Finmeccanica North America Inc. News

Alcatel Alenia Space starts the ExoMars mission design

Paris, January 31, 2006 - In the frame of a contract signed with the European Space Agency (ESA), Alcatel Alenia Space has started the ExoMars mission design. The ExoMars mission aims at sending a lander rover to Mars in order to find traces of past or present life. This contract, worth about 13 million Euros, calls for one year mission design work up to the preliminary design review including the definition of the main system elements of the mission.

ExoMars is the first robotic exploration mission to be developed within the European space exploration program Aurora. Aurora objectives are to create and implement a European long-term plan for the robotic and human exploration of the solar system as well as to search for life beyond the Earth.

The ExoMars program, commissioned by ESA for a budget of about 600 million Euros, is one of the most important exploration missions in the near future. Scheduled to be launched from Kourou in 2011, the ExoMars mission will enable exobiology studies. The mission will collect new information on Mars environment to prepare future human explorations.

In the scope of the mission design work, Alcatel Alenia Space consolidates the mission objectives, defines the system elements, as well as the Rover Operations Control System and Mission Exploitation System concept.

Vincenzo Giorgio, Director for Optical Observation & Science programs from Alcatel Alenia Space in Italy said: "We are pleased that ESA Council has decided to go ahead with the Aurora program and its first mission ExoMars. This mission, like Huygens, represents a great challenge to both the space industry and Alcatel Alenia Space, paving the way for future Mars missions."

Having a successful track record in this domain, Alcatel Alenia Space is ready to take on this challenge due to a number of complementary skills, from the ability to coordinate international alliances in long-term endeavours, to the assembly, integration and testing of scientific probes, through the proven expertise in the technologies needed for space astronomy and interplanetary missions with landings including deep space telecommunications.

About Alcatel Alenia Space
Alcatel Alenia Space is the European leader in satellite systems, at the forefront of orbit infrastructures. Created in July 2005, the company brings together the vast experience and know-how of Alcatel Space and Alenia Spazio to form a new leading force in European space technology. Alcatel Alenia Space represents a worldwide standard for space development that impacts everybody's future: from navigation to telecommunications, from meteorology to environmental monitoring, from defence to science and observation. Alcatel Alenia Space is an affiliate of Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) (67%) and Finmeccanica (Milan:SIFI.MI, FNC.IM) (33%).

About Alcatel
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or employees. Alcatel brings its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks; applications and services, to help its partners and customers build a user-centric broadband world. With sales of EURO 12.3 billion and 56,000 employees in 2004, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.

Finmeccanica Podcast 11 Stefano Lontaro Selex Communications

Stefano Lontaro, Vice President for International Sales of Selex Communications provides an important update on Selex Communications Laser Obstacle Avoidance system for helicopter safety.

Download podcast11.mp3

Dr. Stephen Bryen, President of Finmeccanica Inc. and Maurizio Tucci, CEO of Selex Communications, hold the Flight International 2005 Aerospace Industry Award for Avionics and Electronics. The award is sponsored by Flight International and was presented at the Pavillon d'Armenonville in Paris at the Le Bourget Air Show.  The Award was presented for the Laser Obstacle Avoidance system (LOAM) developed by Selex Communications, a Finmeccanica company.

The LOAM system is capable of classifying thin obstacles such as telephone and electrical cables as small as 5mm in diameter at a maximum range of 2000m. The system can distinguish vertical obstacles such as trees, pillars, and pylons, as well as extended obstacles such as bridges, buildings and hills independent of orientation. Obstacle detection probability is greater then 99.5% with up to 20 seconds warning before predicted impact.

LOAM works on the "laser radar" rather than RF emission principle using an eye safe laser that scans the area around the helicopter flight path. The LOAM field of view is greater then 40x30 degrees and is automatically oriented in larger Field of Regards to anticipate future helicopter motion. Using an innovative echo analysis and sophisticated scan technique, the system performs an analysis to determine the presence of obstacles.

