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Aviation History
2004
2004-09 - 1353.PDF
AIR TRANSPORT POLICY JUSTIN WASTNAGE/BRUSSELS EC research focuses on environment Concentration on green issues could lead to emission cuts and development of quiet, ultra-efficient widebody European politicians are set to unveil a €300 million ($370 mil lion) list of research priorities this week, which could lead to the development of a greener, quieter widebody airliner. The European Commission's directorate general (DG) for research will set out its aeronautical agenda for the second tranche of funding under its sixth framework pro gramme of five-year projects. The budget for the second wave of fund ing has risen by €50 million, and includes studies into future large, fuel-efficient airframes. Two studies under the first tranche of current EC funding, looking into efficient and environmentally friendly engines, are well advanced, and the EC believes that Airbus could marry up various research strands to create a large, ultra-efficient airliner offering a step change in noise and emission levels. The EC's aeronautics research unit says the calls for tenders to be issued this week will include stud ies into future large airliner designs; composite structures; passenger cabin comfort; low-noise engines; all-weather flight hazard protec tion; and supersonic business jets. Two of the projects will exceed €50 million in value, the unit adds. The EC says its priorities have changed from the 1970s, when research funds were used to boost the competitiveness of European industry. "We still take the lead from industry, but we also take into account social aspects, like the environmental impact of air trans port," the aeronautical research unit says. The DG points to around 20 elements in the Airbus A380 ultra-large airliner, including the development of the Glare fibre/metal laminate structure and composite wing boxes, which have benefited from EC funding. The DG is also poised to announce a series of tenders for small and medium-sized aerospace companies. SEE TECHNOLOGY P46 SELECTION Boeing firms up 7E7's French connection with Thales and Labinal Boeing has strengthened the French content of the 7E7, picking Thales to supply the electrical power con version system and Labinal to pro vide the wiring. Due to the large and more varied electrical power generation require ments of the "more electric" 7E7, Thales will develop a variable-speed, constant frequency power conver sion system to turn engine-provided electricity into standard voltages. Labinal will provide more than 100km (60 miles) of wiring per air craft, although Boeing adds that "the 7E7 will use less wire than other airplanes because of its innov ative use of new technologies". Other major French-based contributors to be named for the 7E7 team to date include Labinal's sister Snecma company Messier-Dowty Dassault Systemes and Latecoere. We realize that ours is a new name in parts procurement. But we also realize that once you get to know us ... you'll understand that the McKechnie Aerospace Aftermarket Group is a new kind of supply chain partner. A global organization that is uniquely capable of solving your immediate requirements and helping you reduce your long-term maintenance costs through value-added PMAs and a unique process called Solutioneering. So if you'd like to discover how to put the best kept secret in parts procurement to work for you, call: North America: 1.866.519.4678 Europe: 44 [0] 208 561 4211 www.mckechnieaerospace.com McKechnie Aerospace Aftermarket Group Solutioneering at work
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