September 22, 2018
Airbus' handover of the first A350-900 Ultra Long Range (ULR) opens a new frontier in non-stop air travel
With the delivery of the first A350-900ULR to launch customer Singapore Airlines (SIA), the A350 XWB Family is positioned to lead the way for new ultra-long-range operations, including on the world's longest commercial route, between Singapore and New York.
Airlines already use the A350-900 and A350-1000 primarily for long-distance flights, but there is also demand for non-stop services on extreme long-haul missions, which is why Airbus developed its new game-changing variant.
The A350-900ULR – derived from the A350-900 – has an extended range of up to 9,700 nautical miles. This was achieved by integrating a modified fuel system, which increases the aircraft's fuel carrying capacity by 24,000 litres without the need for additional fuel tanks.
With a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 280 tonnes, the A350-900ULR is capable of flying over 20 hours non-stop, combining the highest levels of passenger and crew comfort with unbeatable economics for such distances.
The first A350-900ULR (Ultra Long Range), which has an extended range of up to 9,700 nautical miles, was delivered to launch customer Singapore Airlines in September 2018
Setting new standards for long-haul travel
Since entering service in 2016, the A350 XWB Family has set new standards for long-haul travel in the mid-size category. Based on a clean sheet design, it has brought a step change in efficiency, reduced fuel consumption and lower cash operating costs compared to the older-generation aircraft it replaces. And in service both the A350-900 and A350-1000 are demonstrating high levels of operational reliability and maturity. The A350 XWB's flexibility also means the A350-900ULR can easily be reconfigured as a standard -900, if required.
Evolving the ULR from the A350-900 was made possible thanks to extensive design and upstream industrial studies at Airbus, avoiding complex modifications. Some of the engineering development, for example, involved the relocation of sensors in the fuel system – enabling existing tanks to carry the maximum fuel load for the ULR. This eliminated the need for additional fuel tanks.
source: https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/news/en/2018/09/ul...
PACIFIC MISSILE RANGE FACILITY, Hawaii, Sept. 12, 2018
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the United States Missile Defense Agency completed a successful intercept flight test in cooperation with the U.S. Navy off the coast of Kauai in Hawaii.
A Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) SM-3® Block IB missile intercepted a ballistic missile target, marking the first time Japan has tested the sophisticated interceptor as announced by MDA.
The target missile was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii, and the interceptor was launched from the Japanese ship JS Atago (DDG-177), verifying the newest ballistic missile defense engagement capability of the upgraded destroyer. The flight test mission is a significant milestone in missile defense cooperation between Japan and the U.S. Japan currently employs the SM-3 Block IA interceptor, but the IB variant's improved two-color seeker and upgraded throttling divert and attitude control system enables engagements with a larger set of threats.
"The Standard Missile-3 family consistently demonstrates capability against sophisticated threats, both on land and at sea," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president. "This test underlines the importance of allied ballistic missile defense interoperability and the powerful results we generate when we work together with our allies."
The SM-3 is produced at Raytheon's Space Factory in Tucson, Arizona, and the company's integration facility in Huntsville, Alabama.
About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2017 sales of $25 billion and 64,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 96 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I™ products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Follow us on Twitter.
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