Singapore Airshow News 02-18-16

Singapore

PUBLICATIONS

FEB. 18, 2016

Airshow News

TM

THURSDAY

AINONLINE.COM

Pratt: Neo engine issue is close to resolution

by Jennifer Meszaros Pratt & Whitney will deliver revised engines for Airbus A320neo jetliners starting in June, the company reported at a press conference here at the Singapore Airshow yesterday. The announcement comes a day after Qatar Airways allegedly threatened to cancel its engine order.

Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker has made no secret that he’s seeking compensation after refusing delivery of baseline A320neos powered

by P&W GTF (geared turbofan) engines that reportedly have cooling issues.

Continued on page 21 u

Airbus and SIAEC link up on large-scale upgrade plan

by Bill Carey

DAVID McINTOSH

Airbus and Singapore’s SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) are to form a joint venture to provide airframe maintenance, cabin upgrades and

A FLARE FOR THE DRAMATIC DAVID McINTOSH

One of the treats of the aerial flying display is this Republic of Singapore Air Force F-15, which creates its own fireworks display with high-temperature defensive flares. These onlookers provided their own eye protection.

modifications for Airbus A380, A350 and A330 widebody airliners, an agreement that represents SIAEC’s first maintenance collaboration with a major aircraft manufacturer. The parties announced the agreement yesterday at the Singapore Airshow.

Subject to regulatory approvals, SIAEC, a Singapore Airlines Group subsidiary, will hold a 65 percent equity stake in the joint venture; Airbus will hold the remaining 35 percent. The joint venture will lease two hangar bays from SIAEC, with plans to add another two hangar bays in the next six years.

Continued on page 21 u

New Aircraft

Air Transport

Asia Pacific ATC

Manufacturing

Defense

C Series On Track: Bombardier

Airports Limiting Growth Forecasts

Meeting Air Traffic Challenges

Composites, 3D Printing Gain Ground

Aerostat Safety, Utility Probed

The Canadian airframer reports the CS100 will enter service with launch customer Swiss by the end of June and the CS300 will gain its full certification around the same time, with delivery to airBaltic to follow quickly. Page 2

Competition among Asia Pacific carriers is expected to grow, buoyed by low fuel costs and increasing demand. But ultimate traffic growth may be limited by airport capacity and aviation system infrastructure. Page 10

With so many competing jurisdictions, cooperative air traffic management agreements for Asia Pacific have been elusive. But representatives from ICAO, Singapore and Hong Kong say there’s progress. Page 17

Advances in materials, aerodynamics and processes mean advanced capabilities for producing new structures and engines are cheaper and easier than ever before.

And they’re coming soon to a new aircraft near you. Page 18

Singapore still expects to deploy a surveillance radar-carrying aerostat later this year, but is reviewing safety preparations and system capabilities in the wake of recent mishaps in the U.S. and elsewhere. Page 20

WHO OFFERS MORE TRAINING SOLUTIONS THAN ANY OTHER COMPANY? Your worldwide training partner of choice.

The Bombardier C Series CS100 is due to enter service with launch customer Swiss by June and is on static display at Singapore Airshow 2016.

Singapore Airshow News

TM

FOUNDED IN 1972 JAMES HOLAHAN (1921-2015), FOUNDING EDITOR WILSON S. LEACH, MANAGING DIRECTOR

Bombardier C Series on track for 2016 certification, delivery

by Jennifer Meszaros Canadian aerospace manufacturer Bombardier (Chalet CD61) yesterday said its C Series program is on track as it readies the CS100 for 2Q 2016 delivery and entry-into-service (EIS) with launch operator Swiss International Air Lines. The CS300 has completed more than 70 percent of its certification activities to date, acccording to the company, and is on-target for full certification

approximately mid-2016. Planned EIS with Latvia’s airBaltic will follow.

“It’s been a very productive start to the year with a lot of activity around the Swiss team completing its initial phase of training on-site for pilots, ground and maintenance crews,” said Fred Cromer, president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Additionally, components arrived this month and the first CS300

N219 maiden flight set for this June

aircraft for launch customer airBaltic is now in production. It’s great to know we’re pacing to meet our program and customer targets for the year.”

The second CS300 flight test vehicle is being prepared for its first flight, Rob Dewar, v-p, C Series aircraft program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, said, “This last flight test vehicle is dedicated to cabin and interior certification, but we foresee a smooth road due to the flight crew’s familiarity with the CS100 aircraft and the high degree of commonality between the two models.”

To date, Bombardier has secured orders and commitments for 603 C Series aircraft, which includes firm orders for 243. o

PTDI’s forthcoming N219 features short/soft-field optimization with twin-PT6 power and Garmin glass.

ONLINE EDITOR – Chad Trautvetter DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGNER – Colleen Redmond LEAD WEB DEVELOPER – Mike Giaimo WEB DEVELOPER – Evan Williams VIDEO PRODUCER – Ian Whelan EDITORIAL ASSISTANT – Samantha Cartaino PRESS ROOM MANAGER & IT SOLUTIONS – Mona L. Brown GROUP PUBLISHER – David M. Leach PUBLISHER – Anthony T. Romano ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER – Nancy O’Brien ADVERTISING SALES – NORTH AMERICA Melissa Murphy – Midwest +1 830 608 9888 Nancy O’Brien – West +1 530 241 3534 Anthony T. Romano – East/International +1 203 798 2400 Joe Rosone – East/International/Middle East +1 301 834 5251 Victoria Tod – Great Lakes/UK +1 203 798 2400 ADVERTISING SALES – INTERNATIONAL – Daniel Solnica – Paris MARKETING MANAGER – Zach O’Brien AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – Jeff Hartford MANAGER OF ONSITE LOGISTICS – Philip Scarano III GROUP BRAND MANAGER – Jennifer Leach English SALES/PRODUCTION ADMINISTRATOR – Susan Amisson ADVERTISING/SALES SECRETARY STAFF – Cindy Nesline DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES – Michele Hubert ACCOUNTING MANAGER – Marylou Moravec ACCOUNTING/ADMINISTRATION STAFF – Mary Avella; Bobbie Bing

by David Donald PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI, Stand C77) is preparing to undertake the first flight of its N219 multi-purpose utility transport in June, having rolled out the first prototype at its Bandung factory on December 10, 2015. Certification of the twin-engine aircraft is slated for August 2017.

To some extent, the N219 is based on the NC212 Aviocar that PTDI has built in partnership with Airbus Defence & Space.

The N219, however, is a much more

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – Charles Alcock EDITOR - INTERNATIONAL SHOW EDITIONS – Ian Sheppard PRESS ROOM MANAGING EDITOR – Mark Phelps THE EDITORIAL TEAM Chris Pocock Caroline Bruneau Mark Huber Gregory Polek Vladimir Karnozov Bill Carey Peter Shaw-Smith Chris Kjelgaard Pete Combs Matt Thurber Reuben Johnson William Dennis Chad Trautvetter Jennifer Meszaros Dave Donald Annmarie Yannaco Andrew Drwiega Dzirhan Mahadzir Neelam Mathews Thierry Dubois Liz Moscrop Ian Goold GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER – Tom Hurley PRODUCTION EDITOR – Martha Jercinovich THE PRODUCTION TEAM John A. Manfredo Grzegorz Rzekos Mona L. Brown Jeb Burnside Lysbeth McAleer PHOTOGRAPHERS David McIntosh; Mark Wagner

modern design, retaining the older type’s sturdiness and rough/short-field capability, but with improved performance and modern systems such as an advanced Garmin G1000 glass cockpit. At the same time, PTDI has kept the aircraft’s pricing

BELL, BAE LINK TO PROMOTE AH-1Z VIPER IN AUSTRALIA Bell Helicopter (Stand Q01) signed a teaming agreement here Tuesday with BAE Systems Australia to promote and support the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter in that country. Bell is eyeing a potential Australian requirement, following that country’s dissatisfaction with its fleet of 22 Airbus Helicopter Tigers. BAE Systems will oversee maintenance and sustainment, and do training.

The agreement also includes the UH-1Y Venom utility helicopter which, like the Viper, is in service with the U.S. Marine Corps. Lisa Atherton, executive vice-president of military business for Bell Helicopters, noted that both machines were designed for marine as well as overland operation, and able to withstand corrosive saltwater environments. “Countries acquiring the aircraft now will gain the strategic advantage of interoperability with the U.S. Marine Corps,” she said.

“We are one of Australia’s leading total aircraft sustainment providers,” said Steve Drury, aerospace director of BAE Systems Australia (Stand M79). “We have been maintaining rotary-wing aircraft for more than 20 years,” he added.

The Australian Army has articulated an “upgrade or replace” policy for its Tigers, and the forthcoming defense White Paper is expected to allocate funding. They are not currently deemed suitable for deployment onto the navy’s two Canberra-class amphibious –C.P. assault ships.

2 Singapore Airshow News • February 18, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

very attractive, with an unpressurized cabin and fixed landing gear.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42 turboprops of 850 shp each and driving Hartzell four-blade propellers, the N219 has a maximum takeoff weight of 15,500 lb (7,030 kg). The aircraft’s stall speed is just 59 knots, making it extremely suitable for both civilian and military use throughout Indonesia’s remote islands and mountainous regions. Take-off run is estimated to be 1,290 ft and landing run 1,617 ft.

As a true utility transport, the N219 is aimed at a variety of roles, its unobstructed 5.6 x 5.9-ft cabin offering classleading width. In passenger transport form, the N219 can carry 19 in a 2+1 arrangement, while it can also be fitted with paratroop-style seats for 21 soldiers.

As a cargo transport it can accommodate three D2 containers or pallets through the large aft door. Other roles envisioned for the type include medical evacuation (with room for eight stretchers), and special mission duties. o

U.S. EDITORIAL OFFICE: 214 Franklin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 07432 Tel: +1 201 444 5075 WASHINGTON, D.C. EDITORIAL OFFICE: Bill Carey (air transport and defense) bcarey@ainonline.com Tel: +1 202 560 5672; Mobile: +1 202 531 7566 Kerry Lynch (business aviation) klynch@ainonline.com Tel: +1 703 969 9155 EUROPEAN EDITORIAL OFFICE: Ian Sheppard Hangar 9, Redhill Aerodrome, Surrey RH1 5JY, UK Tel: +1 44 1 737 200948; Mobile: +1 44 775 945 5770 isheppard@ainonline.com U.S. ADVERTISING OFFICE: 81 Kenosia Ave., Danbury, CT 06810 Tel: +1 203 798 2400; Fax: +1 203 798 2104 EUROPEAN ADVERTISING OFFICE: Daniel Solnica 78, rue de Richelieu, 75002 Paris, France Tel: +33 1 42 46 95 71 dsolnica@solnica.net Italian Representative: Diana Scogna; dscogna@dsmedia.com.fr Tel: +33-6-62-52-25-47 RUSSIAN ADVERTISING OFFICE: Yuri Laskin, Gen. Dir., Laguk Co. Ltd. Russia, 115172, Moscow, Krasnokholmskaya Nab., 11/15 - 132 Tel: +7 05 912 1346, +7 911 2762; Fax: +7 095 912 1260 ylarm-lml@mtu-net.ru THE CONVENTION NEWS COMPANY, INC. – AIN PUBLICATIONS Singapore Airshow News is a publication of The Convention News Co., Inc., 214 Franklin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 07432; Tel.: +1 201 444 5075. Copyright © 2016. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of The Convention News Co., Inc. is strictly prohibited. The Convention News Co., Inc. also publishes Aviation International News, AINalerts, AIN Defense Perspective, AIN Air Transport Perspective, Business Jet Traveler, ABACE Convention News, EBACE Convention News, HAI Convention News, LABACE Convention News, MEBA Convention News, NBAA Convention News, Farnborough Airshow News, Dubai Airshow News, and Paris Airshow News.

