Single Aisle News - February 8, 2016

February 8, 2016

An analysis of last year's sales shows that the Airbus A320 NEO out-sold the Boeing 737 MAX-8 by a 1.8-to-1 ratio, while the A321 NEO out-sold the 737 MAX-9 by a 3.1-to-1 ratio.  Overall, the NEO family of aircraft out-sold the MAX by a 2.1-to-1 ratio during 2015.
http://seekingalpha.com/article/3870656-boeing-737-max-winning-market-share-boeing


Airbus is readjusting the delivery schedules for its A320 NEO aircraft, sliding the overall schedule by roughly two months on average, primarily due to delays in engine deliveries.
http://fortune.com/2016/02/05/airbus-a320neo-deliveries-delay/
http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-airbus-a320neo-idUKKCN0VE1IC


Airbus has elected not to use the Pratt & Whitney engine on its first flight test for the A321 NEO model, switching instead to the CFM LEAP-1A engine to make the first flight test.  Pratt & Whitney is currently struggling to meet production deliveries for the A320 NEO model, as well as working to resolve issues with engine start-up times.  Currently, Pratt & Whitney's PW1100G requires a slow engine start-up, to protect certain components from damage.  In response, CFM International has touted its LEAP-1A engine as having no more than a 50-second start-up time at the beginning of each flight.  The LEAP-1A however, has not yet been certified by regulatory authorities, and is several months behind the overall flight test schedule for the PW1100G.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-02-07/airbus-forgoes-pratt-engines-for-a321neo-first-flight-uses-cfm
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/cfm-claims-50-second-start-up-time-for-a320neo-engin-421665/


India's SpiceJet is reportedly evaluating both the A320 NEO and Boeing 737 MAX for an upcoming order for single aisle aircraft.  SpiceJet currently flies a small, all-Boeing fleet, but has signalled that it would be willing to switch future orders to Airbus if the pricing is right and if Airbus can guarantee delivery schedule.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-02-08/airbus-or-boeing-spicejet-11-billion-deal-rests-on-timeliness


Canadian government officials have hinted that any aid from Canada's federal government, unlike previous aid packages from the provincial government in Quebec, would be tied to changes in Bombardier's two-tier stock system - which guarantees that members of the corporation's founding family retain at least a 50-percent share over the business.  Bombardier has been struggling to maintain its stock value in the face of delays and cost overruns to C-Series development.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2016/02/08/2003639056
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/trudeau-said-to-tie-bombardier-aid-to-governance-changes/article28606149/
http://www.macleans.ca/economy/business/the-story-behind-the-bungled-bombardier-c-series/


GE Aviation has filed petitions with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office challenging five patents granted to United Technologies surrounding the gear-drive on its Geared Turbofan (TM) engine.  This has been seen by some as an indication that after years of deriding Pratt & Whitney's Geared Turbofan (TM) design, GE may be finally advancing its own design for a geared engine.
http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2016-02-02/ge-aviation-petitions-series-utc-rolls-patents

Book Review: Aircraft Gas Turbine Engine Technology

Irwin E. Treager
Aircraft Gas Turbine Engine Technology, 3rd Edition
Columbus, OH:  Glencoe, 2001
Category: Aerospace Engineering

Rating: 3-Stars


The first thing to remember about this book, is that it was not originally aimed at an aerospace engineering audience.  As the preface to the book suggests, this book was "written and published for the aircraft technician."  Although it does cover some of the basic engineering principals of jet engine technology, it does not go into any of the depth of a dedicated engineering text such as Gas Turbine Theory, or into the practicalities of the iterative design process such as Aircraft Engine Design.

I nonetheless have to recommend this book as a supplement to the engineering student that might not otherwise have a close look at the actual mechanics that go into the workings of a jet engine.  Theory and mathematical principals are still important, but it is also necessary to have an appreciation for the different components that go into making up a functional jet engine: what they are, what they look like, and how they interact.  Ideas which sound good on paper, may not make the same sense when contemplating their mechanical implementation.  Understanding how a compressor or turbine rotor is manufactured and assembled, for example, is an essential part of turning the theories of jet engine operation into practical reality.  Short of working directly for a major engine manufacturer, or having direct access to a jet engine overhaul shop, this text is as close as many engineering students can come to appreciating everything that goes into making these complex, and marvelous machines function.

