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The report highlights that the industry will have to navigate the following: Restoring consumer trust regarding safety post-737 MAX crisis Adverse macroeconomic factors, such as fluctuating oil prices and slowing global trade Strengthening sustainability in the supply chain and adopting digital operating models Investing in more environmentally-friendly propulsion and autonomous-flight technologies June 17, 2019 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In the past year, the aerospace & defense (A&D) industry globally saw record deliveries, growth, and profitability. However, the year ahead portends to be much more challenging, and not just because of the Boeing 737 MAX crisis, although that situation could itself color what happens well beyond just Boeing. That's according to a new study by AlixPartners, the global consulting firm. The study finds the top 100 listed A&D companies experienced record growth last year (an 8.6% increase in revenues, the highest annual growth rate of the decade) and sustained strong profitability (10.6% in earnings before interest and taxes, or EBIT). Meanwhile, OEMs and suppliers both performed well, posting revenue increases of 9.9% and 7.6%, respectively, driven by higher production rates in commercial aircraft (Boeing and Airbus delivered 1,606 commercial aircraft, an 8% increase vs. 2017), very healthy passenger and cargo traffic, and rising defense budgets globally, the latter up 2.7%. However, 2019 has already seen several clouds gathering across key A&D market segments, says the study, including: In commercial aircraft, while the long-term impact of the 737 MAX crisis is not yet clear, it is already negatively impacting Boeing and the whole aerospace supply chain and could also lead to new certification requirements. Regaining the trust of passengers will be critical, says the study, and this crisis may also impact Boeing's long-awaited new mid-market airplane, or “NMA.” Several “cracks” have appeared in the commercial-aircraft supply chain in recent years— in the cabin, engine, and aerostructure sectors in particular. These cracks have drawn attention to the fragility of the industrial chain set-up at current production rates, and how the chain needs to be strengthened to sustain the higher production rates needed to clear record backlogs in narrowbody aircraft. Volatile oil prices, volatility in international trade, and rising non-fuel costs are hurting airline profitability globally, as reflected in the recent 20% decline in the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) profit forecast for airlines for 2019. Beyond these industry factors, a new opportunity—and threat—for industry participants is the continued rise of digital technologies, says the report. These technologies can potentially help industry players to stay ahead of the competition and better anticipate customer and public needs, but they are adding another layer of complexity to an already complex business environment, such as: The rising awareness of the environmental impact of aviation, driving the industry towards more fuel-efficient propulsion technologies, including hybrid and electrical aircraft. The fact that in many ways the digital revolution has already begun, such as the example of platforms like Airbus's Skywise gaining traction with airlines. The first-movers who adopt smart digital solutions will enjoy a long-term advantage, says the report. In the defense segment of the industry, the study raises several questions, including: The United States' defense budget is projected to increase by nearly 5% in 2020, totaling $7.18 billion, and then by another 4% per year for the next four years after that. This sustained increase in funding levels aligns with the 2018 US National Defense Strategy to fund requirements needed for step-function technology development. Can the US defense industry execute to increases in requirements for advanced technologies, such as for hypersonic and C4ISR (the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance concept) capabilities? Can the defense sector globally keep up with increasing end-user expectations on affordability and sustainability, especially given tighter “time-to-battlefield” requirements? Will the efforts of the past 18 months to build a European defense policy around the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), Euro-MALE (medium-altitude long-endurance drones), and European Defense Fund bear fruit in today's complicated European political environment? How far can Europe progress towards a needed consolidation of platforms and industry players in order to be ready to execute next-generation weapon systems? At the same time, M&A activity in the A&D industry overall continued apace in 2018, says the study, with nearly $126 billion spent on 436 transactions. It also finds that the 10 largest transactions of the year totaled approximately $73 billion, just slightly lower than the 2017 total. While a break from mega-deals might