LOAM is the lightest and smallest obstacle warning system on the market, suitable to be installed on all main rotary wing or vertical lift platforms, used in attack reconnaissance/surveillance, support and transport operations. LOAM allows integration flexibility, including standalone and integrated configurations on multiple helicopter types. LOAM installation is very simple, not requiring accurate system alignment or complex tuning on board of the aircraft.

In recent competitions, the LOAM has been selected for the Italian MoD NH90TTH helicopter, for the Danish EH101 helicopters and the for UK autonomous flight Programme. LOAM is currently in production.

The Flight International Award for Avionics and Electronics is given to the company in this field representing "genuine technological advancement, demonstrated or likely practicality of implementation, and clear benefits in terms of safety, economics or efficiency." Details of the award are available at www.theaerospaceawards.com

About Selex Communications

Selex Communications (formerly Selenia Communications), led by CEO Maurizio Tucci, is based in Italy. The company also has production facilities in Latina, Chelmsford (UK), Ploiesti (Romania), Ankara (Turkey) and Backnang (Germany). Selex Communications employs over 5,000 staff, including 1,000 in the UK. The company was enlarged and renamed recently with the acquisition of BAE SYSTEMS'(TM) secure communications operations.

Selex Communications Launches Ultra Light-Weight Mini-Talon Satcom System

SELEX Communications, a Finmeccanica company, has launched the Mini-Talon satellite communication system, a reduced size development of its operationally successful and widely deployed Talon terminal system, to meet the needs of highly mobile military and specialist users. 

The Mini-Talon uses a one-metre antenna designed specifically for use as an ultra lightweight, multi-band satellite ground terminal that can be deployed by a single operator. The antenna folds into a single ‘suitcase’ style packing case, making it very portable and able to meet the IATA checked baggage weight of 32kg. 

Designed at the company's Christchurch site in the United Kingdom, the system has been developed using rigid, strong yet light carbon fibre components, providing a very lightweight design with inherent strength and rigidity, capable of transmitting over the satellite in under five minutes.

Capable of C, X, Ku, and Ka Band operation, the Mini-Talon was designed for the military and professional commercial user, providing a robust solution and an active life of many years without degradation. A small 4U-transit case houses 19-inch rack-mountable equipment, such as the satellite modem, in a shock-protected frame. 
 
A motorised variant is available, which can be configured for auto-acquisition. As a further option, the Mini-Talon can incorporate remote Monitoring & Control using a rugged tablet PC loaded with intuitive control software, allowing easy configuration, as all user functions are remoted. 

The Mini-Talon provides the operator a new level of flexibility with an ultra-lightweight carbon fibre design employing the newest technology available configurable to customer requirements. With a receive capability in excess of 1Mb/sec at Ku Band, it is entirely suited for outdoor operation in harsh environments. Our Mini-Talon sets new standards in ultra flyaway terminals. Alongside, complementary systems within the SELEX Communications product range – such as the TST101, SHF man-portable terminal – it represents a truly versatile complete satcom solution for the professional, highly mobile user community.

Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company, and Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) signed a cooperation

Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) and Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that sets out the terms of their industrial cooperation in the development programme for the M346 new generation Advanced and Fighter Lead-in Trainer.

Under the terms of the Memorandum, HAI will be the Greek prime contractor for the programme, responsible for a series of activities including the design, production and assembly of some important parts of the aircraft, such as the rear fuselage. HAI will also be tasked with managing the contributions of the other Greek companies taking part in the programme as sub-contractors.

The overall workshare allocated to the Greek industry will total about 10% of the activities in the international programme, for the industrialisation and production of the aeroplane and its sub-systems.

For Aermacchi, HAI's participation is an important step that reflects the company’s strategy of broadening the scope of the M346 project at international level by establishing high-quality alliances to develop what is the most cutting-edge programme for an advanced training aircraft. HAI’s manufacturing and managerial expertise will help foster the rapid industrialisation of the M346 and expedite its international success, as it will favour participation of other expert European manufacturers.

For HAI, this important agreement is in line with HAI’s strategy for direct involvement in international programmes at all phases, bringing substantial benefits to HAI and Greek national industry, in terms of technological know-how enhancement and employment.