Printed in Singapore by KHL Printing Computer Services: Triplex Computers

by Bill Carey Cessna Aircraft (Textron, Chalet CD15) has landed an order from the Sekolah Tinggi Penerbangan Indonesia (STPI) flight school for 25 Cessna 172 Skyhawk airplanes, the parties announced yesterday at the Singapore Airshow. The manufacturer expects to begin initial deliveries later this year and continue through 2017.

The STPI flight school, based

in Banten Province, Indonesia, provides flight training and academic degrees in aviation engineering. The new Skyhawk fleet will be used to train 300 students in eight training locations under the authority of the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation.

“We are excited to support the STPI flight school, the largest flight training program in Indonesia, with the

Rafael shows Reccelite, upgraded Litening pod

by Chris Pocock Rafael (Stand N55) is showing the Reccelite XR (extended range) sensor that it launched last year, alongside the similarly upgraded Litening 5 targeting pod. The Singapore Airshow coincides with news that the tactical reconnaissance system has been demonstrated on a UK Royal Air Force (RAF) Tornado strike aircraft.

With so many air forces having chosen the Litening pod, the attraction of adding a dedicated recon sensor with the same form and fit is obvious. Six air forces have done so, adopting the

original Reccelite system, which includes a wideband datalink and adaptable ground station. Now the addition of a short-wave infrared waveband (SWIR) to the previous medium-waveband (MWIR) plus CCD video gives Reccelite XR “some 80 percent of the capability of a much more expensive Long-Range Oblique Photography (LOROP) sensor,” said Yuval Miller, executive vicepresident of Rafael’s Air and C4ISR Systems Division. The SWIR operates through the same, larger aperture as the MWIR.

world’s leading flight training platform,” said Chris Bogaars, Cessna regional vice president of sales, Asia Pacific. “We look forward to a continued relationship with STPI flight school as the training needs continue to grow in this region.”

The single-engine, highwing Skyhawk is fitted with the Garmin G1000 avionics suite and GFC 700 autopilot. o On the stand, visitors can view imagery and video from the new pod that shows human-size targets at 15 nautical miles’ range, captured from a fighter flying at 24,000 feet. Larger objects can be discerned at up to 50 nautical miles. This standoff capability is daytime only, but the pod’s other sensors provide night capability, as before.

Miller said that Reccelite XR is in the process of delivery to the Israeli air force. The significance of the RAF demonstration is that the British air arm must find a replacement for the RAPTOR LOROP sensor that is currently carried by the Tornado. Those aircraft are being retired in 2019, leaving only the Eurofighter Typhoon as the candidate platform for retaining a dedicated reconnaissance sensor capability. o

BOEING’S FANCHER DISMISSES AIRBUS’S MIDDLE MARKET CRITICISMS Boeing Commercial Airplanes senior v-p of airplane development Scott Fancher reported here yesterday that his organization continues to study the market for an airplane designed to fit between the 737 Max 9 and the 7878. Fancher said it was “a distraction” when Airbus claimed that the sizeable order backlog of the A321neo vindiBoeing’s Scott Fancher met cates assertions that the European man- with reporters Wednesday. ufacturer has already filled the need for a so-called middle-of-the-market airplane. He defended Boeing’s deliberate approach to addressing any demand in that segment.

“It’s been reported widely that we’re looking at various alternatives in the middle of the market, and we’ll continue to do so,” Fancher confirmed. “If there’s a market there, we will address it. So we’re in the process of looking at what that market may or may not be, what the alternatives to addressing the market are. And when we get to the point where we believe we can bring an attractive offering to the marketplace–an offering that represents a good economic business case not just for our customers but for our shareholders as well–we’ll make a decision.”

Fancher would not detail what alternatives Boeing (Stand U23) is considering, however. “We’ve been getting a range of inputs from customers,” he said.

–G.P.

DAVID McINTOSH

Indonesian flight school orders 25 G1000-equipped Cessna Skyhawks

AEROASIA, SR TECHNICS ADDRESS GARUDA’S MRO GMF AeroAsia (Stand S31) and SR Technics (D67) have signed a fiveyear agreement which commits the two companies to provide Garuda Indonesia’s Boeing 737 fleet with Integrated Component Services (ICS).

The two companies also signed a separate five-year agreement under which they will work together to develop the engineering and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities of GMF AeroAsia. The goals include boosting MRO services in the Asian market and support customers in Indonesia and abroad.

“This agreement symbolizes how we will further develop our engineering capabilities and utilize the extensive MRO capabilities and networks of both companies to develop the market in the Asian Pacific region,” stated GMF AeroAsia president and CEO Richard Budihadianto. –S.C.

Saab Swordfish goes Global

by David Donald Seaspray 7500E spinning AESA (active electronically scanned array) multi-mode radar and FLIR Systems Star SAFIRE electro-optical turret. Comprehensive electronic support measures and self-protection systems are fitted, as is AIS (automatic identification system), the maritime equivalent of IFF (identification friend or foe).

Anti-Submarine

For anti-submarine duties the “wet” system comprises 100 sonobuoys dispensed through a rotary launcher in the unpressurized section of the rear fuselage, and two manually-loaded tubes within the pressurized cabin. The combined weight of the buoys is around 3,750 lb. Typically, four hardpoints are provided under the wings, although six are possible on the Global 6000, which can be loaded with weapons such as anti-ship missiles or torpedoes, or with other stores such as search-and-rescue emergency drop-pods.

DAVID McINTOSH

As well as launching the GlobalEye AEW/multi-int platform, Saab has unveiled two new platforms for its Swordfish maritime patrol/anti-submarine offering. Bombardier’s Global 6000 offers a business jet platform for customers seeking a high-performance aircraft that can spend 8.5 hours on station at a radius of 1,000 nm. Alternatively, Swordfish has been packaged for the Bombardier Q400, which can spend eight hours on patrol at 200-nm radius. The initial Saab 2000 turboprop platform is also available.

Swordfish draws on the new command-and-control mission systems developed for the GlobalEye, many of which are in a state of advanced development, or even in production. Indeed, more than 60 percent of the system is common.

A typical Swordfish configuration has four operator consoles, although up to six can be fitted if required. “Dry” sensors include a Finmeccanica-Selex ES

Saab’s Swordfish maritime patrol system is now available on Bombardier’s Global 6000 and Q400 airframes.

Saab is undertaking all of the integration and test work associated with the new systems, with assistance from Bombardier.

Saab sees the Swordfish in its Global 6000 form as “the smart man’s P-8,” offering similar performance to the Poseidon but at lower acquisition and

operating costs. The Swordfish has considerable applications in this region, where demand for anti-submarine warfare is expected to grow. Forecasts suggest that there will be around 200 submarines operating in regional waters within the next five years. o

www.ainonline.com • February 18, 2016 • Singapore Airshow News 3

Starting in March, flight simulation and training company FlightSafety International and Sikorsky (Stand L55) will begin training in Singapore on the new FS1000 simulator for the Sikorsky S-76C+ and S-76C++ helicopters.

Equipped with FlightSafety’s Vital 1100 visual system, the FS1000 offers photo-realistic, high-detailed mission specific imagery that incorporates the latest terrain information with geo-specific satellite images. Its modular design allows fields of view up to 300 degrees horizontally, which in turn enhances situational awareness.

The FS1000 is expected to be qualified to level D by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prior to training.

“Offering training for Sikorsky S-76C+ and S-76C++ helicopters in Singapore demonstrates FlightSafety’s ongoing

commitment to provide Sikorsky helicopter operators in Asia with the highest quality training using advanced technology simulators that are qualified to the highest standard,” said David Davenport, FlightSafety’s executive v-p.

A320 Sim

Meanwhile, FlightSafety will be supplying China’s Wisesoft Corporation of Chengdu its fourth Airbus A320 full flight simulator (FFS). FlightSafety said that the Airbus STD 1.8 simulator is expected to receive level D qualification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) following delivery at the end of this year.

The FSS will be installed at the SafetyWing aviation training center in Chengu. Additionally, all Wisesoft Airbus A320 simulators will be upgraded with the

FlightSafety’s Vital 1100 visual system.

Wisesoft’s purpose-built simulator offers a new multi-function instructor operating station to enhance training effectiveness through an intuitive interface, scalable graphics, and large multitouch displays. FlightSafety said the original Airbus panels installed in the flight deck will also help to ensure the highest fidelity training.

“Selecting FlightSafety to supply a fourth Airbus A320 simulator was through a thoughtful and serious evaluation,” said Ding Kun, general manager of SafetyWing aviation training. “We are very pleased with its continually optimized quality, performance and reliability of FlightSafety manufactured A320 simulators, and look forward to receiving the new Airbus A320 simulator later this year.” o

TBM 900 gets new capabilities thanks to Garmin G1000 glass

by Jennifer Meszaros Updates to the Garmin G1000 glass aboard TBM900s include stability and underspeed protections, a Bluetooth EFB link and AoA.

DAVID McINTOSH

French aircraft manufacturer and aerostructures company Daher is on hand in Singapore to showcase its increasingly popular TBM 900 turboprop singleengine aircraft, and explain new enhancements such as enhanced envelope protection, improved warning identification and flight planning facilitation. They are part of Garmin G1000 avionics updates (V15).

Specifically envelope monitoring has been added to the electronic stability and protection system (ESP), along with under-speed protection; new aural alerts for stall, overspeed, landing gear extension and oxygen mask use; an angle-of-attack sensor with cockpit visualization; and two-way wireless linkup from a mobile device that runs the Garmin Pilot application (uses Bluetooth connection and Garmin’s FlightStream 210 wireless gateway), so flight plans can be synced and GPS, weather, traffic and other information can be uploaded/downloaded. Finally, TBM is including an L-3 data recorder as standard equipment,

and the Garmin GRA 55 radar altimeter is an optional extra.

Derived from the TBM 850– itself a variant of the original TBM 700–the new version was unveiled in 2014 after a three-year development program that included 200 hours of flight-testing.

Now featuring more than 30 modifications from the TBM 850, the 330-knot TBM 900 is the fastest certified civilian single-engine turboprop. From the nose to the firewall, the aircraft has been redesigned to improve engine airflow circulation, through use of a banana-shaped air intake, carbon-fiber cowlings and new exhaust stacks. The new aircraft

retains the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66D engine found on the TBM 850, as well as its Garmin G1000 avionics suite.

Today, the TBM 900 is the fastest-selling version in the TBM aircraft family’s history– with 105 sold and delivered in 21 months–including aircraft operating in the Asia Pacific region.