have been expected this year, to allow the digestion of the major 2018 transactions, 2019 may be yet another record year for such deals, says the study. The recent announcement of the United Technologies-Raytheon merger, with an estimated combined market value of close to $166 billion, not only rocked the industry but may also trigger more transactions ahead, as smaller players try to consolidate, says the study. Eric Bernardini, global leader of the Aerospace, Defense & Airlines practice at AlixPartners and a managing director at the firm, said: “The 737 MAX crisis has shone a spotlight on an industry performing well, but one contending with inherently tough issues. Despite strong performances across the board of late, with increased budgets and passenger numbers, industry participants could be in for a rough ride in the coming years. This impending turbulence is a result of diminished consumer trust, due in large part to safety issues; the sustainability of supply chains as currently configured; rising input costs; and an increasing focus on the environment from outside the industry. With the technological revolution hitting this industry, and the pace of change quickening, there will be a definite first-mover advantage, which will also likely include entirely new entrants as the industry reconfigures itself for the future. “All this is set against a backdrop of further global economic slowdown, meaning the year ahead will be a challenging one. However, with every threat, an opportunity is also presented for the industry to evolve and improve by doing such things as proactively anticipating activist-investor interventions, seizing smart M&A opportunities, and preparing for the next wave of technological change. It is vital that management teams undertake proactive transformations of their companies by revisiting their business portfolio and continuing to innovate, rather than waiting to become victims of the larger trends sweeping the industry.” Sector-by-sector highlights from the study include: Airlines: cost control and capacity discipline The report forecasts that global airline revenue this year will reach a new peak, of $865 billion, up from $812 billion in 2018—a healthy 6% to 7% growth rate and one that continues to outpace global GDP growth. However, the report finds that airline operating profits have declined in all regions from their peak in 2015-16, and that operating profits are expected to decrease to 5.0% in 2019. Last year, North America remained the world's most profitable region, at a 9% operating profit, but the study finds that margins are likely to be under pressure in 2019 due to increasing labor costs and the impact of the 737 MAX crisis on the revenues of some airlines—in particular, Southwest Airlines and American Airlines. M&A may provide opportunities for airlines to regain profit margins lost due to cost pressures in recent years, says the report, and the recent bids for Air Transat and WestJet Airlines in Canada may signal the start of consolidation in other regions, as big European or US deals may be on the table in 2019. At the same time, failures of smaller players—such as those of Fybmi, Primera Air, Germania Fluggesellschaft, and WOW Air—will likely continue, says the study, taking capacity out of the market. Consolidation of Middle East airlines of late has been limited by political factors, says the report, but most airlines in the region are taking determined steps on capacity to ensure fleet growth is not increasing faster than demand. Meanwhile, it says that carriers in Asia will take a stunning 14,000 new aircraft deliveries by 2037, more than the expected deliveries for North American and European carriers combined (6,100 and 6,400, respectively). In all regions, the study says, carriers need to remain focused on cost control, as unit revenue growth has been outpaced by increases in labor and fuel costs. Established-network carriers (NWCs) are closing the gap with low-cost carriers (LCCs) due to more effective cost strategies combined with lower RASM (revenue per available seat-mile) erosion and greater capacity discipline, the study says. Commercial aircraft: customer-centricity and continuous transformation of the value chain The AlixPartners study forecasts that the global passenger-jet fleet will almost double in the next 20 years, driven by growing air traffic. It also finds that the hegemony of the Airbus-Boeing duopoly was never been stronger than in 2018, with the 1,606 aircraft delivered between them, the exit of Bombardier from the commercial-aircraft segment (with the sale of the C-Series to Airbus and the divestiture of the Q400), the acquisition of Embraer by Boeing, and Boeing's record profit of a 13% EBIT margin (combined with an operating cash flow of $15.3 billion). Meanwhile, the narrowbody sector is today seeing a record backlog of nine years of production on average, says the report. In contrast, the widebody backlog is at its lowest level since 2010, at an average of 5.6 years of production, it says, though