The MOU was signed by the CEO of Aermacchi Mr. Carmelo Cosentino and the CEO of. HAI Mr. Tassos Philippakos

Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland JV in Libya in the aeronautics and security systems sector

EUR 80 million contract signed for ten A109 Power helicopters
Finmeccanica, AgustaWestland and the Libyan Company for Aviation Industry have signed an agreement to form a joint venture called the Libyan Italian Advanced Technology Company (L.I.A.TE.C.). LIATEC will be 50%-owned by the Libyan Company for Aviation Industry, with Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland holding 25% each.

The two Italian shareholders will provide know-how, training, technology and equipment, while the Libyan shareholder will mainly invest in infrastructure, plant and local marketing activities. Together, they will provide the financial resources necessary to start up operations.

LIATEC’s headquarters have been set up in Tripoli. The company will invest in the aeronautics technology and electronics systems of most interest to the country. According to the company’s development plan, the first task will be to develop the capacity necessary to make more efficient and modernise Libya’s existing fleets of helicopters and aircraft, and to ensure that future fleets are maintained. A training centre open to all Libyan flight and maintenance personnel will also be set up.
The company’s growth programme will continue in the short term with the establishment of a modern maintenance centre and a production assembly line in Tripoli. LIATEC will operate as a supplier of Libyan agencies responsible for procuring helicopters, medium-sized and light aircraft, electronics security systems and land-based infrastructure.

The company will have commercial rights to sell helicopters assembled locally in a number of African countries. Furthermore, with the collaboration of all Finmeccanica subsidiaries, LIATEC will be able to supply electronics systems and land systems to its core markets, and provide clients with technical assistance, maintenance and spare parts.

This technological and industrial co-operation will provide a great boost to the Libyan economy, and will in particular offer more employment opportunities to the young graduates of the country's technical colleges and universities.

The initiative will also help raise—in partnership with the University of Tripoli and the training centre—the level of professionalism of Libya’s high-tech industry thanks to a period of intensive training that will be conducted in Italy for young Libyan engineers and technicians. This project will create a generation of highly-professional technicians, who, employed in LIATEC, will form the country’s first research and development hub in aeronautics and electronics systems.

At the same time as announcing the creation of the joint venture, AgustaWestland announced a contract to supply ten A109 Power helicopters for border patrol, as part of a programme that is worth a total EUR 80 million, including equipment and services.

The deliveries of the first two helicopters are expected at the end of 2006 and the beginning of 2007.

AgustaWestland awarded a €584 million for the upgrade of 30 Royal Navy’s EH101

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce it has been awarded a major contact by the UK Ministry of Defence for the upgrade of 30 EH101 Merlin HM Mk1 helicopters under the Merlin Capability Sustainment Plus (MCSP) programme with an option for a further eight.

Working in partnership with the MCSP Prime Contractor Lockheed Martin, the contract, worth approximately £400 million (€ 584 million) to AgustaWestland, will ensure that the Royal Navy’s EH101 Merlin HM Mk1 retains its position as the world’s most capable maritime patrol helicopter.

The focus of the programme is to enable cost-effective management of future obsolescence of the current aircraft’s equipment and systems, and to introduce an Open Systems Architecture (OSA) into the helicopter. The OSA design also enables easy and rapid adaption to future changing requirements, thereby allowing the EH101 Merlin HM Mk1 capability to be sustained until its planned out of service date in the 2030s. This spend-to-save approach is expected to save over £500 million in through life support costs for the Royal Navy’s EH101 Merlin HM Mk1 fleet.

The MCSP programme will also see AgustaWestland introduce its Helicopter Electro Actuation Technology (HEAT) onto the EH101 Merlin HM Mk1. HEAT introduces a state of the art, third generation fly by wire system that utilises electrical actuators in place of the existing hydraulic units, to provide the control inputs to the helicopter’s rotor systems. This technology reduces pilot workload, cost of ownership, maintenance and weight while giving improved survivability, safety, aircraft handling and agility.

