Aero-News Network: The aviation and aerospace world's daily/real-time news and information service

NASA Pulls Back On STS-134 Extension

But Extra Days Could Be Added Mid-Mission

Reversing a previously-announced decision, space shuttle managers now plan to keep shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission as a 14-day flight, and possibly extend the mission as many as two days while Endeavour is in space. No reason was given for the change.

NASA'S Webb Space Telescope To Start Cryogenic Testing

Mirror Segments Exposed To Space-Like Conditions Prior To Launch

The first six of 18 segments that will form NASA's James Webb Space Telescope's primary mirror for space observations began final round-the-clock cryogenic testing this week.

E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Program Completes Successful DAB Review

Funding Authorized For Additional Aircraft As Program Continues Successful Performance

Following a successful Defense Acquisition Board review, funding for an additional 10 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft has been authorized. The authorization comes just a short time after the Northrop Grumman Corporation-built E-2D made its first carrier landing.

HBC Accelerates 400XPR Certification Program

Adds 2nd Test Aircraft To Develop Avionics Upgrade Options

The Hawker 400XPR development program got a boost Thursday with the announcement by Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support (GCS) of the addition of a second aircraft to the test program.

Bombardier Offers CRJ Aircraft Repair Capability In Dallas

Only Previous Repair Center Was In Belfast, Ireland

Bombardier Customer Services announced Wednesday at MRO Americas that it is offering repair capability for Bombardier's CRJ200, CRJ700 and CRJ900 commercial aircraft at its Dallas repair facility.

Copa Holdings Secures Financing For Purchase Of Boeing 737-800 Aircraft

J.P. Morgan Will Provide Ex-Im Guaranteed Financing For 5 Aircraft Delivering In 2011

J.P. Morgan has been mandated by Copa Airlines to provide Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) guaranteed funding for five 737-800 aircraft scheduled to deliver in 2011.

Star Flyer Places Its First Direct Order For Two A320s

Japanese Carrier Flies A 100% Airbus fleet

The Japanese airline Star Flyer has signed a firm contract with Airbus for the purchase of two A320s. The Japanese airline currently operates five leased A320s, with four more to be delivered. This order is the Japanese carrier’s first direct aircraft purchase.

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (04.17.11): Lapse Rate

Lapse Rate The change of an atmospheric variable, usually temperature, with height. A steep lapse rate implies a rapid decrease in temperature with height and is a sign of instability.

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (04.17.11)

Aero-Linx: Army Aviation Association of America The Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) was formed in early 1957 by a small group of senior aviation officers in the active Army, the Reserve Forces of the U.S. Army, and Industry. Modeled after several of the professional-technical societies in existence, the AAAA has grown rapidly, receiving membership support of the majority of those military and civilian persons having an interest in this segment of the Armed Forces. AAAA started with 1,407 members and just two chapters, both at Fort Rucker. It has grown now to more than 14,700 members and more than 66 chapters worldwide.

Aero-News: Quote Of The Day (04.17.11)

"This additional aircraft allows us to engineer the program's optional avionics upgrade concurrently with the Williams International FJ44-4A engine integration... This will keep the momentum going on the certification in order to meet the growing demand from our customers." Source: Christi Tannahill, Hawker Beechcraft vice president, GCS, discussing the revelation that the Hawker 400XPR development program was getting a boost by Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support (GCS) with the their decision to add a second aircraft to the test program. This aircraft will be used primarily to develop and certify various avionics upgrade options.