To further maximize its presence in the region, Daher has relationships with two Singapore-based organizations: WingsOverAsia, an aviation concierge that delivers private/executive aircraft flight support and aviation lifestyle services; and Hawker Pacific Asia, the local TBM service center. o

4 Singapore Airshow News • February 18, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

Transportation Partners, the leasing division of Indonesia carrier Lion Group, on Wednesday signed the largest deal so far at the 2016 Singapore Airshow when it gave CFM International a $4.9 billion contract for Leap-1A engines. The turbofans will power 174 Airbus A320neo aircraft ordered back in March 2013.

CFM (Stand G23) is helping Lion Group to establish a new engine maintenance and test cell facility in Bantam, Indonesia. The new center will support the CFM56 and Leap engines in the carrier’s fleet. Lion Group has been a CFM customer since 2000 and its entire single aisle narrowbody fleet of 642 A320s and Boeing 737s is powered by CFM engines.

–C.A.

Philippine Airlines commits to six A350s

by Gregory Polek Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus to acquire six A350-900s to support an ambitious five-year expansion plan, starting with the launch of direct service between Manila and New York in two years. The $1.8 billion deal, announced here yesterday, includes another six purchase options and calls for first delivery in 2018. PAL now flies to New York from Manila via Vancouver. Other service would connect Manila with London and other points in continental Europe.

PAL plans to replace some of its 254-seat A340s with the new jets, which it expects to equip with roughly 300 seats in a threeclass layout. Along with yearround flights to New York, plans also call for more direct service from Manila to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver.

Next month PAL plans to start

A340 service from Cebu to Los Angeles and would use the A350 to upgrade that route, said Philippine Airlines president and COO Jaime Bautista. It would then likely add other destinations in the U.S. from Cebu, he added, and consider nonstop service from Manila to Toronto once it takes delivery of its first airplanes.

“After a thorough commercial and technical evaluation, the A350 came out on top in meeting our demanding requirements,” said Bautista. “We made the decision because we believe this aircraft will technically and commercially result in the viable operation of the airline.”

For Airbus, the deal represents a big win over Boeing, which had offered 787 Dreamliners. Along with its six A340s, PAL operates eight Boeing 777-300ERs. Airbus has now recorded 777 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 41 customers. o

Airbus got a boost yesterday when Philippine Airlines committed to six A350-900s, with options for six more.

DAVID McINTOSH

by Jennifer Meszaros

LION GROUP BUYS BIG TO POWER UP NEOS

DAVID McINTOSH

FlightSafety Singapore prepping Sikorsky S-76C sim for March

MALAYSIA PREPARES FOR NEW SCOUT

Elbit offers larger, more-capable UAVs

by David Donald Israeli defense company Elbit Systems (Stand N65) has introduced a new UAV to its range in the shape of the electric-powered Skylark 3, which is being aired in public for the first time in Singapore.

The 88-lb (40-kg) vehicle is larger than previous members of the Skylark family, and is intended to provide battlefield surveillance at battalion, brigade and division level. The greater size provides for a longer endurance of up to 6 hours and a larger payload of up to 22 lb (10 kg). In turn, that translates to larger sensors offering a higherdefinition intelligence product.

Skylark 3 launches pneumatically from a rail that would typically be mounted on a vehicle-towed trailer, and incorporates a cushioned system for vertical recovery. The system builds on experience with Elbit’s Skylark I-LEX and Hermes families, and

shares a common ground station with the smaller Skylark vehicles. Among the advanced features of the system are the ability to swap control between ground control stations in-flight, and to conduct multi-vehicle missions.

Elbit is also showing its Hermes 900 at Singapore, complete with a representative belly radome for a maritime search radar.

The company is promoting the air vehicle as an ideal maritime platform, equipped with a Finmeccanica-Selex ES Gabbiano T200 radar, D-Compass electro-optical sensor turret and ESM (electronic support measures) equipment.

Hermes 900 is in service with Chile, Colombia, Israel, Mexico and Brazil, the latter having employed its aircraft for surveillance during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. o

The Malaysian Army is the launch customer for the latest version of the MD530 Scout attack helicopter made by MD Helicopters in the U.S. Deliveries of six MD530Gs will start in the fourth quarter and be complete by the end of the first quarter 2017. The MD530G has a beefed-up landing gear to support a maximum gross takeoff weight (MGTOW) of 3,750 pounds, allowing additional fuel and weapons.

In Malaysia’s case, AIN understands that the weapons will include a Dillon Aero M134 minigun, which is believed to be a key reason for the buy.

The Malaysian Army already operates 10 Finmeccanica (formerly AgustaWestland) AW109

helicopters armed with a sidemounted gun. But the new fleet of MD530Gs will be operated in Sabah, East Malaysia, which has faced significant security issues.

“We are extremely proud that our innovative aircraft will play an integral role in the Malaysian Army Aviation’s mission to be a critical force multiplier,” said Lynn Tilton, chief executive officer of MD Helicopters. The company said it was offering a comprehensive logistics support and training package.

The MD530G made its first flight in 2013 and did live-fire weapons testing the following year. It includes advanced avionics, a forward-looking infrared sensor, guided and unguided rockets, as well as the gun. –C.P.

CHRIS POCOCK

MARK WAGNER

Elbit’s new Skylark 3 UAV is making its world debut here. It uses the same ground station as earlier, smaller versions.

Prior to clinching the Malaysian Army’s order for six scout attack airframes, MD Helicopters exhibited this MD530 at the LIMA airshow there last March.

’G’DAY, J!’ – AUSSIE C-27J GOES WALKABOUT

DAVID McINTOSH

Making its first expedition outside of its home nation is the Royal Australian Air Force’s new Finmeccanica C-27J medium transport. The RAAF selected the C-27J Spartan to restore a capability lost when its elderly DHC-4 Caribou transports were retired in 2009. Ten of the new tactical airlifters were ordered in May 2012, the first arriving at the RAAF’s transport headquarters base at Richmond, New South Wales, in

6 Singapore Airshow News • February 18, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

June last year. Operated by No. 35 Squadron, the aircraft will ultimately transfer to RAAF Amberley in Queensland. The RAAF’s C-27Js were built by Alenia in Italy before being ferried to L-3 in Waco, Texas, for installation of equipment such as ballistic protection matting, communications and selfprotection systems. An initial operating capability for the C-27J fleet is planned for later this year.

–D.D.

ONE BLACK HAWK. MANY MISSIONS.

AT LOCKHEED MARTIN, WE’RE ENGINEERING A BETTER TOMORROW. The battle proven BLACK HAWK helicopter continues to expand its multi-role capabilities.

Working with Sikorsky, militaries worldwide are equipping their aircraft with advanced mission systems for maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, combat assault, and search and rescue.

Built to survive harsh environments. Easily maintainable and reconfigurable in the field.

Supported worldwide.

BLACK HAWK. Ready to meet your evolving defence and security challenges.

Learn more at lockheedmartin.com/sikorsky or contact your Sikorsky representative.

© 2016 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION

7534 (1/16)

NEWS CLIPS z Secondo Mona Touts Fuel System Design Skills Secondo Mona (Stand P91) is here promoting its capabilities in fuel system design and production. The Milanbased company is a supplier for recent or in-development aircraft such as the Pilatus PC-24 business jet, the Alenia Aermacchi M346 military trainer and helicopters such as the Airbus H160, the Finmeccanica AW169 and AW189 and the Avic AC312C. Secondo Mona also has skills in electromechanical and hydraulic actuators, as well as engine equipment such as control accessories. In landing gear equipment and subassemblies, Secondo Mona products can be found on aircraft such as the Airbus A350 XWB, the Boeing 787, the ATR 42/72 and the Bombardier Global Express.

z UTC’s Freighter Turntable Eases Cargo Loading Air cargo operators can save time and money with improved technology, and UTC Aerospace’s Freighter Common Turntable (FCT) is one example. Recently selected

by Singapore Airlines Cargo division, the FCT makes cargo loading easier and faster for the operator’s Boeing 747-400 freighters, thanks to the FCT’s ability to steer, brake, stop and drive cargo, all in one package. Another advantage is reduced weight (200 lb less than existing systems), improved maintenance intervals (estimated 25,000 hours’ mean time between unscheduled removal), and easier upkeep–technicians can change a tire on the FCT in about 15 minutes, without the need to remove the unit from the aircraft. “The new technology replaces aging power drive units and is equipped to support on-aircraft maintenance, which eliminates the need for ground service repair on these units,” said Mike Wagner, director of aftermarket for Connecticut-based UTC Aerospace Systems Interiors (Chalet CD07).

z Qingdao Airlines Selects CFM56s for its A320s China’s Qingdao Airlines has picked CFM56-5B engines to power five Airbus A320s it has purchased. CFM values the engine deal at $100 million at list prices. The airplane order came in September 2013 and the airline expects to take first delivery later this year.

Qingdao also signed a 12-year materials services agreement with CFM to support the fleet.

Based in the coastal city of Qingdao, the airline took delivery of its first leased A320 powered by CFM engines in April 2014 and now operates a fleet of nine airplanes to five Chinese destinations.

z Airbus Helicopters Plans UAV Trials Here Airbus Helicopters and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS, Chalet CS12, Stand C35) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to test parcel delivery operations with a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS).

The project, called Skyways, will be conducted in two phases. Airbus Helicopters is working with the National University of Singapore (NUS) to create a parcel stations network on NUS campus. The network will enable users to send items to other parts of the campus. External suppliers may also use it for the “last mile” when delivering goods across the NUS campus.

In a second phase, urgent items such as medicine, oil samples and spare electronic parts may be delivered from a parcel station located at the Singapore coast to ships anchored in the bay.

Airbus intends to create a special-purpose company in Singapore. Commercial applications from the project will be executed from here, with Singapore as the Asia Pacific headquarters for this business.

Jean-Brice Dumont, Airbus Helicopters’ executive engineering v-p, and Kevin Shum, CAAS director-general, signed the agreement on Wednesday. Airbus Helicopters will design and build the RPAS.

Stopping a 300-series King Air on slippery surfaces just got easier, thanks to a new STC’d anti-skid braking system from Advent.

Advent’s advanced ABS gets FAA King Air STC

by David Donald Advent Aircraft Systems has announced that last week it received FAA Supplemental Type Certificate approval for its eABS GPS/digital anti-skid braking system for the Beechcraft King Air 300 series.

The STC applies to aircraft equipped with Rockwell Collins Pro Line GPS-4000S or Garmin G1000 avionics.

To complete certification, Advent used a Beechcraft-supplied

King Air, flown by test pilots from the OEM. Advent developed eABS to provide anti-skid braking for turbine-powered aircraft below a 20,000-lb MTOW, and the first application was the Eclipse EA500/550 light jet.

Advent is now working on certification for the King Air 200 series, Pilatus PC-12/12NG and Beechcraft T-6 turboprop military trainer. The system is also being

applied to an unnamed pair of trainers in development overseas.

Related to the eABS installation STC, Advent and Beechcraft are working on gaining a separate STC that will alter the POH (pilot operating handbook) for the eABS-equipped King Air 300 to reduce landing distances by approximately 5 percent and takeoff field length by 10 percent.

