>>> Testing the A380


BEFORE THE FIRST fully assembled A380 even reached the runway it spent over three months going through a battery of ground tests on hydraulics, electrical circuits, landing gear systems, flight controls, fuel systems and navigational systems. It was also subjected to intense pressure tests, vibration tests, flight simulation tests and load bearing tests.

Since the A380 first took to the skies on 27 April 2005, Airbus has been running the aircraft through a rigorous test flight campaign. In all, five aircraft will spend a total of 2,500 flight hours, or 312 working days, being tested in the air.

In addition to the ground tests and flight campaigns, a separate A380 airframe, the aircraft structure, is undergoing the most extensive fatigue tests ever carried out on a complete airframe. Conducted in Dresden (Germany) over 26 months, the tests will provide information on pressurisation and depressurisation. This round the clock programme represents the equivalent of 47,500 flights.

The A380's developmental progress and testing success were manifested in the completion of the A380's first long haul test flight from Toulouse (France) to Singapore. Singapore, the first city scheduled to operate A380 commercial flights, was also the first city outside Europe to welcome the new test flight aircraft on 11 November 2005.

The A380 arrived in Singapore Airlines and Airbus livery in honour of its launch customer Singapore Airlines. Moving on, the test flight programme has taken the A380 to other cities, providing engineers with the opportunity to test the aircraft in long haul conditions and in various airports.

This December, the world's largest cabin trainer was installed at the Airbus training centre in Toulouse. The state-of-the-art trainer features a double-deck replica of the actual aircraft, designed for cabin and flight crew safety training in both normal and emergency flight situations.

Meanwhile, construction of the first A380 destined for service with Singapore Airlines continues. In April 2005, the massive Singapore Airlines tail fin section was laid in place and in November the engines were powered up for the first time.

We will keep you updated throughout 2006 on the testing of the Singapore Airlines A380 aircraft.



Acknowledgement:
Article published by Singapore Airlines A380 Team in Singapore Airlines A380 eNewsletter, issue 08-05 dated December 2005.
Photo by Airbus.

Happy New Year


A I R M E News* wishes you - our readers - a happy, peaceful and abundant 2006.

>>> Iran's nuclear threat
by Derek Yeo



STRATFOR, A CIVILIAN intelligence firm based in the United States, yesterday quoted an Israeli army report of an impending nuclear threat from Iran.

By March 2006, Iran could begin uranium enrichment for producing nuclear weaponry. In the report, General Dan Halutz, Israel's Chief of Defence Forces cautioned that Iran would reach the "point of no return" in its nuclear plans.

Iran claimed that its nuclear work was peaceful, conducted mainly for energy needs. However, the United Nations, United States and European Union suspected the Iranians of harbouring secret plans to develop nuclear warheads.

Meanwhile, talks between Iran and the UN, US and EU had stalemated. The EU expressed concern on Thurday: "The European Council is gravely concerned at Iran's failure to build confidence that its nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful."

Closer home, Iranian-Russian military ties had upped a notch. Russia agreed to sell high-tech Tor-M1 air defence missiles to Iran. That the sale was going ahead despite official US-EU protests sent mixed signals about the Russian stance on the crisis. Facing reporters, Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov deadpanned: "The sale will go ahead."

The Americans especially, voiced concern over Iran upgrading its missile technology, claiming new evidence proved Iranian attempts to develop nuclear-armed missiles.

Recently, the Islamic Republic had taken its confrontation with the West a step further. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (above) called for Israel to be "wiped off the map". And just days ago, he again created an international furore by calling the Holocaust a "myth", saying Israel should be re-sited to Europe.

The influential Al Ayyam newspaper had this to say in an article: "Ahmadinejad's statements hurt the Palestinian cause because Israel and the Holocaust enjoy international recognition, and any denial of the Holocaust and Israel hurts not only those behind it, but also justifies Israeli actions against them."

Speculations were rife that the Jewish state would have to decide soon on possible military action to defend itself. But an air attack against Iran would set back the Middle East peace process. Analysts believed that an Israeli strike against nuclear targets in Iran would be difficult as the Iranians - having learnt from a similar Israeli attack against Iraq in the eighties - had dispersed or hid their key installations.

In such a scenario, Hamas - the Palestinian militant force - had threatened retaliatory action against Israel. Hamas' chief Khaled Meshaal, told the press that: "If Israel attacks Iran, then Hamas will widen and increase its confrontation of Israelis inside Palestine."

A number of options was opened to Israel for an attack: a joint Israeli-US operation via Iraq; a strike using nuclear-tipped Jericho II missiles; a Saudi-aided raid; and an attack via Turkey.

Strong Israeli-Turkish military ties made the last option most pragmatic. But secular Turkey might not agree to help in attacking its Islamic neighbour.

An Israeli attack against Iran's Uranium Conversion Facility at Isfahan would revive memories of a similar raid against Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor on 7 June 1981. In a four-hour mission code-named "Operation Babylon", a flight of 16 Israeli F-15 Eagles and F-16 Falcons attacked the reactor, destroying it completely. The raid stunned Iraq, caught totally off-guard.

Following the raid, Israel stated: "On no account shall we permit an enemy to develop weapons of mass destruction against the people of Israel."*

An ominous statement indeed, that did not augur well for peace in the Middle East.

* "Two Minutes Over Baghdad" by Amos Perlmutter, Michael Handel and Uri Bar-Joseph, Page 143, Corgi Books, published 1982

>>> F-22 Raptor enters USAF service
by Derek Yeo



THE F-22A RAPTOR - the most lethal air-to-air fighter jet for the next 40 years - entered service with the United States Air Force (USAF) on December 15.

27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia has achieved "initial operational capability", an air force spokesman said.The squadron's aircrews have been training on Raptor for nearly a year.

