AirPlus released the June edition of The Wire…from AirPlus on the topic of Travel Alternatives.  The report found that teleconferencing and web-conferencing are increasingly being used as alternatives at 81% and 71% respectively. While over half did agree that virtual meetings are as effective as meeting in person, it is interesting that 25% believed that it is rarely or almost never as effective. The top two weighted reasons cited for turning to travel alternatives included increased travel costs and decreased budgets.

“We recognize that corporate travel budgets are under scrutiny and we believe that now more than ever, our customers need the rich data that our product suite provides,” said Richard Crum, President of AirPlus International. “In addition, we offer free monthly Data Lab webinars for our customers using the AirPlus Information Manager to gain transparency for analysis of their corporate travel spend.”

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced today it has selected Oshkosh to supply MRAP All Terrain Vehicles (M-ATV) for its fighting forces. Oshkosh has received an initial delivery order from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC) for 2,244 M-ATVs valued at $1.05 billion, following months of government testing on multiple production-ready vehicles.

“We are proud that Oshkosh was chosen to provide its M-ATV offering to the U.S. Armed Forces. Our M-ATV design combines the crew protection warfighters have come to expect in MRAP vehicles with the extreme mobility and durability needed to negotiate Afghanistan’s mountainous off-road terrain,” said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh Corporation chairman and chief executive officer. “Due to the urgent need of our Armed Forces for a survivable and highly mobile vehicle, our Corporation’s number one priority is meeting the Department’s accelerated delivery schedule of the Oshkosh M-ATV. Oshkosh Corporation will put whatever resources are necessary to meet or exceed the government’s delivery schedule. While we believe we can meet or exceed the government’s current delivery requirements, we intend to enter into discussions with other manufacturers to determine if they can assist in the production of the Oshkosh M-ATV.”

Bohn went on to say, “As we begin supplying our advanced, high-performance vehicles, our full-service aftermarket support network will be available with replacement parts, technical support, and repair or refurbishment services. If demands for technology or component upgrades should arise, our team is ready to deliver.”

Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense said, “Much has already been done to ensure we can meet the government’s delivery schedule. In recognition of the urgent need, we began daily production of Oshkosh M-ATVs on our flexible manufacturing line a few weeks ago. We and our suppliers have already made significant investments in materials and are well positioned to accelerate our manufacturing capabilities.”

The Oshkosh Defense investments, planning and engineering activities, and production of M-ATVs in advance of this award will allow for accelerated delivery of the Oshkosh M-ATV, with initial vehicles available to TACOM LCMC in July.

In order to achieve the off-road mobility that soldiers and Marines need in Afghanistan, Oshkosh integrated its TAK-4 independent suspension system onto the vehicle. As further testament to the government’s confidence in this suspension system, the company recently received a supply order to equip more than 1,500 legacy MRAPs with the TAK-4 system and continues to work with the Army to evaluate using the system on additional legacy MRAP models. The TAK-4 suspension system is used on more than 10,000 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVR) supplied to the Marines and Seabees, as well as on the Marines’ Logistics Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR) and the Army’s next-generation Palletized Load System (PLS).

Oshkosh Defense teamed with Plasan North America for the M-ATV armor system to provide an advanced armor solution. Plasan also developed the armor system used on more than 5,000 legacy MRAPs and thousands of Oshkosh Armored Cab MTVRs already in theater.

Oshkosh performed more than 7,500 miles of independent off-road testing to identify possible enhancements to the vehicle so it would meet or surpass the performance requirements in the rugged terrain in Afghanistan.

BAE Systems has been awarded $124.8 million in U.S. Army contracts to reset, upgrade and maintain M113 vehicles.  Several contracts awarded to the company by the U.S. military cover repairs and improvements on the combat-proven infantry vehicles. Specifically, awards include:

• $87.7 million for the reset of 697 M113 vehicles. During the reset process, BAE Systems will repair existing vehicles to pre-deployment condition and provide some upgrades to enhance survivability, mobility and communications.
• $23.3 million for parts and materials. This covers the acquisition of long-lead items needed for future repairs to M113 vehicles.
• $7.8 million for add on armor. BAE Systems will add additional protection to 120 M113 vehicles.
• $6 million for support and maintenance on M113 vehicles at Fort Hood, Texas. This award will cover support to the U.S. Army’s 1^st Cavalry Division.