production is expected to stabilize at around 400 aircraft per year, absent additional cancellations from Middle East carriers. But, says the study, the 737 MAX crisis is impacting virtually the entire industry at its core: safety. Among other things, says the study, the crisis gives a potential opening for a third major player, such as Comac (the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China), to enter the narrowbody market segment. And though the study also says it's too early to determine what will happen next vis-a-vis the 737 MAX crisis, it goes on to say that regaining passenger trust will be a major challenge, throughout the industry. Aviation services: a raging battle between OEMs and suppliers to find new, profitable growth-drivers With $273 billion in revenues forecast for 2019 by the AlixPartners study, the aviation services market is set to continue to grow at a steady pace (up 7% vs. 2018). And, it adds, as OEMs are now likely reaching a demand plateau after about 15 years of relentless development of new programs, the race is on for value-added services, mainly driven by OEMs trying to capture a larger share of the sector's profit pool and leading Tier-1 suppliers stepping up the fight to protect their aftersales revenues and profits. Growing in services will likely require acquisitions and will definitively require digital transformations that offer high-value customer services and even higher customer-centricity toward OEMs, says the study. The development of digital platforms (such as Airbus's Skywise and Boeing's AnalytX) has helped many aircraft OEMs, Tier 1s, and dominant MRO players extract value from their data and better serve their clients, says the report. And, it says, while the MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) and aviation-services segments have already seen many significant acquisitions in recent years, the trend is likely to continue in the coming years as well. Business jets: vassals of the economic cycle The AlixPartners study reports that there were 703 business jets delivered globally in 2018, an increase of 4% from 2017. A jump in the sales of less-profitable light and very-light jets (326 deliveries, vs. 285 in 2017) more than offset the decline in heavy jets (209 deliveries, which was the lowest level since 2004), it finds. With deliveries forecast to be more than 8,000 units over the next nine years (or around 890 jets per year through 2027), the future could look bright for the business-jet sector, says the report, but only if the global economy does well. And, the study adds, as there was a 23% decrease in annual deliveries from 2004 to 2008 (an average of 935 deliveries per year) and from 2009 to 2018 (717 deliveries on average per year), a market downturn on top of that may result in a gloomier future for the OEMs, who have had high hopes for their recent launches (such as of the Global 7500 and Global 5500/6000 launches for Bombardier, and of the G500 and G600NG for Gulfstream). Defense: deepening confrontations, unclear political actions Global defense spending continued to increase in 2018 (up 2.6%), for the fourth consecutive year, due to a general atmosphere of deepening confrontation between Russia and the West plus increasing tensions around China's borders and in the Middle East, says the study. With a 13% increase, Central and Eastern Europe (excluding Russia) was the region with the highest increase in 2018, finds the study, while the $1,743 billion spent globally was above the levels of during the last years of the Cold War. Meanwhile, the world's largest defense budget, that of the US, with $634 billion in 2018 (36% of global military spending), grew 4.6%, says the report—with the US Congress voting a 7% increase for 2019. Similarly, it notes, China increased its budget by 8.1% in 2018, and Japan announced a 7.2% budget increase for 2019—while European spending grew 2.6% last year. Meanwhile, the study notes, the defense budget for European NATO members last year reached 1.5% of GDP on average, although this remains far from the stated NATO target of 2.0%. The heavy fragmentation of the European weapons-systems landscape remains a major impediment to intra-European arms exports, says the report. As an example, it notes that European armies currently have 37 different battle tanks and infantry fighting-vehicles in service vs. only three for the US. However, says the report, the European defense industry is likely to see increasing collaboration—although driven primarily by economic reasons, rather than strong political leadership, as no country alone can afford the cost of many major programs, such as of the next-generation aircraft fighter. The report also notes that recent decisions have been focused on air and ground defense, and are being led by France and Germany, with their FCAS and the MGCS (Main Ground Combat System). The combined impact of the Trump Administration's foreign policy and of Brexit, the planned withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, might result