Trials associated with the installation STC revealed a landing run reduction of around 400 ft for a heavyweight aircraft on a dry runway, as well as improved directional control and reduced tire wear in both dry and contaminated runway conditions. o

CHINA’S OKAY AIRWAYS COMMITS TO 12 NEW 737s Boeing (Stand U09, U23) and China’s Okay Airways announced a $1.3 billion commitment here yesterday covering twelve 737s, including eight 737 Max 8s, three Max 9s and a single 737-900ER. The deal marks the first 737 Max 9 order by a Chinese airline

Ray Conner, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Wang Shusheng, chairman of Okay Airways signed a $1.3 billion deal yesterday.

8 Singapore Airshow News • February 18, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

and boosts Okay’s Max portfolio to 17 airplanes.

The contract also gives Okay rights to exercise options for another eight 737 Max 8s. It remains subject to approval of the Chinese government and will appear in Boeing’s official order backlog once the sides clear all “contingencies.”

The first private airline in China, Okay launched 737 operations in 2005 and remains the country’s only 737-900ER operator. Its fleet of fourteen 737-800s, three 737-900ERs and a Boeing 737-300 freighter serves more than 100 domestic and international routes.

Appearing here at the Singapore Airshow yesterday with Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Ray Conner, Okay Airways chairman Wang Shusheng attributed several years of profitability at his airline largely to Boeing’s support of its 737 fleet.

“We greatly value the ties we have built over the years with Boeing,” said Wang. “The 737 has made Okay Airways’ operations profitable for many years.

I’m sure it’s going to be a great asset to ensure Okay Airways’ future development.”

Now occupying six operating bases, Okay plans to transfer its main base from Tianjin Binhai International Airport in Beijing to a new airport under construction in the city scheduled for opening in 2018. Wang added that Okay plans to increase the size of its fleet –G.P. to 80 airplanes by 2020.

Altogether, Garuda Indonesia and its fellow AAPA airlines operate a total of some 6,300 aircraft, with low-cost carriers constituting a growing segment.

AAPA says expansion plans call for an infrastructure reboot

by Ian Goold

U.S. [2,000-lb] tons) of cargo; globally, these volumes represented 31 percent of passenger traffic and 38 percent of cargo traffic, respectively.

Slightly higher growth in passenger traffic (RPM/Ks) than in traveler numbers shows that average distances flown had increased. Herdman attributes this to robust all-round demand, with greater affordability arising from lower fuel prices that stimulated business on medium- and long-haul services. In late 2015, jet fuel prices were “averaging $67 per barrel, compared to $113 last year, reflecting plentiful supply,” he told AAPA presidents.

Another factor is continuing social and economic development, with tourism a key contributor, said Herdman. “Rising incomes and a fast-growing middle class– all key ingredients for growth in demand– are seen in the wider Asia Pacific region.

By all measures, [it] is already the global leader in passenger- and freight-traffic volumes. The world’s 10 busiest international routes are in Asia Pacific.”

As to the significance of low-cost carriers (LCCs) for the region’s full-service operators, Herdman said: “The emergence and growth of LCCs has had a significant impact, particularly on short-haul domestic and regional routes. Full-service operators have responded by streamlining cost structures, sometimes establishing lowcost subsidiary airlines,” according to the AAPA director general.

Over time, he also has seen increasing convergence between different operating strategies, with airlines adapting to different market circumstances. “As LCCs have expanded into regional markets, they have started using [various] distribution channels, and cooperating with other airlines

of inventory ‘overhang,’ and With lower oil prices helping carriers to increase profexcess capacity.” itability, Asian airlines saw The AAPA executive said a modest recovery in 2015, that airline business strategies while passengers continare responding to changes in ued to benefit from “affordmarket demand and conable airfares,” according to sumer preferences. “Overall, Andrew Herdman, director the region’s airlines are general of the 16-strong Asia focused on responding approPacific Airlines Association priately to evolving patterns (AAPA)*. “This region hosts of market demand, while some of the most-fiercely Andrew Herdman, director making efforts to increase competitive markets and some general of the 16-member operational efficiency and of the most innovative airlines. airline consortium AAPA boost profitability,” he added.

Up to a dozen airlines compete on some The performance follows “consisinternational routes in Asia.” tently strong” growth in air-travel demand Herdman said that although the Asia in recent years, with record numbers of Pacific is well established as the industry’s business and leisure passengers. “The largest market, with the highest share of Asia Pacific region has recorded fastertraffic and passengers, various “innova- than-average growth and this is expected tive” approaches by the region’s airlines to continue, in line with economic and have led to a diversity of product and ser- social development,” Herdman told AIN. vice offerings and an intensely competi- Nevertheless, airline profitability remains tive market. challenging: “For 2014, Asia Pacific airWith yet-to-be-released December traf- lines in aggregate reported only a breakfic figures expected to be in line with ear- even result for the year.” lier 2015 trends, including solid growth in In fact, the director general’s report to passenger numbers, Herdman reported the annual AAPA presidents’ meeting late contrasting cargo markets that “remain last year disclosed that “combined AAPA relatively weak” and reflected on the slow- and non-AAPA airlines” incurred a $1 down in global trade activity. billion loss on revenue of $176 billion in Preliminary traffic (revenue passen- 2014. Operating about 6,300 aircraft, they ger-miles/kilometer [RPM/K]) figures carried 1,100 million passengers–about for January-November show that 31 70 percent domestic travelers–and 20 milAsian airlines (including AAPA non- lion metric tons (equivalent to 22 million members) carried 252 million international passengers, up 8.1 percent from 2014’s equivalent period.

Demand remained strong despite overall weakness in Asian currencies and moderation in emerging market economies, according to AAPA. Growth in air cargo (freight ton/metric ton-miles/kilometres) fell to 1.8 percent.

“Air passenger demand remains strong, supported by affordable airfares resulting from persistently low oil prices,” observed Herdman. “Less encouragingly, air cargo is suffering from market weak- Like many of its AAPA colleague airlines, Korean Air enjoyed lower fuel prices during 2015, but faced regional ness in major trading economies, signs challenges in the form of weaker currencies and a slowdown of emerging markets’ economies.

10 Singapore Airshow News • February 18, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

using interline feeds for additional revenue optimization.” Some LCCs have expanded into medium- and long-haul markets using larger widebody aircraft, often offering two classes of service and underfloor cargo capacity, he added.

Expanding route networks allows LCCs to use connecting services, opening new revenue opportunities and operational challenges. “The traditional distinctions between differing airline business models have become increasingly blurred,” notes Herdman. “[But] despite the rapid growth of new-entrant airlines, the established network airlines continue to capture the lion’s share of [worldwide] industry revenues.”

Widebody LCC Aircraft

The introduction of LCC widebody aircraft able to carry belly freight increases market capacity, with inevitable consequences for cargo traffic and profitability in the region. “Cargo operators have been experiencing difficult market conditions for the past several years. Since the global financial crisis, international trade has grown no faster than GDP, in marked contrast to the previous two decades when trade typically expanded at twice the rate of global GDP growth,” according to Herdman.

Consequently, the industry has been characterized by “relatively weak demand, and highly competitive shipping rates.

With the overall volume of cargo not growing as much as had been expected, and with the share carried by passenger aircraft increasing, there is an oversupply in capacity, particularly for dedicated freighter aircraft which have seen falling values and lower utilization.”

Looking at the region’s forecast 5-6 percent continuing annual growth and with the region projected to order around 40 percent of all new aircraft over the next 20 years, AAPA is concerned that adequate provision be made to accommodate the expansion. “The growth in traffic demand is creating infrastructure challenges, and even the best-managed airports are showing signs of congestion today, notably during peak hours. It is critically important that the associated aviation infrastructure, including airports, runways, terminal capacity and air-navigation services, keeps pace.

“Failure to do so can quickly lead to congestion and degraded service levels for the travelling public in operational delays and other inefficiencies. Governments have an important role to play in ensuring that proper planning processes are in place and coordinating effective collaboration among stakeholders, including airlines and other service providers,” concluded Herdman. o *AAPA member carriers: Air Astana, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines, Dragonair, EVA Airways, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Korean Air Lines, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways International.

Hawker Pacific’s World Class Facility - Seletar Aerospace Park, Singapore

PEOPLE WHO KNOW AVIATION TRUST HAWKER PACIFIC • Equipped, 3,000sqm heavy maintenance jet service centre • 2,500sqm line maintenance and aircraft parking hangar with its own integrated flight department offices • Purpose built 1,250sqm Paint Facility - space to undertake refurbishments for large cabin business jets • Five-star, fully-serviced FBO and private jet charter lounge

You can trust us for all your aircraft needs!

HP/AIN/2-16/03

Visit our chalet located at CD13 and speak with our team regarding your aviation requirements.

The architecture of reliability Our next-generation LEAP engine is built on solid foundations.

Drawing on the legendary architecture of the CFM56, we have expanded our technology and innovation even further. Delivering a new standard in fuel efficiency for CFM customers worldwide. cfmaeroengines.com CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran) and GE.

PERFORMANCE | EXECUTION | TECHNOLOGY

MORE TO BELIEVE IN

Airbus has several Asia Pacific partnerships in play, including a 50-50 joint venture to develop an AC352 version of the H175.

Civil helicopter sales declining in Southeast Asia, Airbus says

by Thierry Dubois Helicopter sales last year and this year in the Southeast Asia Pacific region reflect a downturn, according to Airbus Helicopters. In China, last year’s flurry of sales cannot offset the effects of the slowing economy, which are already being felt.

There was an overall contraction of the civil and “parapublic” (e.g. air ambulance) market in 2015, Philippe Monteux, Airbus Helicopters’ head of the region, told AIN. Airbus excludes the following Asian countries from the region: China, Japan and South Korea, which the company has regrouped in what it calls the “North Asia” region.

Monteux was speaking before Airbus disclosed its financial performance for 2015, but he could already say the trend was a 15- to 20 percent reduction in units–with roughly the same reduction in value. Nevertheless, Monteux believed his company’s market share, at above 50 percent, was intact. “We are not expecting a strong recovery in 2016,” he added.

China’s economy and its impact on the region has been a factor, he said. Regulation has an impact, too–“opening the airspace to

helicopters is not going as fast as we could expect,” Monteux said. This is the case in a number of countries–India, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia, for example. Tensions in the region do not support hopes for an accelerated expansion of available airspace, Monteux explained.

Low oil prices are having a huge impact on medium- and heavy-twin helicopter sales. Single and light-twin sales have been decreasing, and are suffering from the overall economy. The emergency medical service (EMS) market, for instance, is not taking off in Southeast Asia because it is often difficult to secure funding or refine the business model, according to Monteux.

In the long term, Airbus expects the Southeast Asia Pacific market to grow, driven by different factors, such as the need to replace aging fleets in the more advanced countries and new markets burgeoning.

Last year, the region accounted for approximately 20 percent of the global market.

Strong Foundation in China

Speaking of China, Norbert Ducrot, Airbus Helicopters’ senior v-p for North

Asia, remained optimistic. “Even with the slowing economy, we believe that our strong foundation and footprint in the country will enable us to continue making good progress,” he said.