“The M113 Family of Vehicles is an integral component of the Army’s Heavy Brigade Combat Teams,” said Joe McCarthy, vice president, Heavy Brigade Combat Team Systems for the company. “BAE Systems will continue to support our troops by repairing, maintaining and improving the M113 throughout the life cycle – freeing soldiers to focus on their mission.”

The M113 family of vehicles is one of the most widely used combat vehicles in the world. More than 80,000 of the armored tracked vehicles have been produced, including more than 40 variants. The M113 family is used by at least 44 countries. It can transport 12 troops and a driver and is capable of amphibious operation, extended cross-country travel over rough terrain and high-speed operation on improved roads and highways.

Work on these contracts will be performed by the existing workforce at BAE Systems’ facilities in Anniston, Alabama; Aiken, South Carolina and Fort Hood, Texas.

LaBarge has been awarded a $2.3 million contract from Northrop Grumman to continue to produce electronic equipment for the AN/AAQ-24(V) Directional Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) system. LaBarge has worked on the program for more than a decade.

The only such aircraft protection system currently in production, Northrop Grumman’s DIRCM system is now installed or scheduled for installation on several hundred military aircraft to protect approximately 48 different types of large fixed-wing transports and rotary-wing platforms from infrared missile attacks. The system functions by automatically detecting a missile launch, determining if it is a threat, and activating a high-intensity laser-based countermeasure system to track and defeat the missile.

Production at LaBarge’s Tulsa, Okla., facility is expected to begin in October 2009 and continue through January 2010. LaBarge is a Northrop Grumman Preferred Supplier.

In defense industry news, Bruker Detection Corporation today announced that it has been awarded a contract for ten first article test and verification units for the Improved Point Detection System (IPDS) replacement program of the United States Navy, based on Bruker’s RAID-S2 shipboard chemical detector. The award includes ten units and certain engineering modifications, with a total contract amount greater than one million dollars.

Bruker’s RAID-S2 is a gas trace detector for the detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs). It is based on advanced high-performance ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) technology. The RAID-S2 is specifically designed for long-term monitoring of ambient air for the presence of hazardous chemical vapors in the interior or exterior of ships, buildings or shelters.

Mr. Frank Thibodeau, Vice President of Bruker Detection Corporation, commented: “The IPDS evaluation program consisted of a challenging competitive testing regime under demanding environments which pushed the limits of chemical point detection systems. The RAID-S2 performed very well in these evaluation trials and has been selected by the U.S. Department of Defense for final test and validation of production units. We are delighted to have been selected for the IPDS program by the US Navy, and believe that Bruker’s robust and proven RAID IMS technology, unsurpassed detection capability, and proprietary industry-leading false-alarm suppression have led to this contract award. These technological features are also built into our industry-leading RAID(TM)-M handheld detector, RAID-XP portable combined chemical and gamma radiation detector, as well as our RAID-AFM Autonomous Facility Monitor for critical building and infrastructure protection, which has been developed under a separate Department of Homeland Security development contract.”

Dassault Systèmes announced that Airbus is deploying DS Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions to support several key design processes around 3D of its A350 XWB program. The software will provide Airbus engineers with a collaborative solution from 3D design to manufacturing engineering, enhanced comparatively to previous programs.

Based on Dassault Systèmes ENOVIA VPM, a 3D Digital Mock Up of the plane will support design activities from several thousands of designers, from Airbus and its suppliers. The aircraft composite structure design, developed on Dassault Systèmes CATIA Composite Part Design solution, can be revised by all parties involved, leading to improved engineering reactivity. The 3D Digital Mock-Up (DMU) is also going to be connected to Manufacturing Engineering (Dassault Systèmes DELMIA software) for an optimization of the manufacturing process and an end to end process from engineering to manufacturing.

The A350 XWB programme is focused on operational efficiency with a family of new-generation aircraft perfectly suited to the market’s changing needs in terms of size, range, passenger comfort and the environment. It will provide improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and lower noise levels during departure, cruise and arrival. This is why, managing the lifecycle of its A350 aircraft in a virtual 3D PLM environment, has been one of Airbus’ major objectives.

