Russian and Western Missile Defense Partnership?

It could happen. With NATO calling on Russia to work with the west, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Moscow is indeed looking at cooperation with NATO on issues of anti-missile defense. Could this be an opening for A & D companies in the west to partner with Russia? It sure sounds like it. All the parties to this potential union will be at ILA and companies interested in exploring opportunities should be making appointments with key counterparts. This could be an historic shift in east-west relations and a step toward opening previously closed defense cooperation sectors. Read More

Back to top

Is Camelina the Answer to Jet Fuel, Chicken Feed and Strong Hearts?

Fourteen airlines have an agreement with a Seattle-based company for some 750 million gallons of jet fuel derived from the Camelina plant that not only grows in dry cold places but needs little fertilizer and can be used as a rotational crop with wheat. Did we mention that it is a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids that are said to be good for human hearts and already approved by the FDA? After squeezing out the “jet fuel” the left over meal may be approved to feed farm animals. A miracle plant indeed! Learn about alternative fuels and other steps being taken to reduce the environmental impact of aviation by attending the International Greener Skies Ahead conference on June 8th! Read More

Back to top

NASA and DLR SOFIA Project Poised to Make History

NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) are the proud parents of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy – known as SOFIA. After a long development process, the complex system is about to see its “first light” as the 20 ton, German built telescope opens its eye for the first time on a distant celestial object. The magnificent telescope is described by officials as a “near-Hubble-class” observatory. The observatory will be hauled aloft by the specially modified 747P aircraft and is expected to take the first picture of heavens before the end of May. The SOFIA project will be on display at ILA 2010 where NASA and DLR representatives will be on hand to explain the technology and science behind one of most exciting instruments ever created. Reade More

Back to top

A Single Export Control Agency for Arms?

Many who readily say that they will “believe it when the see it” when it comes to streamlining export controls on military equipment, were given pause by the recent statement by Secretary Gates. Gates would like to see a single control and a single enforcement entity to help eliminate the ““byzantine amalgam” of control agencies. Marion Blakey, a consistent and strong advocate for cleaning up the mess applauded Secretary Gates. Many remain skeptical however, but would love to be proven wrong. The industry is watching intently to see if words get turned into action. Read More

Back to top

Blended Wing Tests Successful

The 8.5% scale model of the Boeing X-48B has passed a series of tests at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center where the mini passenger jet was flown under a variety of conditions and at various speeds to determine its stability. The aircraft’s computer system was said to safely assist the “pilot” to return the aircraft to normal flight configuration after the aircraft had been purposely flown outside of normal limits. The aircraft which at full size could carry hundreds of passengers in its windowless body would probably use video cameras to provide simulated external views for passengers. Read More

Back to top

EADS Stalking Horse for DOD?

While EADS is making a bold move to compete with Boeing for the huge tanker deal, they may be simply building goodwill by providing DOD with a competitor that can serve to keep programmatic costs down. Without EADS, DOD would have otherwise ended up with a difficult to manage sole-source contract. Putting a brave face on it, Sean O’Keefe, CEO of EADS North America and former NASA Administrator said, “We intend to win, we’re not bidding to produce more paper.” With estimates for preparing such a proposal running at around $100 million, this may turn out to be one of the more expensive marketing and goodwill buys by EADS in North America. EADS and Boeing will be at ILA and may be willing to discuss the competition. Read More

Back to top

WTO Ducks Out of Tanker Controversy

Under its rules, the WTO says it has no authority to involve itself in the tanker controversy according to WTO secretary-general Pascal Lamy. The warring factions using charges and counter-charges over government subsidies to OEM aircraft manufacturers is further clouded by the current political climate that could make it tough for Airbus to compete for the tanker project on a level playing field. Read More

Back to top

An Unpleasant Preview for EADS Bid on Tanker

Even before EADS has submitted its bid on the DOD Tanker RFP, the political gauntlet it must run is being previewed by at least one member of Congress who is said to be using strong-arm tactics that will discourage partnerships with U.S. companies that might attempt to win the lucrative tanker deal. Dicks, a representative from Washington State and now Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, denies that he is attempting to influence the outcome. Dick’s reportedly said that he did not understand why any defense contractor would partner with EADS and he hoped the company would not bid on the contract. Read More

Back to top

Houston, We’ve Got a Problem

With the Space Shuttle ready to retire in September and the sudden unexpected cancellation of the Constellation program (where many in Houston thought they would transfer) Houston’s NASA employees are facing a difficult 2011. The shutdown of the Shuttle Program is expected to be complete by February 2011 and that means a lot of people are going to be brushing up their resumes. By the time you read this, a big Texas delegation supporting an extension of the Shuttle Program will have visited Washington and let their representatives and the Administration know that more unemployed people is not a good thing and that the Shuttle has earned the right to continue. This will be interesting to watch. NASA is expected to be at ILA 2010 and this could be a good opportunity to get the real story. Read More

Back to top

U.S. Destined to Fall Behind in Space Technology?

Some lawmakers, industry officials and scientists believe that for the first time since the glory days of the Apollo moon landings, the U.S. could find itself without a clear plan for sending astronauts into the far reaches of the solar system. Space leadership is seen by many as not simply being first in space but also maintaining national security and protecting the essential industrial base. The fight is on. The Obama Administration believes that NASA is too slow and too expensive and is looking to the private sector to meet our space needs faster and cheaper. Some members of Congress are intent on protecting the NASA establishment. Stand by for a significant political impact. Read More

Back to top

Show News

The Aerospace Product Literature Center (APLC)
at the ILA Berlin Air Show 2010

If you can’t make the show in person but want to get your company’s products and services in front of the large international audience, take advantage of the APLC.