General Ronald Keys, chief of USAF's Air Combat Command disclosed - at a press teleconference - that the squadron may visit Asia-Pacific next year. But no decision has been made yet.

According to its builder - Lockheed Martin - the F-22 Raptor fighter jet is the world's most advanced. Although not combat-proven yet, tests have shown it is more reliable and effective than its predecessor - the F-15 Eagle.

A Lockheed Martin senior official estimated that over the next four decades, the Raptor will stay relevant.



Acknowledgement: Photo by Reuters/The Straits Times

>>> Singapore and Boeing signs Eagles' purchase


Singapore's Ministry of Defence today released the following press statement:

SINGAPORE SEALS DEAL TO ACQUIRE TWELVE F-15SG

1. The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with The Boeing Company on 12 December 2005 to acquire 12 F-15SG (designated "SG" for "Singapore") fighter aircraft. The F-15SG, which has a configuration that is unique to Singapore will be the most advanced variant of the F-15 and will operate as the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) next generation multi-role fighter jet. The contract also provides an option for the acquisition of another 8 aircraft at a future date.

2. The F-15SG will replace the A-4SU Skyhawks which have been retired. They will be equipped with sophisticated avionics and weapons systems and will give the RSAF significantly better system-level capability. The acquisition of these advanced fighters marks a milestone in the transformation of the RSAF, and will significantly enhance the capabilities and operational readiness of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

3. The twelve F-15SG are expected to be delivered in 2008/09. The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) will manage the F-15SG programme.

>>> Boeing jet kills boy
by Derek Yeo


IN A FREAK accident, a Southwest Airlines B737 skidded off a runway - at Chicago's Midway Airport - onto a busy road, and hit at least two cars before stopping with a collapsed nose gear at a junction. The plane landed, moments before, in the midst of a driving snowstorm.

A six-year-old boy, riding in one of the cars with his family, sustained serious injuries. He died later in a hospital. His parents and two younger brothers received treatment for injuries.

Others injured, including four in another vehicle and three "shaken" passengers on the aircraft were sent to hospital.

Airline sources revealed that pilots had to land near the threshold of Midway's short runways to maximise their landing runs, especially in poor weather.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched their respective probes into the accident.



Acknowledgement: Photo by Reuters/The Straits Times

>>> Airbus clinches largest single order from China
by Derek Yeo


AIRBUS AND CHINA Aviation Supplies Importer & Exporter Group (CASGC) yesterday inked an historic sales agreement. It marked the apex of commercial ties between the European aircraft manufacturer and China's aviation industry over the last two decades.

Under a General Terms Agreement, Airbus will supply 150 A319s, A320s and A321s to Air China, the national carrier, and five other Chinese regional airlines. It is the largest single order from China for Airbus.

Airbus and CASGC officials signed the historic deal - worth US$9.7 billion at list prices - in the presence of French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin and visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

China's Airbus order surpasses her purchase of 70 Boeing jets worth about US$4 billion last month during President George W Bush's trip to Beijing. It comes at a time when Chinese-European ties - and especially French-Sino relations - are at their best.

Until now, Boeing's and Airbus' shares of the Chinese market for new aircraft have been about 60% and 33% respectively.

Mr Wen visited the Toulouse plant where Airbus builds its megajumbo, the A380. Visibly impressed, he asked plant officials many questions.

While in Toulouse, Mr Wen also officiated at the signing of a joint-venture between Airbus and China's National Development and Reform Commission. This pact could pave the way for Airbus to make A320 jets in China.

>>> Second quarter's financial woes for Malaysia Airlines


MALAYSIA AIRLINES YESTERDAY revealed dismal second quarter's figures. For the period July - September 2005, the company's losses hit a high of RM367.7 million; RM87 million higher than its first quarter's deficit.

The airline, unlikely to profit in FY2005, blames rising fuel and other costs for its financial woes. So far this year, losses reached a staggering RM648.4 million.

In the 2nd quarter, overall operational costs hit a high of RM2.84 billion. Fuel costs rose by 45% to RM1.2 billion. Staff and plane servicing costs spiralled too.

MAS operates under severe constraints: overstaffing, unprofitable routes and poor management. Poor corporate decisions led to splurges on expensive paintings for its chairman's office and extravagant consultancy services on (of all things) cost-cutting measures.

It has to maintain - often under government's direction - flights which drain its budget, such as those connections within East Malaysia and the long-haul to Buenos Aires.

MAS faces difficulty in mitigating public's outcry over its losses, especially after the government bought out its entire aircraft fleet.

A projected total loss of RM1 billion for this financial year, which ends in December, seems inevitable.


DY

>>> Changi International Airshow - 2008
by Derek Yeo


TWENTY O EIGHT will not be just the year of the Beijing Olympics.

It will also be the year of the first Changi International Airshow, to be held at a new purpose-built and permanent exhibition centre in Changi North. The new show will replace Asian Aerospace after the latter's last show at its site near Changi Village, from 21 to 26 February 2006.

The government has earmarked the site for airport redevelopment and expansion.

Reed Exhibitions - the organiser of Asian Aerospace - and Singapore's Economic Development Board could not agree on AA's future direction in Singapore. A new company - Changi International Airshow and Events Pte Ltd - jointly set up by Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Defence Science Technology Agency will manage the new show.

The new company has roped in aviation veterans Lim Chin Beng and Jimmy Lau as Chairman and Managing Director to launch the new Asian airshow.

Asian Aerospace itself is expected post-2008, to move to another Asian city.

The question on everyone's lips is: Will CIA* be as successful as or even more successful than Asian Aerospace?



WATCH this space - for the commentary, on-line soon. Live.
* Any resemblance to the initials of that famous agency is just coincidental.