“Dassault Systèmes is supporting Airbus in its objective to improve manufacturing techniques and to increase collaborative innovation for sustainable business.” comments Etienne Droit, Executive Vice President, Dassault Systèmes. “Two years ago, Dassault Systèmes and Airbus agreed to have 3D as the master of the A350 definition and 3D reliable configured DMU to be the reference for any A350 designers and managers, to put in place Dassault Systèmes PLM solutions to support the wide Extended Enterprise ecosystem working to develop and produce A350, and to simplify and harmonize IT environment to be efficient in supporting these challenges: This is now a reality.”

“In today’s interconnected world, it is even more critical for manufacturers to intensify their collaborative approach for smart product design and development. IBM and Dassault Systèmes have worked together to deliver an implementation that allows Airbus to collaborate more easily with partners and suppliers. This helps optimize operations globally and creates a leaner and faster model for product development”, stated Albert Bunshaft, vice president, IBM Product Lifecycle Management.

Island Air pilots, who are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), have announced the signing of their new collective bargaining agreement with management. Among the immediate improvements included in the four-year agreement are wage increases, work rule advances and furlough protections. Specifically, Island Air pilots will receive annual wage increases totaling 12 percent over the next four years, as well as other economic and work rule improvements that allow for increased compensation.

“Faced with many challenges throughout the negotiating process, we believe the end result speaks for itself,” said Capt. Charlie Ciszek, chairman of the ALPA unit at Island Air. “We are pleased with management’s willingness to work with us toward achieving a new agreement that recognizes the pilots’ contributions to the success of Island Air. We are aware of the competitive market in which we fly and this agreement also provides management with the tools they need to maintain the quality service our loyal customers have come to expect and grow our business.”

The Island Air pilots’ contract became amendable November 30, 2007, and after 16 months of negotiations, the pilots reached a Tentative Agreement with management. Upon approval by the Island Air Master Executive Council—the union’s governing body—this Tentative Agreement was given to the pilot membership. Informational meetings were held for Island Air pilots to ask questions about the proposed agreement and provide feedback. With overwhelming support from the membership, the elected pilot leaders at Island Air ratified the agreement. It was then signed by ALPA and Island Air representatives, with the final signature coming from ALPA President Captain John Prater.

“The new Island Air pilot contract is an incredible accomplishment,” said Captain Prater. “Negotiations are challenging even in the best of circumstances, yet Island Air pilots persevered through extremely difficult economic conditions and reached an agreement with gains in several key areas. They, along with their management team, are a prime example on how we can—and should—work together for the benefit of the airline and the employees who make the airline a success.”

Evektor Aircraft, headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, announced this week a new Flight School Incentive Program designed specifically to help flight schools around the United States replace their costly and aging fleet of trainers at only 1/2 (half) of the cost of a new Cessna, Piper, or Diamond Aircraft. From Evektor Aircraft’s SportStar MAX BT (”Basic Trainer”) to their top-of-the-line SportStar MAX IFR, each aircraft is customizable, depending on each flight school’s training, instrumentation, and cost/benefit requirement.

Evektor Aircraft, Inc., already a recognized leader in Certified S-LSA Aircraft used for flight training in the USA, has made several refinements to its 2009 aircraft offerings. The SportStar, the first Sport Aircraft to be certified in the US (2005), is well known for its rugged, all-metal construction, stable flight characteristics, and low maintenance costs. The aircraft is built for flight schools and the daily rough use expected, and can be kept out in the weather for many seasons without adverse effects. Its straight forward stall and spin characteristics make it one of the safest aircraft in the air, and a stable, student pilot platform.

Josef Bostik, President of Evektor Aircraft, Inc. stated, “The Evektor SportStar is not just a training aircraft. The SportStar MAX is a desirable Sport Plane that can be flown by pilots looking to lower the cost of their pleasure flying or business commute. Able to carry two persons in its 47” wide, comfortable cockpit, carry a week’s supply of baggage at 110 knots for nearly 800 miles non-stop, the SportStar is not your Grandfather’s Cessna or Piper!”

For those Flight Schools that require the full “Monty” in its training fleet, Evektor offers the SportStar MAX IFR. The MAX IFR is the first Light Sport Aircraft that is Part 23 instrument compliant for IFR IMC flight, and can be used to train students from Sport Pilot, Private, up to and including a Commercial Instrument rating. The MAX IFR comes equipped with the Certified Rotax 912S 100 HP which has a 1500 hour TBO. Based on 800 hours per year use in a flight school, the operating cost of the SportStar BT, and SportStar Max IFR Trainer is less than half that of a Cessna 172.

