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Aviation History
1999
1999 - 3003.PDF
]*ADLJM£3 Smooth change for ATC channel EUROCONTROL SAYS the introduction of the new 8.33kHz radio communications channel spacing on 7 October went "better than expected", with wor ries about a temporary increase in delays not being borne out. The scheme reduces channel spacing from the original 25kHz, creating new frequencies and enabling die provision of addition al air traffic control capacity through the creation of extra sec tors. Eurocontrol points out, how ever, that capacity improvements will be "up to the member states. We have no control over what they do with their sectors". The hope is that continued smooth implementation will re duce delays next summer. The requirement for 8.33kHz equip ment to be fitted will be "vigorous ly enforced", says Eurocontrol. • Airbus closes on Libya deal ANDREW DOYLE/MUNICH AIRBUS Industrie is set to clinch a major aircraft order from Libyan Arab Airlines (LAA) as the carrier prepares to relaunch its international network after the lifting of United Nations sanctions on Libya. The Libyan flag carrier has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with European consortium Airbus cov ering orders and options for up to 24 aircraft to be delivered over the next five years, say sources close to the talks. The airline plans to acquire a mix of long- and short- haul types to serve destinations in Europe, die Middle East, Far East and Africa. Airbus confirms LAA "has ex pressed its intention to acquire up to 24 aircraft from Airbus Ind ustrie", but will not comment on whether an LOI has been signed. A delegation led by Airbus man aging director Noel Forgeard arrived in Tripoli on 5 October to discuss the order. "We are here to establish co-operation projects between Airbus and LAA," Forgeard is quoted as saying by the Libyan news agency Jana Tripoli. "We also want to keep abreast of and participate in the development of Libyan airlines in the interna tional arena, particularly in Africa and Europe," he says. Boeing and several Russian manufacturers are believed to have held talks with LAA. Washington, however, maintains a trade embar go with Libya and this will have implications on issues such as engine selection for the Airbuses. Several foreign carriers have resumed flights to Libya and LAA reopened its first international route, to Amman in Jordan, in April. An international trade and aviation embargo was imposed by the United Nations in 1992 after two Libyan nationals were impli cated in the bombing of a Pan Am Boeing 747 over Lockerbie in Scotland. The flight ban was lifted in April after Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi handed over the suspects to stand trial in the Netherlands. LAA needs to renew its fleet, which comprises mainly ageing Boeing 707s, 727s and Fokker F27s, only some of which are believed to be airworthy. British Aerospace officials have been frequent visitors to Libya since it became clear that the trade sanctions were likely to be eased. They aim to secure a wide-ranging contract to rebuild the country's civil aviation infrastructure. Zl USAF must revamp F-22 plans for $1 billion reprieve USAF will have to restructure F-22 development to preserve Congressional funding PAUt LEWIS/WASHINGTON DC THE US MR Force will be required to restructure its Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 development as the result of an agreed $1 billion reprieve. This leaves the programme largely intact for now, but subject to closer future Congressional scrutiny- Congressional negotiators have reached a consensus that preserves about $1 billion of the $1.8 billion F-22 procurement funding that the House Appropriations Committee wanted to cut. Future production funding will depend on the F-22 meeting new development criteria. The defence secretary will be required to state whether the F-22 meets critical targets in the areas of stealth, avionics and weapons inte gration before funding for 2001 can be approved. This will require earlier flight testing of the F-22's Block 3.0 avionics software. It had been set for December next year. Lockheed Martin and Boeing must demonstrate that the F-22 "works as we hope it works before they ever get to the point of pro duction", says House Approp riations defence subcommittee chairman Jerry Lewis. The Repub lican representative has been the main advocate of withholding pro duction funds for the F-22. Dependent on this is funding in 2001 for an initial batch of 10 low rate initial production (LRIP) F-22s, previously designated as lot 2. The next budget includes $227 million in long lead funding for the fighters. The original six LRIP air craft are on schedule to be built next year, but have been redesig nated as test and evaluation air craft. A further $400 million and $150millionwillbeneededin2001 and 2002 to complete the aircraft. Lexington Institute analyst Loren Thompson says: "Activities have been relabelled, but die pro gramme came through largely unscadied. The important thing is that the budget provides for the same amount of production activi ty and advance procurement re mains on track. The only substantial impactwill be if they fail to meet the new exit criteria". The Senate and House will set aside $300 million in contractor termination fees if it cancels the $20 billion development. • 4 FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 13 - 19 October 1999
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