in a concurrent European emancipation from US dependence and renewed motivation to reinforce Europe's defense ambitions, says the report. However, delivering a successful European defense program on time and “at cost” remains a huge challenge, it says. Helicopters: declining oil prices, disrupters With total deliveries in 2018 of 1,520 helicopters (down 10.6% vs. 2017) and revenues of $19.6 billion (down 4.8%), this segment's performance continues to remain far below 2014 levels, when oil prices were above $100 per barrel, says the report. The business models of many helicopter operators are at risk, says the study, and after several years of cost reduction and fleet optimization some operators (e.g., PHI and Bristow) have recently had to file for bankruptcy. At the same time that it's contending with these tough issues, the helicopter sector is also facing disruption from “new-mobility” start-ups, such as Ehang and Volocopter, the study notes. Space: satellites battling broadband; new constellations and overcapacity Fifty years after Apollo 11 Moon landing, the space industry is going through a renaissance thanks to well-endowed benefactors investing billions of dollars—and this new paradigm is both a threat and an opportunity for the space value chain, says the study. Commercial- satellite fleet operators are looking for new avenues for growth, but the price disparity between terrestrial broadband-access technologies and satellite-access ones is likely to hurt the fleet operators badly if they don't take actions to address it, says the report. Financial restructuring and a consolidation of players may be in the cards, says the study. At the same time, the promise of a new business model for commercial space has yet to bear much fruit, says the report, as the influx of investments for new satellite constellations may exacerbate current overcapacity and result in bankruptcies. Meanwhile, on the launch side, despite market disruptions led by SpaceX, heavy space-launchers are likely to remain a strategic asset for global powers, says the AlixPartners study. About the Study The AlixPartners Global Aerospace & Defense Industry Outlook was based on months-long analysis of data from both public and proprietary sources. About AlixPartners AlixPartners is a results-driven global consulting firm that specialises in helping businesses successfully address their most complex and critical challenges. Our clients include companies, corporate boards, law firms, investment banks, private equity firms, and others. Founded in 1981, AlixPartners is headquartered in New York, and has offices in more than 20 cities around the world. For more information, visit www.alixpartners.com. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190617005245/en

Canadian Space Agency LONGUEUIL, QC, June 14, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Our digital economy depends on keeping data safe from hackers. Cybersecurity is a priority for the Government of Canada. The Canadian Space Agency's Quantum EncrYption and Science Satellite (QEYSSat) mission will test quantum technology that protects communications in space. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is awarding a contract worth $30 million to Honeywell for the design and implementation phases of the QEYSSat mission. Current encryption methods are expected to be rendered obsolete within the next decade by the exceptional processing power of quantum computers. Slated for launch in 2022, QEYSSat will demonstrate quantum key distribution (QKD) technology in space. This emerging encryption technology will offer Canada a new, more effective method of securing the transfer of information. Under this contract, Honeywell will build, test, deliver, provide training for and commission the QEYSSat satellite, which will create a link between ground and space to transmit encryption keys. The work is expected to extend until the end of 2022. The QEYSSat mission is the culmination of a series of research and technology development activities undertaken by the Institute for Quantum Computing, with support from the Government of Canada. It will bring Canada a step closer to an operational quantum communications service from space, and will advance technology to help meet Canada's cybersecurity priorities. The lessons learned from the QEYSSat mission will be applied to develop future operational systems for government and provide safer, more secure access to services for Canadians. Commercial applications will include enhanced security for internet-based activities, as well as daily financial transactions such as ATM banking. In addition to the safety and security principle of Canada's Digital Charter, this initiative aligns with the Government of Canada's Innovation and Skills Planand the new Space Strategy for Canada through enabling future secure communications, as well as enhancing security and sovereignty. Quote "The QEYSSat mission is another step forward in our government's plan to foster a Canada where citizens have confidence that