>>> Singapore,Thailand and United States in joint exercise

THE AIR FORCES of Singapore, Thailand and the United States launched an air exercise, codenamed Cope Tiger, at Paya Lebar Air Base this week.

The exercise, held annually since 1994, enhances the professionalism and interoperability among the Republic of Singapore Air Force, the Royal Thai Air Force, and the United States Air Force/United States Marine Corps and strengthens the understanding and rapport among the officers and men.

The first-phase of the exercise, kicked off on 28 Nov 05 with a two-day Command Post Exercise (CPX). During the CPX, the participants gained a greater insight and understanding of the operating procedures across the three air forces through mission planning exercises and mission commanders' training.

The second phase of Ex Cope Tiger will be a 12-day Flying Training Exercise in Korat, Thailand from 6-17 Feb 06 and will involve the RSAF’s Chinook CH-47D helicopters for the first time.

The exercise will also involve about 90 aircrafts (sic) and 1,200 personnel flying over 1,260 sorties. This is a significant increase in participation of personnel and aircraft since its inception and is testimony to the excellent defence relations and close co-operation between Singapore, Thailand and the United States.

The opening ceremony for the exercise was jointly officiated this afternoon by the Chief of Air Force of the Republic of Singapore Air Force, Major-General Lim Kim Choon; Chief of Air Staff of the Royal Thai Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat and Vice-Commander of the General George C. Kenny Headquarters (Provisional) and Commander, Pacific Air Operations Centre, Hickam Air Force Base, Brigadier-General Gregory J. Ihde.

Acknowledgement with appreciation:

Ministry of Defence, Republic of Singapore published the above story in Mindef News Release dated 30 Nov 2005.

>>> Singaporean fighter pilot cited by respected aviation weekly
by Derek Yeo


"At one point, a simulated MiG aggressor, flying at low altitude, slipped through a blockade of F-15 Eagles and immediately went after an EA-6B in the blue force's backfield."

"An alert Singaporean F-16 pilot either spotted the simulated MiG or was directed to intercept it by an AWACs controller, shooting down the MiG and saving the high-value jammer aircraft."

MAJOR ONG SWEE Chuan, the 'alert Singaporean F-16 pilot' cited in this report by Aviation Week & Space Technology, had taken part in Exercise Red Flag. The United States Air Force held the exercise recently at Nellis Tactics and Training Range.

It is among the toughest air games conducted by North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's member nations. From anecdotal accounts, US war veterans testified that actual war-time operations were not as tough as Red Flag.

Major Ong, 34, with more than 1,300 F-16 flying hours to his credit, attributed his alertness to situational awareness honed by his years of experience.

In his stint at RSAF's 425th Squadron detachment, based at Luke Air Force Base - Arizona, he scored air ace ratings. The major beat his contemporaries in the range competition, finishing top in three of five categories. In US parlance, he is a 'Top Gun.'

The RSAF regularly deploys its servicemen in exercises with friendly countries - the United States, Britain, Australia, Sweden, among others - around the world. This enables the Singapore Armed Forces to stay agile, constantly improve its skills and performance. And also allows the SAF to benchmark itself against the world's best combat units.

For lack of training areas, limited airspace and national security reasons, Singapore maintains several long-term detachments around the world. These detachments, based in the US, Australia, Brunei, France and Taiwan, help to enhance the presence of and create 'space' for the tiny island city-state.

Major Ong and his detachment mates have done Singapore proud.

>>> Boeing plans larger B747 variant
by Derek Yeo


FINALLY, BOEING HAS decided to take on Airbus head-on in the war of the mega-jumbos. The famous airplane maker plans to produce a bigger variant of its ubiquitous B747 jumbo-jet.

Named B747-8, the new plane is Boeing's latest strategy to help recover her number one spot in the air transport market. Boeing lost it to Airbus in 2003.

This year, Airbus pips Boeing again with sales of 360 airliners to 290.

Despite years of differing with Airbus over the market viability of Ultra Large Aircraft (ULA), Boeing now realised that there is in fact, room for two ULAs.

That Boeing chose to announce its new aircraft now is significant. Airbus has just wrapped up a successful A380 Asian and Australian tour. By doing so, Boeing hopes to take some shine off that success. And shift global attention to the B747-8.

Boeing aims for a slice of the market with a B747-8 - based on a stretched 747-400 airframe - which is lighter, and powered by quieter engines with less emissions. However, from Boeing figures just released, A380 edged her rival in capacity and range. B747-8 can seat up to 450 passengers compared to A380's 555. The Boeing has a range of 14,815 km as against the Airbus' 15,000 km.

Boeing expresses optimism in an estimated market share of around 900 B747-8s over the next 20 years. For the same period, Airbus projects sales of 650 to 700 A380s.

How accurate these forecasts will be, only time will tell.

>> A I R M E News*: Aviation's who, where, what . . .



A I R M E News* incorporates and supersedes 'Hangar Talk - Tarmac Walk' effective from 16 October 2005.

We feel that the new name - and acronym - represents more precisely the kind of information given in this log. Everything possible is done to ensure that every piece of information carried herein is factual and accurate.

Still, despite our best intentions, we cannot guarantee always an absolutely error-free blog. Hence, we would acknowledge and thank readers kind enough to point out any error and omission to us.

To you, our readers: we hope you enjoy our blog as much as we do in putting it together for you.


> > > Aviation -- Information -- Reports -- Memos -- Essays -- News < < <

>>> Financial woes at Malaysia Airlines
by Derek Yeo


ELATION TURNED TO gloom as Malaysia Airlines (MAS) braced itself for another record year of financial losses. Only days earlier, the 16th Annual Travel Awards 2005 in Pattaya, Thailand surveyed and voted MAS as the Best South-East Asian Airline.