“Low acquisition costs, low maintenance costs, and the lowest operating costs make Evektor Aircraft’s 2009 lineup the logical choice for integration into existing training fleets,” Stated John Dunham, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Evektor Aircraft, Inc. Dunham added, “We are hearing from flight school operators interested in seeing the SportStar up close and personal, and already have dozens of aircraft working, and new arrivals are being placed into Flight Schools in many major metropolitan areas.”

To facilitate ease of acquisition for Flight Schools, Evektor Aerotechnik is working on a comprehensive Export and Flight School Financing Program for the USA in cooperation with the Czech Export Bank. Distribution is from its US based operation, Evektor Aircraft, Inc. of Melbourne, Florida. Fleet prices will range from a little over $110,000 for the SportStar BT, to around $155,000 for the SportStar MAX IFR equipped version.

“It is becoming quite popular. Everyone who flies the SportStar MAX really likes it. I’d love to add more aircraft to my training fleet,” stated Bob Archibald, Flight School Owner of Santa Rosa, California’s DragonFly Aviation.

SpaceX and Astronautic Technology (M) Sdn Bhd (ATSB) of Malaysia announced a new launch window has been set for Falcon 1 Flight 5, carrying the RazakSAT satellite to orbit. The launch window opens Monday, July 13th and extends through Tuesday, July 14th, with a daily window to open at 4:00 p.m. (PDT) / 7:00 p.m. (EDT).

The launch was delayed last month after SpaceX identified the potential for an unfavorable interaction between the satellite and the launch vehicle. After further analysis, SpaceX determined the implementation of a simple vibration isolation system would address this concern. SpaceX selected the SoftRide isolation system from CSA Engineering for this purpose, citing the system’s strong flight heritage and established success in addressing vibration concerns.

Falcon 1, a two-stage, liquid oxygen/rocket-grade kerosene vehicle designed from the ground up by SpaceX, will place the RazakSAT satellite, equipped with a high resolution Medium-Sized Aperture Camera (MAC), into a near equatorial orbit.

RazakSAT was designed and built by ATSB, a pioneer and leader in the design and manufacture of satellites in Malaysia. The satellite is expected to provide high resolution images of Malaysia that can be applied to land management, resource development and conservation, forestry and fish migration.

SpaceX’s Falcon 1 launch site is located approximately 2500 miles southwest of Hawaii on Omelek Island, part of the Reagan Test Site (RTS) at United States Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA) in the Central Pacific. Due to the location of the launch site, the Kwajalein local date at the opening of the launch window will be Tuesday, July 14th.

RTI announced this past week that Base Ten Systems Electronics GmbH (Base10) has selected RTI Data Distribution Service for their unmanned ground-based vehicle (UGV) project. When the German Military of Defense needed the expertise to develop a UGV for deployment in hazardous environments, Base Ten Systems Electronics GmbH (Base10) was the natural choice. Base10 has over 30 years of experience in the use and adaptation of commercial electronics and microprocessor technology for military applications.

Base10 is currently in the development phase of the RoboScout project, a system demonstrator comprising two ground vehicles and a mobile command post, scheduled for delivery to the German Armed Forces next year. RoboScout is built around a modular design to support multi-role operation, from SIGINT and reconnaissance through convoy and transport systems. It also has the ability to support both terrestrial and satellite data links, as well as acting as a communications relay station for other vehicles.

For such a mobile system, comprising multiple autonomous components, reliable real-time communications is a major concern. Base10 found that RTI’s real-time middleware, the RTI Data Distribution Service, addressed a number of key technical and systems integration issues in the development of this ground-breaking UGV project.

The communications environment for such an autonomous unmanned vehicle system has a demanding combination of special requirements, including low-latency real-time performance; high reliability and deterministic messaging; ability to support modularity and flexibility in system configuration; and to operate transparently in a heterogeneous communications environment using satellite and radio data links.

Base10 found that RTI’s Data Distribution Service provides the ideal framework for communication and integration within the modular design of the RoboScout architecture, helping them to meet their performance requirements on this challenging and innovative UGV project.

The publish-subscribe model of RTI’s Data Distribution Service middleware also ensures that future upgrades and expansion to the RoboScout system can be undertaken with minimal effort, by greatly reducing the time involved in new software integration in support of additional functionality. It is the intention that the RoboScout System will be compatible with present and future military networks.