Airbus Helicopters last year signed major deals in Greater China. Hong Kong’s Government Flying Service (GFS) ordered seven H175s, becoming the launch customer for the 16,500-pound twin-engine helicopter in a public services configuration. The operator will use it for search and rescue, EMS, fire-fighting and law enforcement operations, as well as land and maritime border security patrols.

A newly formed lessor, CM International Financial Leasing Corp., Ltd. (CMIFL), is to acquire 100 H125s and H130 Ecureuil light singles over five years.

The initial firm order, for 10 rotorcraft, calls for deliveries to start in 2016. CMIFL plans to offer the light singles to operators with accompanying “financing solutions.”

Shandong Province-based HEMS999, an air ambulance operator that is part of the MIT Group, ordered seven H130s.

HEMS999’s ambition is to operate the country’s first provincial HEMS network covering traffic accidents.

In the same province, Airbus Helicopters and Sino-German Ecopark, a firm located in Qingdao, have signed a letter of intent to build an H135 final assembly line. Sino-German Ecopark has committed to build at least 100 examples of the light twin over the next 10 years.

Airbus Helicopters has several partnerships in Asia for civil product development. With China’s Avicopter, the H175/AC352 is a 50-50 joint program.

However, while the H175 is in service, the first AC352 prototype has yet to fly.

In Japan, Airbus has been working with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) for 40 years on the BK117/ H145 program. o

AIRBUS HELICOPTERS’ SINGAPORE TRAINING FACILITY FEATURES DAUPHIN SAR SIMULATOR In Singapore, Airbus Helicopters has a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility with an emphasis on AS365 Dauphin heavy maintenance and upgrades. A training center accommodates a full flight simulator for the AS365 N3/N3+ Dauphin versions. The simulator’s searchand-rescue capacity is a unique asset worldwide, Philippe Monteux, Airbus Helicopters’ head of the region noted, with pilots coming from as far as France and the U.S. The training center also houses an H120 flight training device.

Rebooting Airbus Helicopters’ Military Business in Australia

by Andrew Drwiega The relationship between Airbus Group Australia Pacific (formerly Airbus Helicopters) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has not been an easy one. The Australian government sparked controversy when it selected both the Airbus Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) and the MRH-90 troop transport to replace/modernize its helicopter fleet.

The purchase of the Tiger through Project 87 was thought to bring a new level of capability beyond the existing Bell Helicopter OH-58 Kiowas and UH-1 Iroquois-based “Bushranger” gunships. But many in the Army wanted the “low risk” option of the Boeing AH-64D Apache and to simply upgrade the existing Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks that were well liked by the Army. Nevertheless, Airbus (then Eurocopter) enhanced its argument by promising 18 Tigers would be assembled by local subsidiary Australian Aerospace.

There is a catalogue of well documented problems with the Tiger and

14 Singapore Airshow News • February 18, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

the MRH-90. For one, the Australian government stopped payments in June 2007 after the company failed to meet contractual deliveries regarding helicopters and delays to training.

The National Audit Office report in 2006 had already been critical of Airbus.

After a 53-month delay, the MRH-90 aircraft achieved its Australian Military Type Certificate (AMTC) and Service Release in April 2013.

At The Future of Military Rotorcraft conference held at the beginning of London’s Defence and Security International (DSEI) exhibition in London last summer, Rear Admiral Tony Dalton, Head of Joint Systems Division at the Australian Department of Defence, stated the MRH-90 was “five years behind schedule now and it’s probably going to finish seven years behind schedule.”

Now, however, the Australian government has signed onto a mid-life upgrade (MLU) for its 22 Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters (ARH) alongside the French, German and Spanish militaries. The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (French acronym OCCAR) will be working with Airbus Helicopters to frame capability updates for what will be the Tiger Mk3.

During an interview in December at the main Airbus Helicopter site at

Donauwörth in southern Germany, chief executive Wolfgang Schoder said that he understood why Australia has not been satisfied historically but underlined that “times have now changed.” He explained: “They are now confident in the new agreements [and] over how we have improved the situation. The performancebased maintenance has significantly improved the availability and the rate of effort of the ARH.” Bell is Monitoring the Situation

The formation in April 2015 of a joint support center combining personnel from both Airbus Group Australia Pacific and the government’s Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) at Brisbane Airport was designed to improve the flow of engineering, supply support and technical services to the military.

One of the results of the incorporation of Airbus Helicopters into the Group was to move away from the “home nation” concept (Germany, France, Spain, Brazil) that many considered had created a two-tier level of customer service within the organization.

Schoder said that the appointment of Anthony Frazer as chief executive

Australia’s decision to select the Airbus (then Eurocopter) Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter over the U.S.-built AH-64D Apache was prompted, in part, by promises that 18 airframes would be assembled locally.

of Airbus Group Asia Pacific (an exMajor General and one-time head of the Helicopter Systems Division within the DMO) would help the two parties re-establish a close relationship going forward. He added that when the Australian Army holds its exercises, “they have an extremely high rate of availability. I think we have turned in the right direction in Australia.”

However, others are still watching the situation carefully. During the Dubai Airshow in October, Keith Flail, vice president of global military business development for Bell Helicopter, hinted that his company was monitoring the Australian government’s position regarding the ARH Tiger and would be quick to offer its newest AH-1Z Viper as an alternative should the opportunity arise.

The first customer in Asia for the civilian-to-military role H145M is

Thailand with a total order of 11 aircraft (five for the Royal Thai Navy and six for the Royal Thai Army). The H145M is the military successor of the EC645 T2.

While the Thai helicopters are likely to be used in a challenging environment (Tumpak cannot reveal the specific missions they have been bought to fulfill), the 15 being delivered to the German Bundeswehr for use by the KSK Special Forces Command have been equipped for robust operations.

The KSK mission package includes: fast-roping capability, with a variation in that there is an electrical release in the cockpit which can negate the need for a crewman in the rear if a full load of special force soldiers is required; a cargohook rated to 1600 kg, allowing two people on the same line; military seats and sniper belt, which is a stabilization device; and floats. o

www.ainonline.com • February 18, 2016 • Singapore Airshow News 15

Changi International Airport Terminal 5 Concept Plan Annex

Changi’s Terminal 5 plan will boost capacity

by Peter Shaw-Smith “Changi Airport’s three-runway system will be ready by around 2020,” CAG said.

Current Changi capacity is 66 million, which will increase to 82 million in 2017 with the addition of Terminal 4, now under construction. “Construction for T4, our next terminal–to be completed in 2017–is progressing well and will enter into the operational testing stage sometime in 2016,” said Lee Ching Wern, CAG senior manager corporate communications.

Between January and October 2015, Changi Airport recorded 45.52 million passenger movements, 2.1 percent more than the year-earlier period. Cargo shipments were steady at 1.53 million metric tons while aircraft movements grew 1.2 percent to 286,980 for the same period.

Changi was the 16th busiest airport in the world in 2014, with 54.09 million passengers, according to the Airports Council International.

DAVID McINTOSH

Changi Airport Group (CAG) is to expand Singapore’s International Airport to a capacity of 135 million passengers per year by around 2025, cementing the island state’s status as one of Asia’s leading hubs. Plans for the expansion through construction of the new Terminal 5, to be built on an unused 1,080-hectare site at Changi East, were announced by Transport Minister Liu Tuck Yew in 2013.

Much of the existing and new site is reclaimed land; Singapore has a policy of preparing land in advance to prevent infrastructure bottlenecks from hampering development. “Terminal 5 will increase Changi Airport’s total capacity to 135 million passengers per annum,” CAG said in a statement. “Set to be one of the largest terminals in the world, Terminal 5 will be capable of handling 50 million passengers per annum in its initial phase.

It is scheduled for completion in the mid2020s. There will be land for subsequent expansion,” it said.

Terminal 5 will be connected to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 to allow the expanded airport to be operated as a single, integrated facility for ease of transfer between different terminals, passenger convenience and airfield operational efficiency, the Transport Ministry said. “Terminal 5 will be built in two phases, with the pace of construction dependent on air traffic growth,” it said.

The airport will see the introduction of a third runway, situated to the southeast of the airport, and currently used by the military, which will be lengthened from 2.75 km to 4 km (from 9,000 to 13,000 ft).

As of November 1, 2015, more than 100 airlines were operating at the airport, connecting Singapore to some 320 cities in about 80 countries and territories worldwide.

Changi sees more than 6,700 scheduled flights a week. Ground handling and flight catering are handled by SATS, with around 80 percent of the business, and Dnata.

A mixed-use area, Jewel Changi Airport, a joint venture between CAG (51 percent) and CapitaLand (49 percent), is expected to open in 2018 adjacent to Terminal 1.

The development, with retail space, a hotel and facilities for airport operations, will have a total gross floor area of about 134,000 square meters, and 10 floors, with five levels below ground for parking.

While much of Singapore’s MRO business is associated with the growing business aviation airport at Seletar, Changi’s MRO cluster is home to more than 100 companies, capturing upwards of 20 percent of the Asia Pacific market.

Singapore Airlines’ MRO arm, SIA Engineering Co. (SIAEC), is the dominant player at Changi. Together with its 26 joint ventures and subsidiaries in nine countries, the SIAEC Group provides MRO services to the aircraft of more than 80 international airlines.

Group financial data showed 61 percent of revenue in repair and overhaul in the last full year, with 39 percent in line maintenance. In June, SIAEC renewed its maintenance contract with SilkAir for a further five years for its A319 and A320 fleet, a deal valued at US$139 million.

A major MRO facility, to be known as Changi East Industrial Zone, will be built to the northeast of the future T5. “To support the long-term growth of the logistics and aerospace industries, land will also be set aside to the north of T5 for air freight and air express operators as well as MRO activities,” CAG said.

Singapore’s previous civilian airport, at Paya Lebar, which replaced the original Kallang Airport in the city center, was converted to an airbase in 1981. o

RAPTORS AT THE READY Tucked away in a corner of the static display at Singapore Airshow 2016 are these two Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor stealth fighters. The one in the foreground is operated by the U.S. Air Force’s 525th Fighter Squadron, from the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson outside Anchorage, Alaska. Lockheed Martin completed eight test articles and 187 operational aircraft before F-22 production ceased in December 2011.

16 Singapore Airshow News • February 18, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

NEWS CLIPS z Universal Avionics Upgrades Metroliner Cockpits The first of two 1980s-era Fairchild C-26 Metroliner twin turboprops modernized with a Universal Avionics (Stand U72) cockpit has been delivered to an undisclosed customer. The new avionics suite includes three EFI-890R advanced flight displays, dual UNS-1Fw multi-mission management systems with four-inch flat panel control display units and a terrain awareness and warning system. The upgrade was fitted by Worldwide Aircraft Services in association with W4 Limited.

“Commercial derivative aircraft such as the C-26 provide an important special mission capability to government and military users both in the U.S. and our partner nations,” said Bob Sanchez, Universal Avionics’s military and government program development manager. “The avionics modernizations that were accomplished on these aircraft allow the C-26 to meet all of its critical mission tasking in a safe, efficient and cost effective manner, while at the same time eliminating equipment obsolescence issues on these aircraft.”