Airline sources estimated that for financial year April 2005-March 2006, the company's losses could hit a staggering RM800 million to RM1 billion.

The airline suffered from years of mismanagement and lately, the impact of rising oil prices. In a bold management make-over, a new Chief Executive Officer - Mr Idris Jala - assumes office next month. The national carrier also has to fly loss-making routes into the vast interior of Sabah and Sarawak. It is cutting costs in yet another area - its large workforce; redundant lay-offs seem inevitable.

MAS has just published its revised fuel surcharges, effective from 15 Nov 2005, ranging from USD18 (RM 68) to USD50 (RM190). The revised rates do not affect domestic travel which remains heavily subsidised. For routes between West Malaysia and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), the surcharge is RM15; and for routes within Malaysia, RM7-50. Fuel surcharges are payable at the point of ticketing.

The airline has often groused about its role as Malaysia's national carrier to provide unprofitable domestic services, especially to poor rural regions.

Cost-plying grouses aside, fingers point to some lavish splurges by MAS at the same time. For example, experts - paid thousands of ringgit - were hired to advise on cost-slashing measures. One measure - carry less water and newspapers on flights - was introduced to lower aircraft weight.

The carrier's latest quarterly fiscal figures (July - September 2005) - in the red, no doubt - will be announced soon. Losses hit an all-time high of RM280 in the previous quarter.

>> US-India air exercise
by Derek Yeo


AMID GROWING TIES between India and the United States, both countries are holding an air force exercise starting 7 Nov. However, this year's exercise - the fifth in the annual series - is taking off in controversy.

Hundreds of Communist Party of India's supporters protested in Kolkata against the drill at Kalaikunda air force station in Marxist-ruled Bengal. The CPI is against India's warming relations with the US. Indian communists fear that the air exercises are a plot to increase American military influence in the region.

But Indian Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee insisted there is nothing unusual about the joint manoeuvre. "It is a routine exercise, it is nothing new," Indian Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee assured newsmen.

Kalaikunda air base, situated near the Indo-Chinese frontier, defends India's strategic front-line facing its northern neighbour, China.

Indian air force's Jaguars, Mirages and MiGs; and US F16s are taking part in the exercise.

>> A380 lands at Changi
by Derek Yeo


A380 PROTOTYPE MSN001 (French Registration F-WWOW) touched down at Changi Airport runway 2 at 10am, 13 hours after it left Toulouse, France.

The proving flight - A380's first outside Europe - was the farthest flown by the type since its production.

As the Airbus behemoth taxied in and nosed for the terminal, it tested successfully taxiways specially widened - along some stretches, by as much as 6m - and strengthened to suit A380's peculiar undercarriage configuration and longer turning radius.

It docked at Terminal 2's Gate F31 without a hitch. The gate is one of 19 - at Terminals 1, 2 and 3 - under upgrade to A380 standard.

Officials of Airbus, Singapore Airlines and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore greeted the behemoth jet on its arrival. Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong was the guest of honour. Mr Yeo, European ambassadors in Singapore and other guests later toured the aircraft's interior.

At a media conference, Mr Charles Champion - Airbus' Chief Operating Officer - stressed his company's plan to deliver SIA's first aircraft by the end of 2006. "Any delay of deliveries would be compensated according to contract terms," he emphasized.

To date, eleven A380s had been built and about 500 hours of test-flying hours achieved.

The plane took off for Brisbane at midnight.

Acknowledgement: Photo by The Straits Times

>> Boeing jet sets new world record



A BOEING 777-200LR (Longer Range) aircraft touched down at London's Heathrow Airport (1315GMT, 10 Nov) to a new world record. It landed 25 minutes earlier than scheduled, thanks to strong tailwinds.

The jet, dubbed 'Worldliner', flew 22 hours and 42 minutes - from Hong Kong to London - over a distance of 20,100 km. It is the longest non-stop journey on a scheduled passenger flight.

Another Boeing plane - a Qantas B747-400 - set the previous record of 17,039 km from London to Sydney in 1989.

The new epic flight, in a easterly heading, carried the 35 passengers and crew on-board over the northern Pacific, America and the Atlantic. Along the way, passengers and crew enjoyed two breathtaking sunrises.

In her command seat*, Captain Suzanna Darcy-Hennemann piloted the B777 to a smooth landing. One of her flight-crew, Captain Mathew, represented Singapore Airlines on the historic trip. He serves SIA as its Deputy Chief Pilot B777 - Base Training.

"I'm very excited to be part of aviation history," said Captain Mathew.

Officials from Guinness Book of Records and the British media met the crew on arrival.

*Note: This is the Captain's seat on the cockpit's port (left) side. The First Officer sits on the starboard (right) side.

>> A380 Visit To Singapore Delayed


A380 PROTOTYPE MSN001's arrival at Singapore Changi Airport, scheduled on 8 Nov 2005, has been delayed. Rolls Royce, the powerplant maker, has requested Airbus to replace two of the aircraft's four Trent 900 turbo-fan engines. The engine changes, taken as a precaution, arise from a review of an earlier engine replacement.

Its new estimated date of arrival is 11 Nov 2005.

Airbus has also announced a slight change of MSN001's itinerary. Originally after Singapore, its next stop would have been Kuala Lumpur. Now, it will fly to Australia first - to participate in celebrations marking the Australian national carrier, Qantas' 85th anniversary - before going on to Kuala Lumpur.

The revised itinerary: Toulouse - Singapore - Brisbane - Sydney - Melbourne - Kuala Lumpur - Toulouse.

