor later this month, following a strong year of deliveries.

CMC Electronics' SureSight EVS product family, which includes both cooled (I-Series) and un-cooled (M-Series) sensors, were developed to increase situational awareness by allowing the pilot to see through fog, haze and precipitation, and improve visual clarity in darkness.

Transport Canada certified the I-Series sensor in December 2004.  It is aimed at the high-end business, air-transport and military aircraft categories for use with a HUD (head-up), HDD (head-down display) or both.  The sensor, which weighs less than 20 pounds, uses a cryogenically cooled Indium Antimonide (InSb) detector system that operates in both 1.0 - 3.0 microns shortwave infrared and 3.0 - 5.0 microns mid-wave infrared spectrums.  According to CMC, it provides outstanding image quality and weather penetration, and will allow operators to take advantage of the new FAA regulations that allow for approaches to continue in very low visibility conditions.

The lower-cost M-Series sensor, while not as capable as the I-Series, can also improve situational awareness by allowing pilots to see better at night and during other low-visibility situations.  It weighs 2.2 pounds, and is 2.4 inches by 2.5 inches by 6 inches in length, and can fit in the tail fin or nose of many aircraft.

The I-Series EVS sensor is certified by the FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), as well as Transport Canada, as part of Bombardier's Global Express BEVS enhanced vision system.  The M-Series sensor, which CMC expects the FAA to certify soon, entered production this year, and is being offered as a factory option on the Pilatus PC-12.

CMC believes its recent alliance with Universal Avionics will further ensure the long-term market success of the M-Series EVS sensor.  10-17-2006.  (Top)

ARINC Direct Launches New Iridium Datalink Service

ARINC Direct is launching a new low-cost satellite communications service, based on the Iridium global satellite constellation and avionics hardware from the International Communications Group (ICG).

The business aviation services company believes the new offering will put worldwide two-way satellite datalink communication service within reach of virtually all business jet operators.  Steve Means, ARINC's vice president of aviation solutions, said this claim can be made because of the offering's "small hardware footprint and attractive price point - 50% to 70% lower than other two-way satellite systems."

Currently, the system can be used with Collins CMU 4000/Proline 21 and Honeywell AFIS avionics, and ARINC expects it to be interoperable with other systems later in the year.

ICG's Iridium hardware includes a compact avionics box and lightweight, low-drag antenna similar to ICG systems now available as standard equipment on Bombardier aircraft.

According to ARINC, the Iridium satellite constellation offers broader global coverage than Inmarsat satcom, and with ARINC Direct's proprietary technology, its datalink message delivery-times are comparable to messages delivered via VHF.  Because of capability and its low equipment cost, ARINC expects the new service to win over business jet operators who currently do without satellite datalink communications.

ICG and ARINC demonstrated ACARS (aircraft communications addressing and reporting system) -compliant, Iridium-based messaging in March of this year.  10-17-2006.  (Top)

ARINC White Paper Discusses European Gatelink Trial Results

ARINC has released a gatelink white paper based on extensive operational trials, conducted earlier this year in Europe, which shows that avionics connected to a host application using a very high bandwidth, can be relied upon when an aircraft flies to different airports.

The trials were conducted by ARINC, Lufthansa, Fraport, and the Munich International Airport Authority.

"Our tests showed the avionics were successful in providing a very high bandwidth connection through an 802.11g connection to a host application," said Andrew Kemmetmueller, ARINC's business manager.  "We were pleased that our efforts resulted in the successful migration of the avionics to the second airport without configuration changes.  This reflects a goal that airlines will have when an aircraft flies to different airports."

The comprehensive evaluation, which tested industry gatelink avionics and ground infrastructure specifications at multiple airports, "not only answered questions about hardware performance and airport network integration, but highlighted the many areas in need of standardization," Mr. Kemmetmueller said.

The joint trials in Germany tested commercial Gatelink avionics connecting to an ARINC-supported ground network, under both laboratory and airport ramp operational conditions.  Wireless infrastructure and local area network connectivity were provided by the airport authorities.  Four avionics manufacturers provided TWLUs (terminal wireless local area network units) designed to provide aircraft with 802.11g wireless connectivity.