With many black-and-white assembly diagrams and exploded views, this book illustrates how each of these components is constructed, installed, and operated.  As such it forms a bridge between the theoretical and its practical implementation.

Book Review: Advances in Aircraft Flight Control

Mark B. Tischler, Editor
Advances in Aircraft Flight Control
London, UK:  Taylor & Francis, 1996
Category: Aerospace Engineering

Rating: 4-Stars


This volume contains a unique portrait taken across a number of aircraft programs, both civil and military, providing insight into the oft neglected world of aircraft flight control.  Fly-by-wire control systems have become the expected norm today, making it easy to forget that this was not always the case - as well as disguising just how complex this discipline really is.  There are a host of phenomena, not all of which can be predicted analytically in advance, which must be fine tuned and learned-out in flight test.

Featuring articles written by a variety of corporate and government sponsors, this volume features a survey ranging from commercial airlines, such as the Airbus A320, to helicopters, to fighters and fighter prototypes - including the X-29, X-31, Europe's Experimental Aircraft Program (EAP), and Israel's Lavi.

None of the manufacturers care to release their many trade secrets into the public domain, but this volume does provide a cross section of the aircraft flight control discipline that is otherwise forgotten by many, even in the aviation industry.  Featuring a smattering of the basic mathematics of flight control, as well as graphs illustrating the differences between pre-flight predictions and flight test experiment, this collection offers a taste for what goes into making these marvelous flying machines flight-worthy.  This is not a book for the casual aviation reader.  But for those of us with the engineering background to appreciate it, this collection is a rare treat, even if flight controls don't happen to be our own particular area of concentration.

Fighter Jet Times - February 4, 2016

February 4, 2016

The official report on F-35 deficiencies prepared by the Pentagon's chief weapons tester, and released last month to Congress, has been officially released to the public this past week.  The report outlines a series of shortcomings in the readiness of the aircraft, and raises questions about proposals for a multiyear "block buy" of 450 aircraft that has been proposed to begin in 2018.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/02/04/pentagons-top-weapons-tester-airs-major-list-of-grievances-against-f-35-program/
http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/strike/2016/02/03/dod-weapons-tester-raises-red-flags-over-possible-f-35-block-buy/79760138/


Attempting to balance between competing budget demands, the US Air Force has proposed cutting five F-35 fighters from its 2017 procurement plan.
http://www.defensenews.com/story/breaking-news/2016/02/03/us-air-force-cuts-five-f-35-fighter-jets-budget-request/79769342/


While the U.S. Air Force is contemplating a reduction in its F-35 production plans, the U.S. Navy has proposed an increase in its annual purchase of F-35Cs beginning in 2017.  As proposed, the acceleration in F-35C procurement would be accompanied by a drive to develop an unmanned mid-air refueling tanker to increase the carrier fleet's reach.
http://news.usni.org/2016/02/01/pentagon-to-navy-convert-uclass-program-into-unmanned-aerial-tanker-accelerate-f-35-development-buy-more-super-hornets
http://breakingdefense.com/2016/02/good-bye-uclass-hello-unmanned-tanker-more-f-35cs-in-2017-budget/


Russian media reports that progress has been made towards reaching an accommodation between Moscow and New Delhi, for development of an Indian version of the PAK-FA stealth fighter.  Negotiations have been stalled over the airplane's price, and concern over the abilities that it brings to the table.
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2016-02-01/progress-reported-indian-version-sukhoi-t-50


Jet engine technology continues to be a sore point in China's defense modernization efforts, as acknowledged recently by Chinese officials.  The WS-10A Taihang, intended as a replacement for the Russian-produced AL-31F engine in Chinese J-10 and J-11 fighters, continues to suffer from reliability issues, and the Chinese air force remains largely reliant on Russian-supplied engines.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-military-engines-idUSKCN0V7083


Russia has reportedly deployed its newest air-to-air fighter, the Su-35 to Syria for the first time.
http://nationalinterest.org/blog/take-note-turkey-russias-new-su-35s-arrives-syria-15079


Egypt has received a second batch of three Rafale fighters, out of a total of 24 on order.
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2016/01/29/Egypt-takes-delivery-of-Rafale-fighters/4841454095738/
http://www.janes.com/article/57564/egypt-receives-another-three-rafale-fighters


A contract for 28 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, expected to be signed this past week by Kuwait, was delayed due to "procedural" reasons.  The contract is expected to firm up an order agreed to under a memorandum of understanding signed last September.
http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/international/mideast-africa/2016/02/01/anticipated-kuwaiti-deal-28-eurofighters-delayed/79657368/