A380 prototype MSN001's crew (including back-up crew) includes: Jacques Rosay, chief test pilot; Peter Chandler, experimental test pilot; Claude Lelaie, senior vice president flight division; test pilot Frank Chapman; Fernando Alonso, chief flight test engineer and vice president flight test division; test flight engineer Gérard Desbois; flight test engineer Jean-Francois Bousquie; and flight test engineer Sylvie Loisel-Labaste – the only female crew member.

On this nine-day tour, Airbus plans to:
1. showcase the A380 to SIA, QANTAS and MAS before initial deliveries
2. assist airports to test for compatibility, equipment and facilities; and assess their readiness to serve the A380
3. take part in A380 promotions in Singapore, Australia and Malaysia.

>> Airbus A380 flies to Frankfurt


THE FIRST A380 aircraft (MSN001) has begun a series of airport compatibility tests around the world. Frankfurt airport in Germany was the first to receive it from Toulouse early morning 29th October. The airport compatibility tests that took place on Saturday included landing, taxiing, docking at a terminal, checking passenger boarding bridge positioning, and take-off. There were also routine ground procedures such as loading baggage and food supplies, cleaning and refuelling. Airbus representatives are very satisfied with the testing.

The flight test aircraft cabin is fitted with flight-test instrumentation, measuring equipment and ballast tanks that can be filled with water to simulate the weight of a full passenger load and cargo.

Allowed onto the tarmac at the former military section of the airport, thousands turned up to view the aircraft despite the obscuring morning fog. The aircraft and its six crew members will return to Toulouse on Sunday morning.

With over 100 flights and over 360 flight hours, the first A380 (MSN001) is ahead of the test programme schedule and showing very good results.

Next, for the first time since the A380 took to the skies, the aircraft will leave Europe for airports in Asia. Singapore will be the first airport outside Europe to receive the A380 aircraft on November 8 for its next aircraft compatibility testing. Subsequent destinations are Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Meanwhile, the second of the five A380 (MSN004) test aircraft successfully took to the air on 18th October over southwestern France. This aircraft will join the first A380 (MSN001) in the flight test campaign that started on 27th April.


Acknowledgement with thanks to SIA A380 Team:
Update dated 2 Nov 2005 published in 'Stay Up To Date On SIA A380 Issue 06/05'.

>> Singapore: Trusted bench-mark


"ONE OF THE things that sets us apart is our trustworthiness. When I was in Beijing recently, I met a Singaporean who was a general manager of a Chinese-owned real estate company. He told me that one of the reasons he and a good number of other Singaporeans are sought by the Chinese for senior managerial positions is that the Chinese know Singaporeans can be trusted.

This is not an isolated observation, it has been repeated in the different countries that I have visited. When I met officials in Hyderabad, India, they were very keen for our Singapore companies to develop townships there. They told me that with Singapore, they know they will get what they contract for.

Many IP-rich companies that seek a regional presence make a beeline for Singapore because of our reputation for high standards of integrity and honesty. They know that we respect and will protect their copyright and so they locate their most sensitive intellectual property facilities in Singapore. The World Intellectual Property Office has set up its Asian office here, the first in the Asia Pacific.

Our Singapore name is held in such high regard that it is becoming a trusted reference used by many other countries and companies - be it for the purchase of commercial planes or sophisticated weaponry. Boeing and Airbus vie to have us buy their planes partly because they know that others will see our purchase as confirmation of quality.

And in a world powered by knowledge, being regarded as a trusted reference is a critical advantage. It is a distinctive and competitive attribute that cannot be easily commodotised like widgets or copied like tax incentives. "


--- RAYMOND LIM, Minister in Prime Minister's Office and 2nd Minister for Finance and Foreign Affairs, concluding a talk Mr Lim gave at a corporate associates lunch held by the Institute of Policy Studies on 28 Oct 2005.

>> Boeing picks Singapore as R&D partner


IN A THREE-YEAR landmark deal, Boeing's research and development arm - Boeing Phantom Works - picked Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) for joint aerospace projects. A*Star is one of Boeing's 14 worldwide partners in research and development.

The collaboration will boost Singapore's position as the centre for aerospace engineering in Asia-Pacific. Currently, the aviation sector - of about 100 companies here - employs 13,000 and earns more than $4b yearly. And more growth is projected over the next decade.

To help sustain this growth, the Singapore Government approved the R&D investment. A*Star's Managing Director, Mr Boon Swan Foo explained: "An investment in aerospace R&D will position Singapore to tackle some of the existing and future challenges in aviation, such as security, intelligence systems, seamless communications and composite materials for aircraft parts."

"Our goal is to carve for a niche ourselves by innovating and providing value-added services with and for our partners."

Technologies from the Boeing/A*Star co-ventures may be applied to new Boeing aerospace products.

>> Givenchy nightwear on Singapore Airlines' flights


IN YET ANOTHER trail-blazing move ahead of its competition, Singapore Airlines (SIA) pampers its first-class passengers - gratis, of course - with its latest creature comfort: designer pyjamas.

The jazzy garment is versatile enough for use, on and off the plane, as much for sports as for snoozes. It is now available on return flights from Singapore to Shanghai, Beijing, London and Sydney. And soon all other flights will carry it too.

The Givenchy-inspired 'Sleeper-Suit' - its official name - sports avant-garde collars and sleeves complete with zippers; and is available in four sizes and two colours.

Donning it, passengers can lounge in comfort and feel at home, especially on long-haul routes. It is the latest addition to a long list of freebies given to SIA's first-class travellers. Other popular gifts include duvet, body lotion, aftershave and eye shades.

In 2007, sleeper suits are also expected to be offered on Airbus A380 when the giant of the airways flies its inaugural scheduled passenger service with SIA.