Lufthansa provided a specially-equipped bus, which simulated aircraft movements on the ground to test the TWLU avionics.  The tests included factors such as terminal coverage, authentication, host connectivity, effects of encryption, and handoffs between access points.

The results of the tests are detailed in the white paper, "Wi-Fi Gatelink Trial, Frankfurt and Munich, Germany," that is available on request from Mike Dufton, ARINC Director, Commercial Aviation Solutions.  E-mail mgd@arinc.com.

Gatelink is the aviation industry term for wireless connectivity between the aircraft and a ground network, and is defined in ARINC Characteristic 763. Interest in gatelink has been growing due to new aircraft programs, such as EFB (electronic flight bag) installations, and other applications with download requirements.  10-15-2006.  (Top)

ARINC Introducing XML Messaging Service

ARINC is introducing its new business-to-business messaging service that takes advantage of the latest IP (Internet protocol) technologies including XML (extensible markup language) and Web services, while maintaining backward compatibility with the air transport industry's legacy and proprietary messaging methods.

The new ARINC system, called AviNet eXchange, allows XML-formatted messages to be sent securely between industry partners using Web services. With ARINC's new service, called AviNet eXchange, an airline can send a SOAP (simple object access protocol)-compliant XML message to a trading partner with levels of reliability not previously available using open standards.  The system also allows XML messaging through commonly used middleware connections such as WebSphere MQ (IBM's message-oriented middleware) offering, and allows communications with applications using proprietary legacy protocols such as IATA Type-B messaging.  The new service includes support for several elements of the initial Type-X messaging specification just released by the Type-X Industry Work Group that ARINC co-founded with SITA.

"AviNet eXchange provides a bridge between legacy industry messaging mechanisms and today's efficient IP business applications," said Mike McShea, ARINC's senior director of global product management, network solutions. "Early industry adopters of Web services and XML-based applications now can migrate their own applications even if their trading partners are not ready."

The requirements for security and guaranteed message delivery have made it difficult for the air transport industry to move from legacy systems to open standards.  Recent initiatives such as e-ticketing, e-freight, and expanded APIS (advanced passenger information system) data reporting have accelerated the growth of applications using modern interface protocols, as well as the need for evolution to more extensible and flexible approaches to data exchange.  10-14-2006.  (Top)

Jet-Care Adds More Engine Types to its Monitoring Program

Jet-Care International has added Pratt & Whitney International and Williams International engines to its Honeywell and General Electric engine trend monitoring program portfolio.

Jet-Care's engine condition trend monitoring (ECTM) service currently monitors the health of more than 14,000 engines, in over 80 countries, seven days per week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the company says.

The reporting program allows operators to receive a small data file from Jet-Care by email when data or samples have been analyzed and go on to review the alert category, results and trend the data.  The system offers fast response trending, and if an analysis raises any concern, the customer is alerted immediately by telephone.

In addition to ECTM, Jet-Care, and its sister-company Spectro, offer oil analysis as well, using advanced techniques and equipment including SEM (scanning electron microscopes) and ICP (inductively coupled plasma) spectrometers. These are capable of analyzing not just PPM (parts per million) but down to one part per 100 million.  Additional services include debris, fuel, filter and hydraulic fuel analysis.

Beyond that Jet-Care's Engine Condition Health Online (ECHO) software can make the interpretation of the results from both its laboratory and gas path analysis programs easy for the customer.

Jet-Care says fleet operators have found ECHO particularly useful in comparison studies that permit them to make long-range plans regarding overhaul, maintenance, parts procurement and other planning and purchasing decisions.  A chief engineer who is responsible for a diversified fleet with aircraft in different locations, for example, can forward graphs and results to key personnel requesting data on an engine's condition.

David Glass, Jet-Care's CEO says, "We provide our customers with more than just numbers and graphs, but analysis borne of an extensive knowledge of all types of aircraft systems and engines.... We don't just produce a report.  It's what we do with the data over time that is significant.  We can compare one engine to the rest of the world, or engines of a certain series against another."  10-16-2006.  (Top)

NavAero's EFB Granted STCs for Several Aircraft Types

The FAA has granted STCs (supplemental type certificates) developed by the Avionics Support Group to install navAero's class-2 EFB (electronic flight bag) on MD-10s and 11s as well as the Airbus 320 family of aircraft.