The package will be available under an FAA supplemental type certificate expected to be issued in the third quarter of 2016. This will cover Fairchild SA227 and C-26 aircraft.

z Malaysia’s Airbus A400M Makes Overseas Debut

DAVID McINTOSH

Dominating one end of the static display is the Airbus Defence & Space A400M airlifter from the Royal Malaysian Air Force, making its first overseas appearance following a public debut last March at the Langkawi show in Malaysia. The RMAF received its first aircraft that month, having been among the launch customers for the type with an order for four. The aircraft here is the second machine for Malaysia, recently delivered to No. 22 Squadron at Subang. A400Ms have now been handed over to France, Malaysia, Turkey and the UK, with Spain shortly to join the list.

z Korea’s Uconsystem signs UAV agreements for Thailand, Philippines Uconsystem (Stand Q92) of the Republic of Korea has announced two agreements, one with the GAA Enterprise of Thailand and a second with ACSENS of the Philippines, to cooperate on unmanned aircraft.

The GAA deal is a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on unmanned aircraft applications for the Thai government.

Established in 2011, GAA provides technology services to government sectors including the country’s armed forces.

Uconsystem and ACSENS, a Philippine-registered company, signed an MoU to perform local assembly, production and marketing focused on providing UAV technology to local government clients.

z Moog Inks 12-year Deal with SIA Flight control manufacturer Moog (Stand G79) has signed an exclusive contract with Singapore Airlines (SIA) for support of Moog’s products on the airline’s Airbus A350 fleet. The program will cover maintenance and inventory support, using Moog’s worldwide network of strategically placed stocking centers. East Aurora, N.Y.-based Moog provides the primary and high-lift aerodynamic controls for the A350. The Moog Total Support program targets airlines’ needs for full support of its products. Mark Brooks, Moog general manager for commercial aircraft services said, “We look forward to supporting Singapore Airlines over the next 12 years and beyond.”

Boeing remains bullish on Asia Pacific region

by Gregory Polek Notwithstanding talk of darkening economic prospects for the Asia Pacific region and persistent pressures on the profitability of its airlines, Boeing continues to see Southeast Asia traffic growing at a 6.5 percent annual rate for the next 20 years. The U.S. airframer believes this will result in demand for 3,750 new airplanes valued at $550 billion.

Speaking at his company’s Singapore offices on Monday, Boeing Commercial Airplanes senior vice president of sales for Asia Pacific and India Dinesh Keskar cited a bright outlook for emerging economies such as Myanmar and Indonesia and strong replacement demand for a region whose low-fare carriers now command 54 percent of the market.

“Growth is being driven by emerging economies and also LCCs [low-cost carriers], which are getting more predominant in our part of the world,” he noted.

“The market is much more diverse and balanced. Different business models are doing well across the region...In our estimation Myanmar will become like the next Thailand in the next five years,” said Keskar.

Keskar characterized the fundamentals driving 6.7 percent passenger traffic growth in 2015

and greater than 80 percent load factors as “very, very strong,” and cited “good stability” in lease rates. Although earlier in the day, during the Singapore Airshow Aviation Leadership Summit, IATA director general Tony Tyler reminded attendees of lagging profitability of Asia Pacific

With inexpensive fuel and steady market growth, low-cost carriers like Indonesia-based Lion Air are helping drive demand for more new airframes in the Asia Pacific region.

airlines, Keskar cited Southeast Asia’s “own share of profitable carriers” as cause for optimism.

While fuel prices continue to help a lot “for the time being,” said the Boeing executive, the liberalization of ASEAN skies over time will ensure sustained growth. Of the total number of new airplanes destined for Southeast Asia, 76 percent will satisfy growth needs compared with 58 percent for the entire world, according to Boeing.

“Very few airplanes that you see today are going to be retained in

Plans for regional traffic collaboration detailed

By Bill Carey The Asia Pacific region is progressing toward a cooperative air traffic management (ATM) environment, but significant challenges remain, regional aviation officials said Tuesday at the Singapore Airshow. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) meanwhile announced forming a center of excellence to help meet the region’s needs.

Arun Mishra, director of the Asia Pacific office of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), could not specifically say when the region will have a unified ATM system comparable to the Single European Sky or the NextGen concept being pursued in the U.S. “I admit I don’t have an answer;

the next 20 years, just because the airplanes are coming in here at a much faster rate and older airplanes are going out in places like Indonesia, Vietnam and even Myanmar,” said Keskar.

Addressing comments in the press by Tyler about the prospect for delivery deferrals by Asia Pacific airlines that placed huge orders for airliners during headier economic times, Keskar insisted that Boeing has not seen any unusual deferral activity in the region or any signals from customers that any such moves could be coming.

I can’t give you a date,” he said.

“The good news is we have taken elements of this program and we are progressing on that.”

Mishra and Simon Li, deputy director of civil aviation with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department, spoke at an event sponsored by U.S. communications technology company Harris Corporation (Chalet CS22). They outlined the barriers to achieving a unified ATM system for the region, as well as some of the progress nations are making.

Integration, Collaboration

Among barriers to integration are uneven investment and reliance by some states on outmoded practices and older technology,

“From Boeing’s point of view, we are in a good spot for several reasons,” he explained. “In terms of the LCC market our big customer here is Lion Air. We have delivered 165 airplanes for them and they continue to take deliveries on time.... Nobody has come to us and asked for any deferrals,” continued Keskar. “When we look at airlines like Virgin Australia or Jet Airways or SpiceJet in India, all of them are doing fine. In fact, some of them want their airplanes early.” o when current surveillance technology would enable closer spacing.

Li said that Hong Kong International Airport has implemented automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) on two routes, and will require aircraft in the flight information region carry ADS-B by the end of the year. Eight airports and 11 airlines from Hong Kong, China, Singapore and Thailand are participating in an air traffic flow management trial, which is entering its second phase this calendar quarter. “The Asia Pacific region will progressively achieve an integrated and collaborative environment,” with enhanced safety and flighthandling capability, Li assured.

At the same time, CAAS announced forming a joint laboratory with Infocomm Research to advance ATM research and development. Plans include focusing on speech recognition technology, data analytics and remotely operated air traffic control towers. o

www.ainonline.com • February 18, 2016 • Singapore Airshow News 17

Airborne connectivity spreading throughout Asia Pacific region

by Liz Moscrop Has inflight connectivity become an expectation? Earlier this year airline comparison site Routehappy released its annual “Global State of In-flight Wi-Fi” report, which indicated that 2015 was a gamechanger for the service. More airlines than ever now offer airborne Internet, and are upping the ante with faster speeds and more coverage. Today, 60 carriers offer Wi-Fi in most regions. Naturally, with its relatively cheap and reliable air-to-ground services, the U.S. leads the pack offering connectivity on 78 percent of all available seat miles (ASM).

The good news for Asian fliers is that many more non-U.S. airlines, including Garuda and Japan Airlines, now provide superior connectivity. Several carriers are already upgrading aircraft to their third generation of in-flight Wi-Fi. New York to Dubai offers the strongest overall service, while, perhaps surprisingly, London to Hong Kong is the least well connected.

So how are Asian locals stacking up?

Singapore Airlines’ (Stand CS26) passengers will soon have access to high-speed Internet, thanks to Honeywell’s JetWave satellite communications hardware, working with Inmarsat Aviation’s Global Xpress (GX) network, provided by OnAir. Honeywell (Stand G39) claims that the system will give passengers an in-flight experience that is “close to the capability they have in their home.” GX is slated to provide aircraft with data rates of up to 50 Mbps.

Passengers should be able to do everything from accessing real-time social media updates and emails to live-streaming TV, from virtually anywhere in the world, over both land and sea, says Honeywell.

Installation of the first system is scheduled

for the second half of 2016 on the carrier’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, followed by its Airbus A380-800s and A350-900s.

Other airlines that have opted for JetWave include Vietnam Airlines and Lufthansa. Honeywell also signed a memorandum of understanding with Air China last year to begin testing GX on the airline’s A330 aircraft.

Last September, Singapore Airlines partnered with Panasonic to launch the industry’s first companion mobile app that spans across the entire journey. Passengers can enter their flight details before they fly and review the upcoming entertainment choices for their trip.

Synchronize Your Devices

Among other services, they can watch movie trailers, read reviews and synopses, and even save films, TV shows, and other media that they want to view on their flight. Once onboard, they synchronize their mobile device to their seat and call up their preferred entertainment or review the entire media library. The app effectively then becomes a second screen, where they can access the IFE library, or watch the moving map.

Chinese airlines are feeling the pressure to compete internationally. In December Los Angeles-based Global Eagle Entertainment (GEE) announced a milestone deal with China’s HNA Group to launch its Airconnect inflight connectivity system in the third quarter of this year aboard five of Hainan Airlines’ 737NG aircraft, and then a further five A320s operated by HNA subsidiary Beijing Capital Airlines. This will provide passengers with the usual array of services,

Composites, 3D-printing gain ground in airframes, engines

by Thierry Dubois Gathered at the A-Star Aerospace Technology Leadership forum in downtown Singapore on Monday, representatives of numerous airframers, as well as system and material suppliers, shared their views on what technologies future aircraft may employ. Highlighted were new materials and construction processes, improved aerodynamics and radically more efficient engines. A-Star (Stand D35) is Singapore’s agency for science, technology and research.

In aerodynamics, Airbus plans to test two laminar-airflow wing sections this year for reduced drag, which could translate into 5-to-10 percent less fuel burn. The trial is to take place on a modified A340-300. An infrared camera will be installed at the top of the aircraft’s fin to “see” the actual airflow.

Meanwhile, Embraer is counting on advanced winglets to save 5 percent of fuel burn on existing aircraft. The Brazilian manufacturer is also considering airflow control for the longer term. And on Bombardier’s drawing board are nextgeneration mechanical systems for wing surface morphing and winglet morphing.

Advanced Materials, Shapes

Progress in aerodynamics is benefitting engines, too. The GE9X, to enter into service in 2020, will sport only 16 fan blades, thus saving weight. Material science is also contributing to reducing the blade count. The compressor’s pressure ratio will increase from 23:1 (on a 2011 engine) to 27:1 on the GE9X, Gopinath

18 Singapore Airshow News • February 18, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

Passengers on Singapore Airlines, followed shortly by Vietnam Airlines and Lufthansa, soon will be enjoying Honeywell’s new JetWave satellite communications, which is designed for high-speed Internet connectivity.

including Internet access, online shopping and payment, and live television, plus connecting gate information, weather, and flight tracking.

Meanwhile China Eastern Airlines was the first Chinese airline to launch international inflight connectivity, using Panasonic’s eXConnect Ku-band system on the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER widebodies on routes between New York, San Francisco, Shanghai, Toronto and Vancouver. It is also offering Wi-Fi on domestic services between Shanghai and Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, and Kunming.

China is evidently relaxing some of its more stringent rules to cater to international traffic. Last year Panasonic won a license to offer connectivity in Chinese airspace. Before that, carriers had to turn off connectivity when they entered its territory.