Documents leaked by NSA contractor Edward Snowden have revealed that the United States and UK hacked into Israeli fighter and drone surveillance feeds as part of a secret surveillance program carried out over the past eight years.  Utilizing British facilities located in Cyprus, the program also monitored Israeli ballistic missile tests.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/01/29/u-s-and-britain-hacked-into-feeds-from-israeli-drones-and-fighter-jets-according-to-report/
https://theintercept.com/2016/01/28/israeli-drone-feeds-hacked-by-british-and-american-intelligence/
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/29/snowden-files-us-uk-spied-feeds-israeli-drones-jets

Space Highlights - February 3, 2016

February 3, 2016

The United States and South Korea protested North Korea's announcement of an imminent satellite launch attempt this month.  North Korea has routinely advertised its ballistic missile test launches as satellite launch efforts.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35480271
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-satellite-idUSKCN0VB1NY
http://www.reuters.com/video/2016/02/02/us-warns-north-korea-against-satellite-l?videoId=367264218


In its second launch of the year, a Chinese Long March 3C placed a Beidou-3 navigation satellite into orbit.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/02/long-march-3c-final-beidou-3-satellite/


The U.S. has moved its 12th and final GPS IIF satellite into the launch preparation area in anticipation of a launch later this week.
http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/648183/final-gps-iif-satellite-moves-to-next-processing-phase-toward-launch.aspx


A Russian Proton booster successfully launched the Eutelsat 9B communications and relay satellite into orbit earlier this week.
http://www.space.com/31794-ils-proton-successfully-launches-eutelsat-9b-telecom-data-relay-satellite.html
http://spaceflightnow.com/2016/01/30/european-communications-relay-satellite-launched-by-proton-rocket/


NASA released a recent black-and-white image of Saturn captured by the Cassini space probe, that was filtered to capture wavelengths absorbed by methane gas is Saturn's atmosphere.  The image highlights bands and cloud patterns in Saturn's atmosphere.
http://www.space.com/31804-saturn-cassini-photo-shows-methane.html


A recent study from images of Saturn's rings suggests that the opacity of each ring was not necessarily an indication of the density of the ring at any particular location.  The density of Saturn's B-ring, for example, appeared to be consistent across the entire ring width, regardless of whether that segment of the ring was opaque or translucent.
http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2016/02/03/nasas-cassini-spacecraft-data-used-to-weigh-saturns-biggest-ring/


The Curiosity rover recently snapped a "selfie" of itself perched at the edge of a Martian dune field that it is currently exploring.
http://www.space.com/31801-mars-rover-curiosity-selfie-sand-dunes.html


A pair of researchers at Arizona State University have suggested that "cauliflower"-like patterns observed in Martian opaline silica formations by the Spirit rover are reminiscent of similar deposits on Earth that were formed by microbial life.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3427267/Cauliflowers-Mars-sign-ancient-alien-life-Unusual-shape-caused-microbes-say-scientists.html


France has announced a cooperative venture with India to help land an Indian lander on Mars.  India's next Mars mission is scheduled for 2020, and would focus on sending an orbiter to the red planet.  A lander mission is expected to follow.
http://www.sciencealert.com/france-just-announced-plans-to-help-india-land-on-mars-for-the-first-time
http://www.techtimes.com/articles/129526/20160201/france-india-to-jointly-explore-mars-and-venus.htm


NASA has released a new "fly over" video of the dwarf planet Ceres, using images from the Dawn space probe.
http://www.space.com/31797-flyover-tour-dwarf-planet-ceres-video.html
http://spacecoastdaily.com/2016/01/nasa-new-animation-takes-colorful-flight-over-ceres-from-dawn-spacecraft/


NASA researchers have discovered evidence for far more water ice on Pluto than had been previously expected.  The evidence suggests that much of Pluto's water ice is masked by deposits of more volatile ices, formed from methane, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.  The smoothest and most youthful areas of Pluto - such as the "heart" region - also appear to be devoid of water ice.
http://www.outerplaces.com/science/item/11086-nasa-s-new-horizons-finds-widespread-water-ice-on-pluto-s-surface
http://www.blastr.com/2016-2-2/nasas-new-horizons-team-discovers-vast-reserves-h2o-ice-pluto
http://news.discovery.com/space/pluto-is-frosted-with-a-surprising-amount-of-water-ice-160201.htm