The MD11 and MD10 customer is a major international airline which plans a fleet-wide deployment of navAero's t∙BagC22 EFB hardware, navAero says.  In the case of the Airbus single-aisle models, the STC was executed by Avionics Support Group in cooperation with Virgin America.

navAero EFB in Use

Source: navAero

The navAero t•BagC22 computer and display supports navigation charts and other applications, including several for weather, video surveillance and datalink communications.  10-14-2006.  (Top)

Universal and IFR Avionics Undertaking Display Retrofit for G-IIIs

Universal Avionics along with IFR Avionics say they are underway with their first flight-deck retrofit of the Gulfstream III, and expect a G-II program to follow.

The G-III installation will include four Universal Avionics EFI-890 flat panel displays, its Vision-1 synthetic vision system, electronic charts ASU (application server unit), and dual RCUs (radio tuning units).  Options for future installations include EVS (enhanced vision system), AHRS (attitude/heading reference sensors), radar, and FMS (flight management system) upgrades.

G-II and G-III Flight Deck Retrofit Depiction

Source: Universal Avionics

Universal Avionics Gets another KCAC Order for New PC-12 Displays

Kansas City Aviation Center (KCAC) ordered ten more shipsets of triple flat-panel displays from Universal Avionics to retrofit into Pilatus PC-12s.

This was KCAC's second such order for Universal's EFI-890R displays, which the multi-faceted aviation services company will integrate into the existing avionics suite of customer PC-12's, to provide for new features such as synthetic vision, electronic charts, uplinked weather graphics, TAWS (terrain awareness and warning system), video, and other applications.

The modification adds three LCDs (liquid crystal displays) in the PC-12's panel in a dual PFD (primary flight display), single ND (navigation display) architecture that replaces the existing instrumentation.

Universal EFI-890R Displays in Pilatus PC-12

Source: Universal Avionics

KCAC holds the STC the (supplemental type certificate) for the installation.  10-15-2006.  (Top)

Rapiscan Receives TSA Contract for Data Network Software

Rapiscan Systems, a part of OSI Systems, received a $13.2 million contract from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as part of the second phase of the agency's STIP (security technology integrated program).

STIP will allow TSA personnel to get information about the status of its metal detectors, X-ray machines, explosive detection systems, and other equipment at airports around the country, by connecting them to a network capable of sending data between its many disparate sites and machines. STIP will also enable streamlined security updates, alerting functions, and remote maintenance and monitoring.

This past June, the TSA awarded Rapiscan an $800,000 grant to develop, test and pilot software for network security equipment at 450 U.S. airports, as part of STIP's first phase.  Now, as part of the program's second phase, the company will implement the software throughout its installed base of checkpoint X-ray systems.  10-15-2006.  (Top)

FAA Begins Equipping Some of Its Own Aircraft with Anti-Missile System

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the FAA has begun installing anti-missile systems on some of its aircraft that operate in parts of the world where they may be vulnerable to these kinds of attacks.

The first system was installed on a Bombardier Challenger 601 by FAA at its Mike Monroney facility in Oklahoma City, and the agency plans to install systems on two additional Challenger 601s and one Challenger 604.

The devices, which are designed to combat the threat from MANPADS (man-portable air defense systems), are being installed on FAA jets used to inspect navigation beacons, radars and airport lighting.

While the FAA wouldn't comment on the installations, one might presume that the affected aircraft are destined to be used in dangerous places around the world, such as Iraq.  The U.S. Air Force already requires such systems on large transport aircraft that operate at Baghdad.

The anti-missile device being installed is known as LAIRCM (large aircraft infrared countermeasures system), which detects ultraviolet light coming from an attacking missile's exhaust and then directs a pulsating laser beam at its homing device, or "seeker."  The laser sends false tracking information, causing the missile to lose track of the target aircraft.