A delicate issue, however, is one of content and the list of banned websites under the “Great Firewall” of China (known within the country as the Golden Shield project). The firewall largely bans Western social media sites and some media organizations. But foreign players are soldiering

on and gaining wins in the region overall. GEE also offers its Wise (wireless IFE software) platform, which has proved popular in the Philippines.

There are some surprises, though. Over in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific’s feet-dragging on offering in-flight connectivity seems odd, given its position as a premium carrier. It is finally trialing such services this year on its Airbus A350 fleet using Panasonic’s Ku band service. In Malaysia, AirAsia only offers a light download limit of 3MB per passenger, encouraging fliers to use chat and text apps, rather than images and web pages.

Most are not so cautious. Sri Lankan Airlines, for example, has opted for Thales’ (Stand F23) InFlyt Experience, becoming launch customer for the OEM’s Avant system, with an application delivering live news and weather. The live news and weather includes news articles, complete with images, plus five-day weather forecasts for 50 selected cities.

Today, international carriers offer IFEC on 24 percent of their ASMs. By the time Singapore 2018 rolls around, that’s almost guaranteed to increase. o

Logannathan, a GE senior marketing manager, said.

Engine manufacturers, as well as Airbus, appear confident that open-rotor engines will power commercial aircraft in a nottoo-distant future. The open rotor has been tested extensively in a wind tunnel and results show that noise (which has long been the down side for this engine architecture) can be managed, according to Airbus head of research and technology Axel Flaig.

Moving from turbofans to open rotors is an effective way to enhance propulsive efficiency, Richard Parker, Rolls-Royce’s director, research and technology, explained.

As long as turbofans are up-to-date, improving materials is key, GE believes.

The company has expanded use of ceramic-matrix composites (CMC) for lighter weight and better damage tolerance. The CFM Leap, entering service this year, is the first commercial jet engine to use CMC shrouds in the high-pressure turbine. The GE9X will expand CMC use to the inner and outer combustor liners, among other components.

Carbon-fiber composites are enjoying a growing share in airframe material choices, as shown with the most recent clean-sheet designs from Boeing and Airbus–the 787 and the A350 XWB. However, should this trend continue, possibly with next-generation narrowbodies, composite suppliers would face a production challenge.

“We have to talk to Hexcel to ensure we can achieve higher rates at an affordable cost,” Airbus’s Flaig said. The recurring cost of composite manufacturing, compared to metal, is still twice as high, Paul Mackenzie, Hexcel’s v-p for research and technology, admitted.

Also gaining ground is additive layer manufacturing (3D printing). On the Leap engine, fuel nozzles will be 3D-printed.

Lower parts count is one benefit and a second one, according to Logannathan, is that the part can be optimized in design and ease of manufacturing. Therefore, he expects such new parts to stay “on-wing” five times longer. Additive layer manufacturing for control surfaces is on the way, too, as Airbus is exploring a 3D-printed spoiler. o

NEWS CLIPS z Ameco Touts P&W V2500 Engine MX Capability Ameco last November signed a “standard maintenance

Despite concerns about effectiveness and airspace compatibility, Singapore’s plans to deploy an earlywarning aerostat remain in place.

contract” with Pratt & Whitney, thus receiving approval to service the V2500-A5 turbofan engine. The agreement came on the heels of authorizations from China’s CAAC, the U.S. FAA and Europe’s EASA. The Beijing-based company in October had received repair authorization for V2500-A5 and CFM56-5B thrust reversers. The V2500-A5 and the CFM56-5B power the Airbus A320ceo family of narrowbody airliners.

In engine control units, Ameco (Stand H65) claims to be the only maintenance, repair and overhaul service provider in China. It passed an audit and verification in December 2014 to service full authority digital engine control (Fadec) systems.

Ameco signed its first ever power-by-the-hour contract BILL CAREY

for 14 PW4000 engines operated by Shanghai Airlines on six Boeing 767s.

z AAR, Vision Systems Agree On Window Dimming Aviation parts and services specialist AAR (Stand S01) has signed an agreement with Vision Systems to incorporate the latter’s electronically dimmable windows (EDWs) in retrofit programs throughout Asia, the Middle East, Africa and North America.

Vision Systems EDWs, which are based on suspended particle device (SPD) technology, allow passengers to regulate sunlight penetration, glare and heat by dimming the window from clear to dark.

The EDWs are currently installed on Dassault Falcon’s developmental 5X (the skylight), the Epic 1000, Airbus Helicopters H175, a refurbished Falcon 900 and Honda Aircraft’s HA-420 HondaJet. With the agreement, AAR and Vision Systems will also be targeting commercial airlines as possible customers for the windows. Michael Leung, managing director, AAR Engineering Services-Asia, said, “Vision Systems’ EDMs use technology to create common-sense creature comforts that enhance passenger experience and, at the same time, enable airlines to reinforce their brand and improve customer satisfaction.”

z Airbus, Singapore To Develop Maintenance Tools Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Airbus Group signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday, February 16, to create a program to develop technologies that will improve the efficiency of aircraft maintenance. Signed by Pierre Jaffre, Airbus’s president Asia Pacific, and Tan Kong Hwee, the EDB’s director of transport engineering, the agreement will result in a demonstration platform and testbed that will test various new technologies under what Airbus terms its “Future Hangar Initiative.”

Elements to be explored include: scanning an aircraft as it enters a hangar; digitized inspections; and using 3D printing to produce spare parts.

z UTC Wins Support Contract for SIA A350s United Technologies unit UTC Aerospace Systems has won a 12-year agreement for asset management and repair services of Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A350s. The pact is part of UTC’s Comprehensive Accessory Repair and Exchange (C.A.R.E.) program. Singapore Airlines (SIA) will receive inventory support and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) for air management systems; actuation systems; electric systems and lighting on its fleet of A350s.

Citing previous years of cooperation with SIA, Jim Patrick, v-p of commercial aviation for UTC Aerospace Systems Customer Service said, “We are delighted that Singapore Airlines continues to see the value of [C.A.R.E] and to trust UTC Aerospace Systems to help keep its aircraft performing optimally.”

Singapore still planning to deploy radar aerostats

by Chris Pocock Singapore expects the delayed delivery of its surveillance radarcarrying aerostat this year, but has not specified when the system will become operational.

Eyebrows were raised when the acquisition was announced, because of the island’s crowded airspace and dynamic weather patterns. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) told AIN that it would “ensure that the system meets our stringent operational and safety requirements,” in line with FAA regulations. The RSAF has been working the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) on these.

Safety issues with aerostats received widespread attention last October when a U.S. Army/ Raytheon JLENS 71-meter balloon broke free of its mooring and drifted across Pennsylvania for four hours before coming down.

That same month, with less publicity, a British Royal Air Force Puma helicopter crashed after colliding with the tether of a smaller aerostat in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The 55-meter aerostat for Singapore is being supplied by TCOM of the U.S., but the prime contractor and radar supplier is probably IAI-Elta Systems. The Israeli company has supplied the ELM-2083 L-band AESA (active electronically scanned array) radar for at least two large aerostats deployed by India, where fellow Israeli company Rafael was the prime contractor.

While smaller, camera-carrying aerostats have been widely deployed in conflict zones for local surveillance, only a few

20 Singapore Airshow News • February 18, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

countries have acquired larger radar-carrying ones. They include Israel, Kuwait, the UAE and the U.S., where the Lockheed Martin (LM) L-88 system is deployed at nine sites along the Mexican border to detect low-flying aircraft. These aerostats offer the attraction of extending the ground radar horizon for airspace surveillance, and remaining on station for up to 30 days at a time.

For the greatest coverage, these aerostats would be tethered at between 15,000 to 20,000 feet, from where they have the potential to detect fighter-sized targets at 200 nm. But Singapore said it was seeking to overcome the problem of ground radar being

masked by tall buildings, and would only operate its aerostat at 2,000 feet.

The RSAF currently deploys an LM FPS-117 ground air defense radar on Bukit Timah, the island’s highest point, and told AIN that “it continues to serve us well.” AIN has been told that Singapore was seeking a dual-mode system that performed equally, if not better, as a maritime surveillance asset. IAI may therefore be mounting an X-band radar such as the EL-2022 on the Singapore aerostat.

The RSAF told AIN that its aerostat would have certified radiation levels and protection against lightning strikes, with the winch lines and Kevlar tether built to withstand strong winds.

It was currently being tested by the manufacturer, before arriving in Singapore. AIN expects that it will be deployed at the southernmost end of the live-firing restricted area on the west side of the island. o

DIAMOND AIRCRAFT BUILDS DORNIER SEASTAR Diamond Aircraft will manufacture the airframe for the all-composite Dornier Seastar twin-turboprop amphibian, the companies announced earlier this month. According to Germany-based Dornier Seawings, it selected Austria’s Diamond due to its experience in composite airframe manufacturing.

Diamond (Stand E67) will build the Seastar’s fuselage and one-piece wing at its facility in London, Ontario (Canada). It will then deliver the components to Dornier Seawings’ facility in Germany for final assembly and completion.

The initial contract covers the production of 10 shipsets and tooling work for planned higher-volume production. A Diamond spokesman told AIN that the first airframe components are already in production and will be shipped for scheduled assembly and completion in the second quarter of this year.

Developed originally by Claudius Dornier Jr., the 12-passenger Seastar amphibian made its first flight as a proof-of-concept aircraft in August 1984. Shortly after FAA certification in June 1991, work on the program was halted due to a shortage of funding, but was resumed in 2009 by Dornier Seawings (Stand J79).

The design uses two centerline-mounted Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-112s. Specifications for the Seastar includes a 10,141-pound mtow, 900-nm range and 180-knot max cruise speed.

–S.C.

###ARTICLE###

100 UP FOR PAC-750

MARK WAGNER

###FILENAME###452 Pacific Aerospace has reached the production milestone of 100 PAC-750 aircraft. Based in Hamilton, New Bombardier Q400 is showing the latest P-750XSTOL here. With a long heritage reaching back to the Zealand, the company ###Date submitted### Fletcher Defender light aircraft of 1951, the PAC-750 is a utility aircraft with outstanding short takeoff/land###Embargo Yes/No ###The type has proved popular for sky-diving, and as a passenger/cargo transing and rough-field capability. ###Notes### DAY port in inhospitable regions in many corners of the globe. Pacific Aerospace has a joint venture with the Beijing THREE MUSTCompany RUN (not General Aviation that it expects to generate sizeable orders in the near future.

–D.D. cover though) ###Video Yes/No ###No ###Photos### ###Artwork### ###Caption### ###Writer###David Donald

Northrop Grumman offers C-130 CWB fix

by Chris Pocock Northrop Grumman (NG, Chalet CD01) Technology Services is offering legacy C-130 Hercules operators a center wing box (CWB) replacement. The offer derives from a refurbishment program on five C-130H airlifters that Australia gifted to the Indonesian air force.

The Australian aircraft were

overhauled before delivery by NG’s Integrateby d Defence Services (IDS) facility–the former Qantas Defence Services (QDS) company that the American corporation bought in 2013. QDS had provided deep maintenance support to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-130 fleet since 1958.