>> Singapore to be Airbus A380's first Asian stop

AN AIRBUS A380 will visit Singapore - the first stop on its Asian tour - in November 2005. The 12-hour direct long-haul from Toulouse, France to Changi will be A380's longest flight to date and its first outside of Europe.

It will be a test flight of sorts for the prototype aircraft. The crew will monitor its first route-proving flight and test A380's capabilities en-route to Singapore. The mega-airbus will also stop at Sydney and Kuala Lumpur.

At Singapore Changi Airport, the aircraft will participate in trials including ground-handling, docking at the new A380 bay among others. Through these trials, Singapore Airlines and Singapore's Civil Aviation Authority hope to test airport systems enhanced to meet A380 requirements.

Infrastructure enhancements at Changi costing $68m include 19 new gates and larger embarkation rooms designed for A380 and its passengers.

After its flight-testing programme, airworthiness certification by France, Britain and the United States is scheduled by mid-2006. Following this, the first aircraft is planned for delivery to Singapore Airlines - A380's launch customer - by November 2006.

Singapore Airlines placed orders for ten aircraft and options for 15.

ABBRE-AVIATION: Codes, Glossary and Short-forms


Technical Short-forms


ABDR: Aircraft Battle Damage Repair. Quick-fix repairs carried out on aircraft damaged during air operations. Usually temporary in nature, such repairs enable warplanes to be serviceable quickly until when time permits, permanent repairs can be done.

DME: Distance Measuring Equipment.

FOD: Foreign Object Damage. Aircraft damage caused by external articles such as unaccounted servicing tools interfering with aircraft systems. Runway debris ingested by aircraft jet engines, causing internal damage, is another example.

OBOGS: On-board Oxygen Generation System. A device in combat aircraft, for manufacturing oxygen, to support the crew.

PSP: Perforated Steel Plate. Steel plates laid over soft ground to provide a hard stand or tarmac for aircraft parking or taxiing. Such reinforcement is used extensively in airfields with vast tracts of unpaved ground or grassland.

VOR: Very High Frequency Omni-Range. A vital radio navigational aid.



International Organisations


IATA: International Air Transport Association. The international body of affiliation, headquartered in Montreal, for airlines and air-freight companies.

ICAO: International Civil Aviation Organisation. The international body of affiliation, headquartered in Geneva, for civil aviation authorities of national jurisdictions.



National Organisations


CAA: Civil Aviation Authority: Britain's civil aviation authority.

CAAS: Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. Singapore's equivalent of the CAA.

FAA: Federal Aviation Administration. The United States' civil aviation authority.

QANTAS: Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service. Quaint initials which represent Australia's national airline.

NTSB: National Transportation Safety Board. The body responsible for public transport safety in the United States.

RAeS: Royal Aeronautical Society. The British body which protects and further the interests of Aerospace and aeronautical engineers and technologists.

SLAET: Society of Licensed Aircraft Engineers and Technologists. The defunct British society of affiliation for British aircraft maintenance engineers and technologists. Now, it forms part of RAeS.

Appointments

CAF: Chief of Air Force - The head of the air force in the Republic of Singapore and several other Asian countries.

CAS: Chief of Air Staff - Britain's head of the Royal Air Force, a position not unlike CAF described above.

Documentation & Publications

AP: Air Publication - Prefix used by Britain's Royal Air Force to classify and identify official publications. These deal with matters on air operations, aircraft engineering, administration, medical services, physical education and others. Example: AP 3402 (Standard Trade Training Notes: Airframe, Propulsion and Weapons Trades - Trade Practices and Servicing Procedures).

AAP: Australian Air Publication - Similar to RAF's APs, the Royal Australian Air Force uses this prefix for its official publications.

NOTAM: Notice To Airmen - a safety update to inform pilots and other aircrew affected, on matters relating to airways, airspace, airports and navigational aids.

SB: Service Bulletin - a manufacturer's bulletin detailing equipment engineering issues such as modifications, safety situations and technical inspections.

SI: Servicing Instruction - Aircraft and component manufacturers (and certain air forces) issue SIs to end-users to call for periodic safety inspections. Such checks are usually recurring in compliance requirement.

STI: Special Technical Instruction - Similar to SIs in purpose, but STIs are more urgent and has critical safety implications. An STI is usually a one-time check.

TCTO: Time Compliance Technical Order - a United States Air Force technical document for embodying equipment modifications or carrying out safety inspections and repairs.

TO: Technical Order - Like British AP's, the United States Air Force uses this prefix to classify and identify its official publications. See AP above.

IATA - ICAO Codes of Airports and Cities

AKL - NZAA: Auckland - New Zealand

ANC - PANC: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport - Alaska, United States

BKK - VTBD: Don Muang International Airport - Bangkok, Thailand

BOS - KBOS: Logan International Airport - Boston, United States

BNE - YBBN: Brisbane Eagle Farm Airport - Brisbane, Australia

BUE: Buenos Aires, Argentina

DBX: Dubai

DCA - KDCA: Ronald Reagan National Airport - Washington DC, United States

HKG - VHHH: Chek Lap Kok Airport - Hongkong, China

IAD - KIAD: Washington Dulles International Airport - Virginia, United States

JFK - KJFK: John F Kennedy International Airport - New York, United States

KUA - WMKD: Kuantan Airport - Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

KUL- WMKK: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Sepang) - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

