Rolls-Royce Opens JSF LiftSystem Facility
Rolls-Royce has opened a new $17 million cell at its Bristol plant dedicated to the manufacture of the unique 3BSM (three-bearing swiveling module) system that is a critical element of the F-35B’s short takeoff and vertical landing capability. The 3BSM directs the main jet thrust from the conventional horizontal thrustline to the vertical for hovering. The three elements of the system rotate to deflect thrust up to 95 degrees from the horizontal while operating in the high-temperature, high-pressure environment of the engine’s exhaust. The full traverse is accomplished in just 2.5 seconds. Rolls-Royce supplies the main components of the F-35B’s LiftSystem, comprising the 3BSM, forward lift fan, variable-area vanebox nozzle and roll posts.

Boeing Picks Collins for E-3 Avionics Upgrades
Boeing has selected Rockwell Collins to upgrade the avionics in dozens of U.S. Air Force and NATO E-3s as part of a modernization program called Dragon. The upgrade includes cockpit controls and displays, flight management systems and a suite of navigation and communication equipment designed to support future airspace requirements.

Rockwell Collins will initially design a flight management system for 33 air force E-3B/Cs and 17 NATO E-3As. Boeing built 68 E-3 Sentrys–an Awacs aircraft based on the Boeing 707–between 1977 and 1991. Most of the remainder are in service with the air forces of Saudi Arabia and the UK.

Third Gulfstream G250 Joins Flight Test Program
The third and final Gulfstream G250 test airplane has joined the flight-test program, taking off on June 28 from Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv, Israel–the location of Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI’s) main facility. The three aircraft are part of the 1,300-hour flight-test program that started in December 2009 with S/N 2001, which is focused on in-flight performance. Serial number 2002 is being used to test avionics, while S/N 2003 concentrates on systems functionality and reliability.

The G250 super mid-size business jet, an upgrade of the G200 (previously the Galaxy) is a collaborative program of IAI and Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics. Gulfstream holds the type certificates for the G100, G150 and G200 business jets, and will hold the type certificate for the G250. Concurrent certification of the G250 by Israeli civil aviation authority and U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is planned for next year.

Dunlop Launches First Products for ATR Aircraft
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres (Hall 4 Stand C14) has developed the radial main wheel and bias nose wheel tires for the ATR 42 and ATR 72 regional turboprop aircraft, following demand from operators for more tire choice. These first products for ATR ensure that the UK company is ideally placed to support all of the major regional aircraft operated by the world’s airlines, said chairman Ian Edmondson.

“Thanks to the opening of our new distribution and retreading facility in China, Edmondson added, “we are well placed to support the ATR fleet that operates in Asia Pacific, alongside our traditional markets of Europe, the Americas and Africa.”

Airbus Gets FAA Nod for A330/A340 EFB
Airbus has received U.S. certification for the “Flysmart with Airbus” electronic flight bag (EFB) on the A330/A340 family. The system was certified in October 2008 and is already in operation with Thai Airways, Aeroflot and Oman Air. With approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, Saudi Arabian and Hawaiian Airlines will follow.

Airbus’ EFB is a Class-3 system, which means that the hardware is certified and integrated in the cockpit. It can host applications such as navigation charts, performance calculation and electronic logbook. Among other features, it includes Wi-Fi, GSM and satcom links.