CORRECTION Due to a printing error on our Tuesday, February 16 issue, the last sentence of our Page 11 story on Turkey’s Rokestan was omitted. We apologize for the error and are reprinting the last paragraph here, in its entirety.

“Roketsan, in partnership with Lockheed Martin, has developed the SOM-J version for internal carriage by the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, plus external carriage by other types. Flight trials of SOM-J are due to being in the first quarter of 2017, with serial production expected to n start in the following year.”

One of the five ‘Herks’ for Indonesia proved to have a corroded CWB that needed replacement, prompting IDS to turn to some design work that NG Technology Services had done in the U.S. when the U.S. Air Force was planning to retain C-130Hs. A new CWB was built at NG’s Lake Charles, Louisiana facility (where the company does heavy checks on the Air Force E-8 and KC-10 fleets). It was shipped to Australia, where IDS is now completing overhaul of the fifth C-130H for Indonesia.

Jim Sutton, director global relations for NG’s Technology Services, told AIN that there was lots of interest in the new capability. There are various reasons why CWBs on legacy C-130s might need replacing, ranging from corrosion to fluid leaks to hard landings, he said. The mod uses approved Lockheed Martin or certified materials, and is “an affordable and innovative solution” according to NG. o

Neo engine issue close to resolution uContinued from page 1

Answering questions at a media briefing here at the airshow yesterday, the U.S. engine maker denied there were any issues with the PW1100G engine, saying that it was neither a cooling nor a technology problem.

President of commercial engines Greg Gernhardt said, “Quite honestly, what we are incorporating are some very minor changes in the number three and number four damper in the engine, and its machining. We are changing the dimension by eight thousandths of an inch. It’s a very simple change. We are tweaking the software in the engine just to optimize the start times,” he said.

“It’s not an issue.”

Yet Al Baker told Bloomberg earlier this week that P&W had a “long way to go” in providing a fix, and that the Gulf carrier anticipates a “very huge delay”

Pratt & Whitney president of commercial engines Greg Gernhardt defended the company’s position on the performance of its geared turbofans, destined for the Airbus A320neo.

Airbus, SIAEC join on upgrades uContinued from page 1

BOMBARDIER OFFERS 90-SEAT Q400 In answer to increased demand for capacity in the turboprop airliner market as load factors increase, Bombardier has introduced a 90-seat configuration of its Q400 twin turboprop regional airliner–something arch-rival ATR has wanted to do for some time; the Franco-Italian manufacturer has failed to secure board approval to proceed with an all-new 90-seater. The Bombardier aircraft is to be available starting with 2018 deliveries, incorporating a 2,000-pound payload increase, subject to approval. The time between A- and C-checks is also to be increased, from 600 cycles to 800, and from 6,000 to 8,000 flight hours. Bombardier already offers a high-density Q400, first delivered to Thailand’s Nok Air in August 2014. That version had the forward starboard-side baggage door replaced by a passenger door, and its galley/wardrobe space was rearranged to accommodate 86 seats with 29-in pitch. Yesterday, Bombardier also announced a contract with Air Canada calling for up to 75 of its CSeries jetliners.

–D.D.

in receiving its aircraft.

Gernhardt downplayed Al Baker’s comments and called him a “very demanding customer.” Gernhardt also refused to comment on client compensation and said that Pratt is working closely with Qatar Airways and Airbus on the issue.

“The engines being built today already have the fixes in,” said Gernhardt.

Qatar Airways was originally due to take its first aircraft of the 50 A320neo aircraft it has on order in December, but rejected it, citing operational restrictions on the P&W engines. Al Baker was reportedly concerned over the engines’ performance in the Middle East’s high temperatures.

Qatar is not the only unhappy customer, however. IndiGo, India’s largest airline and another key Airbus customer for A320neos, said in January it had been forced to lease old aircraft while waiting for clarity on when it will receive its jets. o

Png Kim Chiang, SIAEC chief executive, said the joint venture will become the Airbus center of excellence in Asia for the A380 as well as for the newer A350XWB, which is appearing in the flight display here at the airshow. Singapore Airlines was the launch customer of the superjumbo A380 in 2007.

“We are pleased to enter into

this innovative partnership with SIAEC,” said Fabrice Bregier, Airbus president and CEO. “The Asia Pacific region is a key market for Airbus widebody aircraft and will continue to drive demand for larger aircraft types such as the A380, A350 and A330 in the coming years.”

Lim Kok Kiang, Singapore Economic Development Board assistant managing director, said the joint venture’s investment will strengthen Singapore’s position as the region’s “leading aftermarket services hub.” o

MARK WAGNER

CORRECTION: U.S. EXHIBITORS AT SINGAPORE AIRSHOW In Tuesday’s edition of Singapore Airshow News AIN reported incorrect information about the number of U.S. exhibitors participating in this week’s event. In fact, there are 140 exhibiting companies from the U.S. and they collectively account for nearly 30 percent of the show’s 40,000 sqm indoor exhibit space. According to Kallman Worldwide, which is the U.S. representative for the air show, 100 of the American companies are exhibiting in the U.S. Pavilion this year, including 27 appearing in the Asia Pacific market for the first time. n

www.ainonline.com • February 18, 2016 • Singapore Airshow News 21

Russia moving ahead with MA-60 production regional turboprops involves the MA-700. AVIC offers eight cabin layout options, the most condensed of which offers seating of 86 with a 28-inch pitch. A 78-seat version offers a 32-inch pitch, while the standard factory layout shows four business and 68 economy-class seats. The cabin has all-LED lighting and offers a ceiling height of 1.97 meters (6.5 feet) and maximum width of 2.618 meters (8.64 feet).

A four-abreast arrangement in the fuselage cross section allows for 17.3-inch-wide seats.

Noise level peaks at 83dB(A) and sound interference level (SIL) inside the cabin measures less than 65dB. Avic calls the 100-foot-long MA-700 the next step in the evolution of Chinese turboprop designs, with a “focus on the 800 kilometer [432 nautical mile] short- and mediumrange air transportation market.”

Gross weight totals 27.7 metric tons (61,068 pounds) and maximum payload is 8.6 metric tons (18,960 pounds), while “standard range” extends to 1,700 kilometers (917 nautical miles). Takeoff and landing runs are less than 1,310 meters (4,323 feet) and service ceiling is 7,620 meters (25,000 feet).

A high-wing turboprop with a T-tail empennage and retractable tricycle landing gear, the MA-700 features integrated

After plans to build Bombardier Q400s in Russia ran afoul of Canadian economic sanctions, a visit by Russian president Vladimir Putin to Beijing cleared the path for an agreement to build Xian Aircraft’s MA-60 twin turboprop (below) at a new factory in the Russian city of Komosomolsk-upon-Amur. Xian has also built a handful of MA-600s (above), with U.S. engines and avionics.

OLLIVIER

Last year Chinese investors signed a “framework agreement” with Russia’s ministry for development of eastern regions (MinVostokRazvitia) to establish a new assembly line in the Russian city of Komsomolskupon-Amur for Xian Aircraft’s MA-60 turboprop. Timed to coincide with Russian president Vladimir Putin’s visit to Beijing last September, the deal involves a partnership between Xian Aircraft and the Jiangsu Baoli International Investment company to help fund the production of 50 aircraft a year.

“This aircraft is oriented for export into 16 countries, including Russia,” said Alexander Galushka, Russia’s minister for eastern development. Plans call for building a production line in the TOR Komsomolsk industrial zone.

The Chinese investors– represented in Beijing by Xian chairman Fang Yunfeng and Jiangsu Baoli president Zhou Dehong–expect to spend $100 million on the project.

According to Zhou, the project calls for two phases of development, the first involving final assembly followed by gradual localization of parts production.

The MA-60 “Modern Ark” is a regional turboprop based on the 48-seat Antonov An-24, whose more-than-1,000-unit production run ended in 1979.

Since 2000, Xian has assembled about 80 Modern Arks, including a handful of 60-seat MA600s powered by U.S.-made Pratt & Whitney PW127J turboprop engines and featuring Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics, also from the U.S. Officials see the MA-60 as an alternative to the now stalled Rostec-Bombardier plan to build Q400s turboprops in Russia, following the imposition of Canadian sanctions due to Russia’s annexation of Crimea and alleged military support of Ukrainian separatists.

VLADIMIR KARNOZOV

by Vladimir Karnozov

modular avionics (IMA) and a fly-by-wire flight control system. The cockpit mockup shows four MFDs with large color LCDs, an electronic flight bag on the left- and right sides and yoke-style flight controls. Designers achieved a high lift-todrag ratio with the airplane’s high-aspect-ratio, 92-foot-span wings, complete with upwardcurved wingtips.

The MA-700 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW150C “next generation engines with newly designed propellers.” The combination of advanced aerodynamics and modern engines should result in an 8- to-10-percent fuel burn reduction compared with in-service Western designs, according to Avic.

Fuel burn with 78 passengers totals 21.6 grams per

MA-700 Designed for Russia

ASIA PACIFIC AVIATION’S FUTURE LEADERS? Events like Singapore Airshow 2016 offer most attendees three basic activities: close-up inspection of the latest and greatest aircraft, services and products; loud, dynamic flight demonstrations; and watching other people as they participate in the first two. If you’ve been too busy this week for people-watching, here’s your chance to catch up.

22 Singapore Airshow News • February 18, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

DAVID MCINTOSH

At last year’s MAKS’2015 airshow in Moscow, China’s Avic displayed a mockup of the new MA-700, a 78- to 86-seat turboprop described as a “100 percent new development.”

In fact, the next step in the unfolding Chinese campaign to capture the Russian market for

seat-kilometer on a typical 600-kilometer (324 nautical mile) trip and 20.0 grams per seat-kilometer for a 1,200-kilometer (648 nautical mile) mission. In the latter case fuel burn totals 1,870 kilograms (4,122 pounds).

The IMA, along with other technical innovations, promises to decrease maintenance costs by 15 percent, according to AVIC. The company has set a target of dispatch reliability at 99.5 percent and turnaround time at “below 20 minutes.” Intervals for A and C checks stand at 600 and 4,800 flight hours.

Other design targets include maximum cruise speed (at 6,000 meters or 19,800 feet) of 630 kilometers per hour (340 knots), economy cruise speed of 550to 580 kilometers per hour (297 to 313 knots) and singleengine ceiling of 5,690 meters (18,777 feet).

The design calls for shortrunway capability even at field elevations of 4,000 meters (13,200 feet) above sea level.

Ambient operating temperatures range from -55 to +55 degrees Celsius. Commercial airlines operate in temperatures as cold as -55 degrees C only in Russia’s Yakutia region, leading to the conclusion that MA700 designers had the Russian market firmly in mind when designing their airplane. o

PROVEN PERFORMER

Fly nonstop across oceans (up to 4,750 nm/8,800 km); y one-stop to almost anywhere in the world. The 900LX has unrivaled capability, ying in and out of impressively short elds, burning 40 percent less fuel than its nearest competitor, and offering the comfort factor of three engines. It’s the latest and the best in the iconic Falcon 900 series.

WWW.DASSAULTFALCON.COM I INTERNATIONAL: +1 201 682 6296 I SOUTH EAST ASIA & AUSTRALASIA: +6012 213 2132