The FAA move is the latest in a stepped-up effort to protect "commercial derivative" aircraft from missile attacks. These aircraft are air transports the U.S government has modified for official use.  The two modified B-747s, known as Air Force One when the U.S. president is abroad, is best known of these, but others have been equipped, or are in the process of having it done.

Other civil aircraft that have had LAIRCM installed include the A330 and L-1011, according to a Northrop Grumman official.

Northrop Grumman and BAE North America are participating in a Department of Homeland Security program designed to ascertain whether anti-missile systems can be successfully installed and operated on regular commercial aircraft.  Civil versions of laser-based anti-missile systems from Northrop and BAE are being tested on B-767 and 747 freighters, as well as cargo versions of MD-10s and MD-11s.  10-14-2006.  (Top)

JetBlue Airways Selects Jeppesen's Carmen Crew Tracking

JetBlue Airways has selected Jeppesen's Carmen Crew Tracking system to manage the schedules and administration of its pilots and cabin crewmembers.

Todd Thompson, JetBlue's senior vice president and chief information officer said the carrier made the decision because it believed that the Carmen integrated, end-to-end decision support system, along with its RAVE business modeling language, provides a flexible system with enough power to meet JetBlue's business needs both now and in the future.  10-15-2006.  (Top)

Avitat Network to Use Megadata's PASSUR FBO Software Suite

ExxonMobil Aviation's FBO (fixed base operator) network, Avitat, has elected to use Megadata's PASSUR FBO software to enhance its flight tracking, and other capabilities, to better serve its customers and improve its day-to-day line operations.  10-15-2006.  (Top)

EMTEQ Launches New AC Outlet Product Line

EMTEQ Aerospace is launching a 110/220 VAC outlet product family suitable for corporate and helicopter operators.

Designs include grounded outlets with or without lids with options for data ports, video outlets and a unique universal 220/50Hz, 15 Amp outlet.  For each outlet configuration, the front bezel and/or lid can be plated to coordinate with aircraft interiors.

Like many EMTEQ offerings, the AC outlets can be customized for size, configuration and even to include LED (light emitting diode) backlighting for passenger alerts or other detailing.

Product designer Dan Sheridan said, "One of our main design goals was to develop a functionally reliable and attractive alternative which is cost-effective with significantly reduced lead times."

Contact sales@emteq.com for more information.  10-17-2006.  (Top)

Korry Electronics Introducing "Quick" Cockpit Switch

Korry Electronics is introducing a new 5/8" LED (light emitting diode)-illuminated push-button cockpit switch that can be available in five working days.

The 389 Quick Switch is one of the many illuminated push-button switch products Korry manufactures to provide the aerospace industry's largest selection of LED switches and annunciator products.  Korry says the fast delivery time can be attributed to its ongoing commitment to lean manufacturing.

Korry is a wholly owned subsidiary of Esterline Technologies Corporation.  10-17-2006.  (Top)

Air One Selects Mainly Thales Avionics On Its New A320s

Italy's biggest private carrier, Air One, will equip its up-to-90 new A320s, which will be delivered between 2006 and 2008, mainly with Thales's avionics.

These will consist of Thales' Topflight line of new generation FMSs (flight management systems) developed with Smiths Aerospace, a T²CAS (terrain and traffic collision avoidance system), datalink, Mode-S transponders, an ISIS (integrated stand by instrument system), EIS2 (2^nd generation electronic instrument system) displays, LRRA (low-range radio-altimeters), pitot probes, angle-of-attack sensors, ELTs (emergency locator transmitters), and ATC/TCAS (air traffic control/air traffic/traffic alert and collision avoidance system) control panels.

Air one also has specified Thales' new digital LCD liquid crystal display HUD (head- up display) system for its added capabilities.  (Airbus is now offering Thales new digital HUD for all of its in-production aircraft types from the A318 to the A380.)  10-15-2006.  (Top)

Transport Canada's Aircraft Services Directorate will update its fleet of nine Citation IIs with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 IDS (integrated display system), and will add Rockwell's FMS (flight management system) Pro Line 21 CNS radio suite, and TCAS (traffic collision avoidance system) II.  10-17-2006.