their data is safe and privacy is respected. In doing so, the development of these new technologies will also bring tremendous potential to transform markets and build a stronger economy that works for everyone." The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Quick facts Quantum computers will be millions of times faster than any conventional computer, which means that they will be able to decipher passwords, personal identification numbers and other current safeguards quickly, putting confidential and personal information at risk. Current quantum encryption technology (QKD), relies on ground fibre-optic cables and is currently limited to a 200-kilometre distance. QEYSSat will seek to demonstrate QKD between a satellite and a ground network as a way to overcome the distance limits. Through testing and demonstration of the QKD in space, the CSA will provide a government-owned, space-based platform for federal stakeholders and Canada's scientific community. Budget 2017 provided $80.9 million to the Canadian Space Agency to support new projects and utilize Canadian innovations in space including the Quantum Encryption and Science Satellite (QEYSSat) mission. This mission will support emerging Canadian capabilities in the area of quantum key distribution, which has the potential to support secure communications through unbreakable encryption codes. The contract amount ($30 million) excludes taxes. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/cybersecurity-from-space-the-government-of-canada-invests-in-quantum-technology-896853258.html

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Ecosystem will conduct research, accelerate the commercialization of products and create highly skilled jobs OTTAWA, June 16, 2019 /CNW/ - Global companies invest in Canada's world-class aerospace and space industries because they are internationally recognized, export-oriented and innovation-driven. Behind these industries' successes are the talents of a highly skilled workforce and a commitment by the Government of Canada to continuously improve their competitiveness. In recognition of the need for strong collaboration to develop and build the technologies of the future, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced an investment of up to $49 million under the Strategic Innovation Fund—National Ecosystems in the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada. This initiative will bring together the best companies, resources and researchers in the aerospace sector to establish a national aerospace innovation ecosystem that will take on the technological challenges of the industry, accelerate the commercialization of new and improved products, and create more highly skilled jobs for Canadians. This announcement was made in the context of Minister Bains' visit to the 2019 International Paris Air Show, where he is leading a delegation of 420 representatives from more than 140 Canadian aerospace companies. A number of leading companies are in attendance at the Paris Air Show, including Airbus Canada Limited Partnership, Bell, Bombardier, CAE, CMC Esterline, Héroux-Devtek, IMP Aerospace, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Canada Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Safran Landing Systems and Viking Air. As part of his efforts to promote Canada as an investment destination for global companies, Minister Bains met with leaders from national and international aerospace and space companies, highlighting the Government's commitment to the aerospace and space industries through the Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for the middle class. Quote "Our government is collaborating with our world-class aerospace industries, including small and medium-sized companies, to strengthen Canada's enviable position as a world leader in aerospace and space innovation. With our best researchers and most innovative companies from across the country working together on the next breakthroughs in the field of aerospace, more Canadians will find good work developing and building the aerospace technologies of the future." – The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Quick facts The funding announced today for the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada comes from Stream 5 of the Strategic Innovation Fund. This stream looks to support large-scale initiatives that will create high-impact collaborations for the benefit of Canadians and Canadian innovation ecosystems. In 2018, the aerospace industry contributed over $25 billion in GDP and about 213,000 jobs to the Canadian economy. Canada ranks first in the world for the production of civilian flight simulators as well as turboprop and helicopter engines. Canada is the only country to be ranked in the top five in all civil flight simulator, engine and aircraft sub-segments. Canada's aerospace manufacturing firms use advanced technologies nearly 50% more and key emerging technologies two times more than the manufacturing average. On March 6, 2019, the Government of Canada released Exploration, Imagination, Innovation: A New Space Strategy for Canada, its national space strategy that recognizes the strategic value of space and space exploration for Canada. Canada is the first country to commit to the NASA-led Lunar Gateway and is making significant investments to develop low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications technology to connect Canadians wherever they live in Canada. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-announces-support-for-new-aerospace-innovation-ecosystem-843355708.html