Wide Body Report - February 2, 2016

February 2, 2016

Swiss International Air Lines has taken delivery of the first of nine Boeing 777-300ER aircraft that it has on order.
http://www.traveldailynews.com/news/article/70241/swiss-receives-its-first-boeing


Boeing has announced plans to boost its production of 737 aircraft to a record 57 aircraft per month between now and 2019, at the same time that it plans to reduce production of its 777 aircraft to 7 aircraft per month beginning in 2017, down from its current production rate of 8.3 per month.  The reduction in 777 production rates are being driven by reduced demand for the "classic" 777 model, ahead of the planned 777X production ramp-up in 2020.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2016/01/28/boeing-boost-737-production-but-slow-777-rates/79450198/
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/dfd86e3c-c545-11e5-808f-8231cd71622e.html#axzz3z0eG5tZ2


Rolls-Royce signed a deal this past week with Norwegian Air for the supply of engines to equip the 19 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft that Norwegian currently has on order.  The deal will include both the Trent 1000 engines and a service contract for maintenance.
http://www.ibtimes.com/rolls-royce-norwegian-air-boeing-787-dreamliner-engine-contract-finalized-2288328
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35457589


United Airlines will begin supplying daily service between Singapore and San Francisco as of June 1st, in the longest route yet assigned to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
http://www.traveldailynews.com/news/article/70245/daily-boeing-787-9-dreamliner-service
http://www.forbes.com/sites/martinrivers/2016/01/29/united-launches-worlds-longest-787-route-but-how-will-it-fare-if-oil-rebounds/#3c4dc5b328e5


The delivery of the first A350s to Cathay Pacific has been delayed due to late delivery of the custom business-class seats from Zodiac Aerospace.  Cathay Pacific is expected to receive 12 A350-900 aircraft this year.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-01-27/cathay-said-to-delay-airbus-a350-delivery-as-seats-not-ready


The first A350-900 destined for China Airlines is in final assembly.  China Airlines has 14 A350-900s on order.
http://atwonline.com/manufacturers/first-china-airlines-airbus-a350-xwb-fal


Al Nippon Airlines (ANA) has firmed-up a deal - which had been reported earlier - for three A380 super-jumbo aircraft.  The new aircraft are expected to replace some of ANA's aging 747s.  ANA has selected Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines to equip their aircraft.
http://www.reuters.com/article/ana-airbus-a-idUSL3N15D2QP
http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/ana-offers-welcome-bright-spot-for-airbus-a380-with-latest-order/

Single Aisle News - February 1, 2016

February 1, 2016

Newly emerged from international sanctions, Iran Air placed an order this past week for 45 Airbus A320 aircraft - forestalling a possible buy of Bombardier C-Series airlines.  The A320 buy was part of a larger deal involving 118 Airbus aircraft, both used and new.  Bombardier shares fell below a dollar in response to the news - its lowest level since 1991 - amid fears of delisting.
http://business.financialpost.com/news/transportation/airbus-inks-us25-billion-deal-to-sell-118-planes-to-iran
http://www.business-standard.com/article/reuters/bombardier-shares-fall-below-c-1-for-first-time-in-25-years-116012800071_1.html


The Airbus A320NEO made its inaugural passenger-carrying flight this past week, as Lufthansa's first airplane entered operational service, powered by Pratt & Whitney's PW1100G Geared TurboFan (TM) engines.
http://airwaysnews.com/blog/2016/01/25/lh-a320neo-premier/
http://www.courant.com/business/dan-haar/hc-haar-first-flight-lufthansa-airbus-a320neo-pratt-and-whitney-20160126-column.html
http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/20160129/NEWS01/160129890


Boeing's prototype 737 MAX made its first flight this past Friday, powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, flying for two hours and forty seven minutes, and reaching a maximum speed of 250 knots and a maximum altitude of 20,000 ft.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/29/aviation/boeing-737-max-maiden-flight/
http://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/boeings-737-max-takes-off-on-first-flight/


Mitsubishi Aircraft reports that the first Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) prototype has completed its structural reinforcement and is expected to return to flight test in February.  The prototype had been grounded since its third flight in November while it underwent structural reinforcement of the wing and wing-fuselage section.
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/mrj-prototype-to-resume-flight-tests-in-february-421329/