Interested in participating in one of the most important aerospace, defense, space, and security industry shows taking place in Europe in 2010? The ILA Berlin Air Show 2010 (ILA 2010), a U.S. Department of Commerce Trade Fair Certified (TFC) event, will host the major aircraft, engine, avionics, and materials manufacturers as well as defense corporations, security companies, space flight manufacturers, and national space agencies. Displaying your company’s literature in the U.S. Department of Commerce organized Aerospace Product Literature Center (APLC) will allow your company to participate in this exciting show, generating new trade leads, creating new business contacts, and establishing new partnerships in Germany and throughout Europe at the lowest possible cost. Showcasing your company’s product and sales literature in the APLC allows you to identify potential customers and test the market. For more information on exhibiting your company literature at the U.S. Department of Commerce run Aerospace Products Literature Center at ILA 2010, please contact Deborah Semb, U.S. Department of Commerce, 202/482-0677

Back to top

Look Who’s Coming to the ILA Berlin Air Show 2010

Here is a partial list of companies from North America who will be presenting their products and services to the more than 120,000 trade visitors at the only full scope aerospace show on the continent this year. If you aren’t among these companies and want to join them, click here to sign up -- there is still time.

CANADA

AIAC & Gov. Of Canada
Bombardier
CCUVS
Esterline CMC Electronics
Latitude Technologies Corporation
MicroPilot
Pratt & Whitney Canada
Reach Technologies, Inc.

U.S.A.

AeroVironment
Aviation Week
Bell Helicopter
The Boeing Company
Breeze Eastern
Department of Commerce - Comm. Svc.
FAA
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
Helicopter Association International (HAI)
Lockheed Martin
MD Helicopter
Northrop Grumman
Parker Aerospace
Pratt & Whitney USA
Raytheon
Sikorsky
Teal Group
US Army Targets Management Office
TWI Group
Vision Systems
Wipaire

Mexico

Tijuana/Baja California

Back to top

Space Foundation Chief to speak at ILA 2010

Elliot Pulham, CEO of the Space Foundation, will attend the Berlin Air Show for the first time and address European space professionals and the media on the “State of the Global Space Industry.” The Space Foundation was founded on March 21, 1983, “to foster, develop and promote, among the citizens of the United States of America and among other people of the world ... a greater understanding and awareness ... of the practical and theoretical utilization of space ... for the benefit of civilization and the fostering of peaceful and prosperous world.” Mr. Pulham, recognized as one of the world’s foremost space leaders, will address the Space Foundation’s “Space Report 2010” that documents that the global space economy grew by an astounding 40% in spite of the economic difficulties that faced many sectors of the aerospace industry. You won’t want to miss Mr. Pulham’s address.

Back to top

More Than 1,100 Exhibitors from 40 Countries
to attend ILA 2010!

With applications already at the record level of the previous event the ILA 2010 looks set for even more success. Some 1,100+ exhibitors from 40 countries are expected at the International Aerospace Exhibition that will take place from 8 to 13 June at the Berlin-Schönefeld Airport. For the first time exhibitors from Australia, Finland, Mexico, Monaco, Sweden, Singapore, Turkey and Tunisia will be represented at this international aerospace trade show. The partner country of the ILA 2010 is Switzerland, which is also celebrating a special anniversary this year, “100 Years of Swiss Aviation”. Based on applications already received, there will be substantially increased involvement by the USA and Japan, and by European countries. The joint stand organized by the BDLI (the German counterpart to the AIA in the U.S.) will include some 40 exhibitors -- a substantial increase compared with the ILA 2008. Among the leading international exhibitors will be Airbus, AgustaWestland, Antonov, Arianespace, Astrium, Beriev, Bell Helicopter Textron, Boeing, Bombardier, CAE, Diamond, Diehl, EADS, Eurocopter, ESA, General Atomics, Irkut Corp-oration, Ivchenko, Liebherr Aerospace, Lufthansa Technik, Lockheed Martin, MiG Russian Aircraft Corporation, MD Helicopters, MTU, Northrop Grumman, OHB, Oboronprom Russian Helicopters, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon, Rheinmetall, Rockwell Collins, Rolls-Royce, RUAG, Sikorsky and Thales. Don’t miss the biggest aerospace event on the continent in 2010!

Back to top

Looking for an Aerospace Job?

According to recent statements by the Association of German Engineers (VDI) there are vacancies for some 1,200 engineers in aviation and space technology alone. It is against this background that the ILA 2010 (8-13 June) at the Berlin-Schönefeld Airport will be the place to be if you are looking for professional work in the Aerospace industry. The two-day ILA CareerCenter, on June 11th and 12th, is aimed at everyone who is considering a career in this sector. For pupils, students, newcomers to the industry or even highly experienced specialists: the CareerCenter in Hall 6 offers an opportunity to obtain wide-ranging information about career prospects, and make direct contact with future employers. You will not want to miss this outstanding opportunity to gain insight into jobs in aerospace. Bring your resume!

Latest details about the programme and other important information can be found here. Prior to the show this website will present an online game with opportunities to win prizes, and a wealth of additional information about many aspects of “Careers in the Aerospace Industry”. Additional information can be found on the CareerCenter blog. The ILA CareerCenter can also be found on all the main social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Xing and StudiVZ.

Back to top