Airbus Vahana With urban air mobility a central theme of this year's event, Airbus is showcasing its growing fund of expertise, accumulated partly from the Vahana multirotor. Intended to be the first certified electric, self-piloted, vertical take-off and landing ( e VTOL) passenger aircraft, Vahana flew in the U.S. in January 2018, but did not demonstrate transition to forward flight until May 3 this year. The manufacturer is also developing a second design, the CityAirbus, but will place neither in production. Full artcile: https://aviationweek.com/paris-airshow-2019/new-paris-air-show

NASHUA, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BAE Systems has been awarded contracts by The Boeing Company to supply the Vehicle Management Control System and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) System for the MQ-25. “BAE Systems leads the industry in high-integrity fly-by-wire and mission-critical IFF technologies,” said Corin Beck, director of Military Aircraft Systems at BAE Systems. “Our relationship with Boeing started more than four decades ago and has resulted in aircraft that have some of the most advanced avionics and reduced size transponders in the world.” The Vehicle Management Control System will control all flight surfaces and perform overall vehicle management duties for the MQ-25 unmanned aerial vehicle. The IFF product ensures operation in contested environments by reliably identifying both coalition and enemy vehicles. The MQ-25 is the U.S. Navy's first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft and is designed to provide a much-needed refueling capability. The contract supports Boeing's engineering and manufacturing development program to provide four MQ-25 aircraft to the U.S. Navy for Initial Operational Capability by 2024. “The MQ-25 program is vital because it will help the U.S. Navy extend the range of the carrier air wing, and Boeing and our industry team is all-in on delivering this capability,” said Dave Bujold, Boeing's MQ-25 program director. “The work we're doing is also foundational for the future of Boeing – where we're building autonomous systems from seabed to space.” BAE Systems is an industry leader in the design, development, production, and support of highly reliable flight control systems for commercial and military aircraft. It was the first to introduce fly-by-wire in both military and civil applications. BAE Systems is also a world leader in IFF equipment and this program expands its footprint to approximately 150 platforms worldwide. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190617005088/en

POSTED BY: AEROMORNING « Accelerating through digital turbulence », tel est le titre de l'étude menée par Accenture en 2017, et Jean-Louis Rassineux, directeur exécutif, nous fait partager la vision de sur les enjeux de l'aéronautique et de la défense dans le monde. « Le secteur aéronautique et spatial a connu une croissance extrêmement forte jusqu'en 2014, date où l'on annonçait des prises de commandes record dans les salons, et Accenture souligne une baisse de 50% qui se fait sentir depuis 3 ans au niveau mondial » affirme Jean-Louis Rassineux. L'un des défis majeurs de cette industrie consiste à accroître efficacité et croissance dans un secteur qui évolue lentement avec une baisse des commandes de nouveaux appareils en Europe et en Amérique du Nord, mais aussi avec des climats instables, des risques géopolitiques, et l'aggravation des conditions économiques dans certains pays. L'accroissement des cadences chez les avionneurs pèse aussi sur la production qui doit se réinventer pour être plus compétitive. Au niveau du marché de la défense, Accenture évoque de nouvelles perspectives de croissance avec un budget monde estimé à 400 Milliards de dollars, en augmentation faible sur 5 ans. Toutefois une forte croissance sur ce marché défense est liée aux risques, avec une part croissante sur les drones, une tendance de fond qui se confirme. Bien que le contexte d'évolution soit lent, la défense se porte bien et progresse. En croissance depuis deux ans gr'ce aux succès importants qui se sont succédés, et notamment en France avec le Rafale par exemple, l'enjeu aujourd'hui pour la défense est aussi de remplir les accords de contrepartie qui vont avec les ventes et d'arriver à avoir une chaîne de production qui permette de donner un équilibre à ces contrats, de gérer les questions de compétences dans le pays. L'avènement de la transformation numérique, la clé