AgustaWestland will be responsible for designing, procuring and integrating the new avionics suite, which will include new cockpit primary flight displays incorporating touch screen technology to deliver increased crew efficiency. AgustaWestland is also responsible for designing and integrating an updated communication and navigation system, and all aspects of air vehicle integration.

The Merlin HM Mk.1 fleet will be progressively upgraded from 2010 and will see the updated and improved aircraft come into service from 2013. The work to upgrade the aircraft will take place at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility in the UK.

Lockheed Martin and AgustaWestland have worked together since 1991, in partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence, bringing the EH101 Merlin HM Mk.1 into service and providing the Royal Navy with the most capable maritime helicopter in service any where in world today. Forty four EH101 Merlin HM Mk.1s were delivered to the Royal Navy between 1998 and 2002. Since entering service they have demonstrated their outstanding capability in the airborne maritime role during exercises and operations and in particular during Operation Telic in 2003.

Finmeccanica Podcast 10--Pier Francesco Guarguaglini honored

Finmeccanica's Chairman and CEO Pier Francesco Guarguaglini is named "Person of the Year" by Aviation Week and Space Technology." Dr. Guarguaglini is the first person in the 89 year history of Aviation Week selected for this special honor. This podcast reviews the remarkable career of the Finmeccanica CEO and Chairman.

Download finmeccanica_podcast_10pier_francesco_guarguaglini_honored.mp3

AVIATION WEEK & SPACE TECHNOLOGY NAMES  FINMECCANICA’S CHAIRMAN AND CEO PIER FRANCESCO GUARGUAGLINI ‘PERSON OF THE YEAR 2005’

WASHINGTON, DC, January 3, 2006 – Editors at Aviation Week & Space Technology, the leading international trade magazine for the aviation industry, named Finmeccanica Chairman and CEO Pier Francesco Guarguaglini as ‘Person of the Year 2005.’  Mr. Guarguaglini was selected from a group of aerospace and defense leaders including U.S. Senator John McCain, BAE Systems CEO Mike Turner, NASA administrator Michael Griffin and Boeing Chairman and CEO James McNerney. The magazine’s editors based their decision on the impact the individual had in the past year on the aviation, aerospace and defense community.

The article describes Mr. Pier Francesco Guarguaglini, who was named Chairman and CEO of Finmeccanica in 2002, as, “a global market force repeatedly defying conventional wisdom and shaking up the aerospace industry on both sides of the Atlantic.”  Mr. Guarguaglini has had, “quick success where for others it has been a trying undertaking.” He has done so, “by winning contracts that at times seemed unwinnable.” 

One of Mr. Guarguaglini’s biggest achievements over the past year was the sale of the AgustaWestland US101 helicopter to the U.S. presidential service.  AgustaWestland is a Finmeccanica-owned company.  Finmeccanica is pursuing other US contracts, including bidding the Agusta AB139 as a US Army Light Utility Helicopter, the US 101 as an Air Force combat search and rescue helicopter and the C-27J as a small tactical transport for the FCA (Future Cargo Aircraft) program.  In 2005, Finmeccanica’s aircraft subsidiary, Alenia Aeronautica, also broke ground on a production facility in South Carolina to work on the fuselage of the Boeing 787.

“2005 was a great year for Finmeccanica in the US and around the world.  We are pleased that Mr. Guarguaglini’s great successes and vision for growth are being recognized by such a prestigious publication,” said Dr. Stephen Bryen, president of Finmeccanica, Inc., U.S.A. “In the past it has been hard for European defense contractors to compete for high-profile US Pentagon programs, but we are changing that by bringing the best products to market and winning contracts. Under Mr. Guarguaglini’s leadership, we look forward to expanding our presence even more and creating new high technology jobs in the US in 2006.”

To learn more about Aviation Week Space & Technology’s Person of the Year Finmeccanica’s Pier Francesco Guarguaglini please go to http://www.aviationnow.com/avnow/news/channel_awst.jsp.  Aviation Week Group, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, is the largest multimedia information and services provider to the global aviation, aerospace and defense industries.  Aviation Week & Space Technology is considered the best-read industry publication covering technology, business and operations in the commercial, military and space markets.