LAX: Los Angeles, United States

LGW - EGKK: Gatwick Airport - London, England

LHR - EGLL: Heathrow Airport - London, England

LON: London, United Kingdom

MEL - YMML: Tullamarine Airport - Melbourne, Australia

NYC: New York, United States

ORD - KORD: O'Hare International Airport - Chicago, United States

PAR: Paris, France

PEK: Capital Airport - Beijing, China

RIO: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

SEL: Seoul, South Korea

SFO - KSFO: San Francisco International Airport - California, United States

SIN - WSSS : Singapore Changi Airport - Singapore

SYD - YSSY: Sydney Kingsford-Smith International Airport - Sydney, Australia

TLS - LFBO: Toulouse - Blagnac Airport - Toulouse, France

TPE: Taipei, Taiwan

TYO: Tokyo, Japan

YWG - CYWG: Winnipeg International Airport - Manitoba, Canada

YYZ - CYYZ: Toronto - Lester B Pearson International Airport - Ontario, Canada

XSP - WSSL: Singapore Seletar Airport - Singapore

YVR - CYVR: Vancouver International Airport - Richmond, BC, Canada



Airlines' Codes


BA: British Airways

CX: Cathay Pacific Airways

MH: Malaysian Airlines

MI: SilkAir

QF: Qantas Airways

SQ: Singapore Airlines

TG: Thai Airways



Glossary


Aileron: Control surface which turns the aircraft around its longitudinal axis. Together with the rudder, it helps the aeroplane to bank left or right. Ailerons are located at the out-board trailing edge of the port and starboard mainplanes.

Air Brake: Device, normally located on the mainplanes, used for slowing landing speed before the aeroplane stops. Fitted flush with the mainplane's exterior, air brakes protrude when deployed to hinder slip-stream, hence induce drag. They are also known as 'spoilers', an American term.

Airframe: Aeronautical term referring to an aircraft's structure including wings, fuselage and empennage. It covers exterior parts: structural skin, cowlings, panels, fairings, etc; and internal parts: longerons, ribs, spars, bulkheads, etc.

Avgas: Acronym for Aviation Gasoline (Fuel). Aircraft with piston-propulsion engine uses this fuel type which comes in several ratings for different engine categories.

Avtur: Acronym for Aviation Turbine Jet (Fuel). Turbine-powered and turbo-prop (turbine-propeller) driven aircraft use this fuel type.

Bowser: Mobile tanker for refuelling aircraft - a common term used by flight-line airmen, especially in the Royal Air Force.

Elevator: Control surface which turns the aircraft around its lateral axis. It pitches the aircraft nose-up for climb and rotation (R2) or take-off, and nose-down for dive or landing. Elevators are located at the trailing edge of the port and starboard tailplanes.

Flap: Aircraft control surface which helps maintain lift at low speed during the landing phase. Flaps are located at the in-board trailing edge of port and starboard wings.

Marshaller: A groundcrew responsible for guiding an aircraft taxiing in to or out from its parking lot at the airport's tarmac or dispersal. The equivalent Australian term is: Batsman.

Pitot-static tube: Device, usually located at the aeroplane's nose, which measures the aircraft's speed.

Port: Aeronautical and navigational term for the left side.

Rudder: Control surface located along the trailing edge of the aircraft's fin. It helps the craft to turn around its vertical axis.

Starboard: Aeronautical and navigational term for the right side.

Thermocouple: Sensor installed aft of a jet-engine turbine used for measuring the exhaust temperature.

Winglet: Airfoil extension at port and starboard mainplane tips. Winglets help to reduce wake turbulence and fuel-burn.

Zulu Hours: Time system equivalent to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) used by NATO military forces. Example - 00:59Z

International Phonetic Code


A for Alpha

B for Bravo

C for Charlie

D for Delta

E for Echo

F for Foxtrot

G for Golf

H for Hotel

I for India

J for Juliet

K for Kilo

L for Lima

M for Mike

N for November

O for Oscar

P for Papa

Q for Quebec

R for Romeo

S for Sierra

T for Tango

U for Uniform

V for Victor

W for Whiskey

X for X-ray

Y for Yankee

Z for Zulu

>>> Singapore picks F15


THE SINGAPORE government yesterday picked Boeing fighter jet, F-15 to replace its air force's ageing A-4SU 'Super' Skyhawks.

An agreement sealing the deal is expected to be inked by year's end.

The decision capped seven years of intensive study and evaluation of the F-15 Eagle and several other types including the Rafale, F-18 Super Hornet, Sukhoi Su-30 and the Typhoon.

Details of the buy are not available; however, defence analysts believe that between eight and 12 aircraft including armaments are in the package.

The F-15 has been combat proven, having seen action in the Balkans conflict, Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and the 2nd Gulf War. Notably on 7 June 1981, Israel deployed F-15s and F-16s to attack and destroy successfully, Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor.

Its combat record could have figured strongly in Singapore's decision to buy it. Interchangeable American Standard aircraft general spares are another consideration. Several aircraft types - KC135 and F-16 among others - in the RSAF* inventory are American-made.

Singapore has always been pragmatic, prudent and extremely careful in her defence acquisitions. This is borne out recently by what Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said, "We do not go for the most advanced or the most expensive equipment. Instead, we acquire what is cost-effective, what best meets our specific operational needs."

After seven years of study, the Eagle purchase is perhaps Singapore's best informed defence decision to date. The result seems worthy of the long wait.


*Note: RSAF is Republic of Singapore Air Force.

Acknowledgement with sincere thanks to:
Nick Challoner at his Website at http://www.challoner.com/ for the A4SU illustration.

>> 21st Century Behemoth of the Airways: Singapore Airlines first to fly new giant airliner


AIRBUS A380, the new mega-jumbo of the skies, is the latest milestone in aviation history. It is set to create a number of firsts in air travel and aerospace technology.

Several airlines and air-freight carriers ordered a total of 149 A380s. Notable customers include Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Qantas Airways, Emirates Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways.

A380 flies faster, quieter, more efficiently over a longer range non-stop and carries higher payloads than its closest rival, the Boeing 747.