pour affronter tous les enjeux: Accenture analyse l'avènement de la transformation numérique du secteur aéronautique et spatial comme une tendance lourde pour faire face aux nouveaux enjeux. L'une des clés pour la croissance est d'utiliser des technologies d'analyse de données afin d'améliorer les opérations, la chaîne d'approvisionnement et l'intégration de systèmes afin de proposer des services plus attractifs pour leurs clients. Autre tendance lourde observée, le développement des services. L'aspect service digital est devenu un des leviers de croissance. Pour illustrer cette transformation numérique, dans son enquête menée en 2017, pour 68% des entreprises de l'aéronautique et du spatial des sommes considérables ont été investies dans les technologies du numérique, aussi bien pour l'externe que pour l'interne qu'il s'agisse de fabrication additive, de machine learning, d'applications intelligentes, de réalité augmentée. Déjà à la pointe du mumérique depuis la conception du B777 ou de l'Airbus A350 conçu à l'origine entièrement en CAO sur les logiciels de Dassault Systèmes, les entreprises du secteur Aérospatial et défense vont encore plus loin. Au-delà de cette première étape de transformation numérique l'enjeu majeur est d'appliquer cette transformation numérique déjà initiée sur toute la chaîne de valeur, à partir d'objets connectés. Pour citer un exemple, Accenture et Airbus ont collaboré en « mode start-up » pour développer une application « wearable » de pointe dédiée au secteur de l'aérospatial et de la défense : des lunettes intelligentes qui permettent d'améliorer la précision et de réduire la complexité des procédés d'aménagement des cabines, en réduisant notamment le temps nécessaire pour le marquage des sièges en moins d'un mois.. Opérant à partir d'Instructions contextuelles à propos du marquage, les lunettes connectées affichent toutes les informations nécessaires pour aider l'opérateur à marquer le sol plus rapidement et à éliminer tout risque d'erreur. Cette technologie implémentée par Accenture permet une grande interactivité en offrant un accès à diverses fonctions telles que la lecture de codes à barres, la récupération des données dans le cloud, la commande vocale et la réalité augmentée. Gr'ce à cette innovation technologique, les emplacements des sièges peuvent être marqués au millimètre près, permettant ainsi de vérifier leur précision et leur qualité dans tous les avions. De multiples applications digitales de réalité virtuelle sont ainsi portées sur l'industrialisation, sur le développement du produit. L'enjeu, et on assiste à énormément d'essais, c'est de passer du POC, du pilote, à l'industrialisation en série. C'est en ce sens qu'Accenture développe la stratégie digitale en interne à travers toutes ces opérations de production, de support (finance, RH, achats) et assiste ses clients dans la bonne utilisation du digital de la meilleure façon. Il y a eu beaucoup d'apports à l'industrie gr'ce à la réalité augmentée, avec d'heureux effets sur l'emploi, car elle aide l'aéronautique à avoir une meilleure image, moins ancienne et traditionnelle, apporte un facteur d'attractivité sur les aspects formation, en privilégiant l'interactivité plutôt que les « slides » froids et muets. En somme, selon Accenture, tout l'enjeu est d'arriver à trouver les bons leviers pour permettre en interne d'être compétitif, en externe, d'offrir les meilleurs produits et services. Et le big data dans tout ça ? Dans un avion, on a 1 teraoctet (mille milliard d'octets) de données sur un vol, ce qui équivaut à environ 200 vidéodisques numériques et le traitement des données peut devenir clé pour la maintenance prédictive aéronautique. Le grand enjeu est de savoir comment utiliser ces données en vol, et au sol sans s'y perdre et d'en sortir de la valeur ajoutée en matière de conception, de maintenance, de services et de coûts. Par exemple, imaginer des avions performants qui s'échangent les données de vol, ou tout un tas d'applications qui permettent en temps réel de saisir des trajectoires, d'utiliser des données, d'optimiser des routes, d'économiser du gazoil, etc.... Le data lake est né, pour stocker et restituer de façon intéressante et innovante les données en vue de plus de compétitivité. L'intelligence artificielle améliore les Fonctions du support, offre de nouvelles possibilités en matière financière ou en matière de ressources humaines Big data, et mise en place d'applis intelligentes (machine learning), permettent d'envisager l'intelligence artificielle dans l'industrie aéronautique et de doper la croissance. l'innovation, les universités et les startups : Les entreprises aéronautiques ont compris cette nécessité de se remettre en question. L'innovation est aujourd'hui un levier incontestable et c'est pourquoi en 2017 la connection avec les startups et les universités est devenue centrale dans les stratégies de ces dernières, qui de plus en plus nouent des partenariats pour être à la pointe de la meilleure bonne idée, pour créer les meilleurs produits et services, et