Lockheed Martin will upgrade C-130J transports flown by military operators in the U.K., Australia, Italy and Denmark. The deal is valued at approximately $110 million.  Known as Block 6.1, the upgrades will include an enhanced CNS/ATM (communications navigation surveillance/air traffic management) IFF (identification friend or foe, a common FMS (flight management system), TAWS (terrain awareness warning system), and a PC-based DTADS (data transfer and diagnostics system) for aircraft system health management.  10-17-2006.

Embraer has selected Honeywell's cabin pressure control and monitoring system for its Phenom 100 and 300 very light jets.  10-17-2006.

Magnum Jet has chosen the A700 Adam Jet for its new VLJ (very light jet) ownership and management program and future air limo service.  10-17-2006.

Spectrum Aeronautical will power its new Spectrum "Freedom" business jet, with GE Honda's HF120 engine.  10-17-2006.

Honeywell is exploring the possible development of a 10,000 pound turbofan engine for super-medium to large business jets that would build upon its in-service HTF7000.  10-17-2006.

Boeing Business Jets launched its newest BBJ 3 that is based on the B-737-900ER (extended range).  The aircraft is the largest BBJ family member with 35% more cabin space than the BBJ and 11% more than the BBJ 2.  It has a maximum range of 5,475 nautical miles (10,140 km) when equipped with up-to-eight auxiliary fuel tanks.  There are currently 88 BBJs in service around the world.  10-17-2006.

Lufthansa confirmed a previous announcement in September to order five A319s, ten A320s and 15 A321s, as well as five long-range A330s. In addition, it also took options for 30 more A320 Family aircraft.  The choice of engines for the aircraft is still to be made.  10-17-2006.

Swiss International Air Lines will lease two A340-300s from Austrian Airlines.  10-17-2006.

Delta Air Lines is planning to add 10 B-757-200s to its fleet as early as 2007 that can be flown on both trans-Atlantic and Hawaiian routes.  10-17-2006.

Willis Lease Finance Corp. will purchase up to 45 CFM56-7B and CFM56-5B spare engines plus 30 options from CFM International, in a deal worth about $540 million.  Deliveries will begin next year and run through 2011.  10-17-2006.

Aviation Technology Group (ATG) completed a PDR (preliminary design review) of its Javelin executive jet, as well as the construction of cockpit and wing mockups, transonic wind tunnel testing, and initial tooling fabrication to support production of the conforming aircraft.

ATG Javelin

Source: Aviation Technology Group

Honeywell forecasts the delivery of approximately 12,000 new business aircraft from 2006 through 2016, in its 15th annual Business Aviation Outlook, generating industry sales of $195 billion. Through the first half of 2006, the number of aircraft delivered is up almost 26 percent compared with the same point in 2005 and industry-wide sales are up just over 26 percent.  For 2006, Honeywell Aerospace forecasts deliveries of up to 850 new business jets, up from 737 in 2005.  Deliveries in 2007 are expected to exceed 1,000 for the first time in industry history.  10-17-2006.

An analysis by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics reveals that LCCs (low cost carriers) reduced the number of FTE (full-time-equivalent) employees per aircraft by 16%, from 92 in the first quarter of 2001 to 77 in the first quarter of 2006.  During the same period, while  the network carriers reduced their FTEs per aircraft by 23%, to 99 at the end of the first quarter of 2006 , their FTEs still averaged 28.6% higher than the LCC group.  10-17-2006.

The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) said that its reporting U.S. airlines carried 0.2% fewer domestic passengers and 6.0% more international passengers during the seven-month period in 2006 than during the same period in 2005.

In July, U.S. airlines carried 69.5 million scheduled domestic and international passengers, 1.6% fewer than in July 2005. The number of domestic passengers declined 2.6% in July from a year earlier while international passengers increased 6.0%.

U.S. carriers operated 6.1 million domestic and international flights during the first seven months of 2006, 4.4% fewer than were operated during the same period in 2005.  Domestic flights were down 5.0% from the previous year while international flights were up 2.7%.

In July, U.S. airlines operated 925,900 scheduled domestic and international flights, down 4.0% from the number of flights operated in July 2005. The number of domestic flights declined 4.6% in July from a year earlier while international flights increased 2.7%.

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