Airbus uses cutting edge technology in structures, materials, aerodynamics, powerplant and systems to build the A380. Hence, in terms of fuel efficiency, range, payload and operating costs, it pips the B747-400, hands down. A380 carries 35% more passengers but burns 12% less Avtur fuel. The results are lower operating costs and less emissions affecting the environment. In fact, A380 costs 15% less to operate per seat.

Holland's Stork Aerospace developed a glass-fibre aluminium named Glare for constructing the upper fuselage. This new high-strength material, although light in weight, has fatigue-resistant properties.

Despite the severe rivalry between Boeing and Airbus, American firms -notably Goodrich and Engine Alliance (a co-venture between General Electric and Pratt & Whitney) - stand tall among major A380 sub-contractors. Goodrich supplies the main undercarriage units, exterior lights and evacuation system. Propulsion contractors Rolls Royce and Engine Alliance produces RR Trent900 and GP7200 respectively.

Stringent tests on the taxiing and landing system ensure the A380 lands as softly as a feather, even with a full payload. In a unique design for a heavy-lift aircraft, the 22 wheels are arranged in four bogies: two 4-wheel and two 6-wheel units, for both port and starboard main undercarriages. The last two wheels form the nose undercarriage.

Upgrades at major airports around the world, including Singapore Changi Airport, ar underway to serve the new giant airliner. Will flying super- and mega-jumbos rule the airways in the decades ahead? Only time can tell. But one aspect is certain. The A380 - at a whooping price of $280m each - will bring air travel to greater heights in terms of safety, comfort and convenience.

Singapore Airlines is the launch customer with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery and passenger service in 2006. According to informed sources, delay in initial and subsequent deliveries are expected, due to production glitches at the manufacturer and suppliers.

The A380 proved Man's genius that in one century, the aircraft evolved from the Wright brothers' flimsy "Kitty Hawk" to the Airbus mega-jumbo. The A380 bench-marks air travel and aircraft technology in the years ahead.

As one industry expert puts it, "It is the future of the aeroplane."

>> A380: Maiden Flight
by Derek Yeo - SINGAPORE - 28 April 2005


WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2005 marked a special event in aviation history.

Precisely at 0829GMT, A380 prototype MSN001 (Registration F-WWOW) lifted off runway 32L at Toulouse-Blagnac airfield on its first test flight. Jacques Rosay, Airbus chief test pilot and Vice-President, captained the first half of the three hours 54 minutes while Claude Lelaie, Senior Vice-President of Flight Division, took charge in the other half. The aircraft landed at 1223GMT.

The picture shows MSN001 rotating on take-off at the precise moment.

Others in the flight test team included:
> Fernando Alonso, Vice-President, Airbus Flight Division (flight test engineer in charge of flight controls and aircraft structure).
> Jacky Joye, flight test engineer in charge of engines, fuel and other systems.
> Manfred Birnfeld, flight test engineer in charge of systems.
> Gerard Desbois, test flight engineer.

The take-off weight at 421 tonnes (928,300 lb) was a record high for airliners.


PHOTO: Sam Chui/Jetphotos.net

>> Second to None

by Derek Yeo - SINGAPORE -


THE ROYAL Air Force earns my respect and gratitude.

My gratitude goes to this fabulous service for the training I received and values imbued in me during my service from 1965 to 1969.

I enlisted at RAF (Malaya) Training Centre - in RAF Station Seletar's West Camp - at a time of great tribulation for the newly-created Republic of Singapore, just seceded from Malaysia on 9 Aug 1965. Besides the entrepot trade, Singapore depended on the British military presence for half of her economy. Generally, the country was poor with high unemployment. Few political analysts thought Singapore could survive. With few jobs available, idealistic young men did not frown on a career in the military.

So imagine my excitement on receiving an RAF letter in April 1965 informing me to report for an interview at the Malayan Air Training Corps headquarters in Kolam Ayer. I was overjoyed to be offered a place in the final selection.

The five-day selection covered technical aptitude, language proficiency and IQ tests, a medical examination and more interviews. On the fifth and last day, out of some 40 prospective enlistees 25 were finally picked. The 25 trainees, I among them, formed 45th course starting in May until December 1965.

Nine of us were assigned to train as aircraft engine mechanics. The others attended trade-training in airframe, electrical and instrument, fire-fighting and storekeeping.

Basic training began in May, 1965. The syllabus covered RAF history, the Queen's Regulations, RAF Etiquette and Customs, Structure and Organisation among other general topics. Classroom instruction took up most mornings, except for a day scheduled for workshop practice and "hands-on" training.

We spent one hour each morning at the school's parade square. A menacing eagle-eyed Scot, Corporal Gray, instructed us in foot drill and parade ceremonial etiquette with an iron hand. A strict no-nonsense disciplinarian on the parade square,no doubt. But every trainee gratefully shaked his hand and wished him well on our passing-out day.

Our group of raw recruits passed out on parade at a ceremony held in the East Camp of RAF Seletar. Soon after, we left on a two-week vacation to Penang. The RAF provided us Malayan Railway travel vouchers for the trip and rebated accomodation at Tanjong Tokong beach chalets.

Next, formal trade-training started in July, 1969.

My course mates:
Vincent Tay Han Shei, Mohammad Haniffa, Foo Chee Min, Wee Kok Kee, Fujimoto, Ong Chew Teck, James Koh Nan Heng, Chua Teck Seng and Samad Aladdin. Samad joined our Aircraft Propulsion course after re-mustering from his previous trade, Fireman.

Staff of Royal Air Force (Malaya) Training Centre:

Commanding Officer: Squadron Leader Eyre, Adjutant/Training Officer: Flight Lieutenant Hammond, Discipline Officer: Flight Sergeant Mahoney, Trade Training (Aircraft Propulsion): Chief Technician Harris, Drill Master: Corporal Gray.