puisqu'on est souvent en phase de proof en concept, pour réduire les coûts au cas où le POC ne dépasserait pas la phase pilote. Autant pour la recherche que pour le financement, les alliances réduisent les coûts, agrègent des compétences, et en s'allliant avec des petites startups, les grandes entreprises créent de cette façon un réseau d'intelligence. La solution est de se rapprocher de l'écosystème de l'innovation et de travailler collaborativement. Accenture, acteur du digital, apporte de nombreuses solutions gr'ce à son expertise, à sa philosophie, et non moins important son sens de la responsabilité sociétale, n' oubliant jamais l'humain au centre de ces évolutions. Elle remporte ainsi de nombreux succès, fait d'ailleurs partie des grands partenaires du Gifas depuis plus de 10 ans, est aussi partenaire des plus grands salons mondiaux tels Le Salon du Bourget ou celui de Farnborough. « On vit une période fabuleuse d'opportunités, et Accenture, au cœur de cette révolution est passé de consultant à acteur, partenaire industriel du marché de l'aéronautique et de la défense. Nadia Didelot pour AeroMorning http://www.aeromorning.com/blog/enjeux-de-laeronautique-de-defense-monde-vision-daccenture/

POSTED BY: AEROMORNING La plateforme conçue par iBASEt et hébergée gr'ce au Cloud Amazon offre une infrastructure de fabrication moderne, une amélioration de l'évolutivité et une réduction du coût de possession LE BOURGET (France), le 13 juin 2019 – iBASEt, fournisseur de solutions logicielles industrielles (MES/MMO, MRO, gestion de qualité et fournisseurs) annonce sa collaboration avec Amazon, dans le cadre du programme Usine intelligente d'AWS. Objectif : le lancement sur AWS d'une suite logicielle de fabrication numérique créée par iBASEt, basée sur le Cloud et dédiée aux fabricants du secteur de l'aérospatiale et de la défense. En coopération avec AWS, iBASEt fournit aux constructeurs de l'aérospatiale et de la défense une plateforme permettant d'exploiter des services natifs afin de créer et déployer rapidement toutes sortes d'applications et de gérer leurs mises à jour plus efficacement. Cette solution offre aux constructeurs du marché de l'Aérospatiale et de la Défense une visibilité et un contrôle accrus de leurs opérations avec un coût de possession réduit, une plus grande sécurité, une meilleure gestion des performances, une résolution des problèmes, des mises à jour logicielles automatiques et une mise en œuvre simplifiée, dans un secteur à la fois complexe et fortement réglementé. Sung Kim, directeur de la technologie chez iBASEt explique : « En travaillant avec AWS, sur la plateforme commerciale, nos clients bénéficieront d'un environnement Cloud capable d'accroître l'efficacité et le contrôle de leurs opérations de fabrication, mais aussi de leur continuité numérique. Conférant une puissante infrastructure, le Cloud permet d'exploiter toute une gamme de services natifs afin d'adapter différentes technologies de façon homogène, reliant les opérations et la gestion de la maintenance dans un flux de données intégré à la chaîne de valeur et au cycle de vie du produit ». Josef Waltl, directeur du segment mondial des logiciels industriels chez Amazon Web Services déclare : « Nous nous réjouissons de compter iBASEt dans notre réseau de partenaires AWS. La société iBASEt rejoint ainsi une liste de partenaires APN (AWS Partner Network) stratégiques, spécialisés dans les logiciels industriels. Ensemble, et au bénéfice des constructeurs de l'Aérospatiale et de la Défense, nous allons pouvoir conjuguer la puissante plateforme d'iBASEt dédiée aux processus de fabrication modernes aux avantages d'AWS Cloud. La solution de fabrication d'iBASEt tirera parti des meilleures pratiques d'AWS en matière de sécurité et de haute disponibilité, dans un environnement Cloud qui offre un déploiement rapide reposant sur des processus automatisés ». Le programme Usine intelligente d'Amazon aide les entreprises à se concentrer sur l'optimisation de leurs opérations de fabrication, sans se soucier de l'infrastructure nécessaire. Cette approche repose sur les services Cloud AWS IoT, l'Edge Computing (ou traitement des données à la périphérie), les data lake ainsi que des outils d'analyse avancés. L'objectif est d'améliorer les opérations de fabrication en capturant, harmonisant, analysant, visualisant et exécutant les silos de données de l'usine. Résultat : une amélioration des principaux indicateurs de performance tels que la qualité, la production et le taux de rendement global. AWS accompagne également les industriels dans l'utilisation de l'intelligence artificielle et de l'apprentissage automatique pour établir des analyses prédictives en temps réel. iBASEt a récemment annoncé la signature d'un accord avec la société aérospatiale Lockheed Martin (NYSE : LMT). En effet, le constructeur américain a choisi la suite logicielle de fabrication numérique d'iBASEt comme système d'exécution de la fabrication pour sa division aéronautique, laquelle conçoit et construit des avions militaires. Salon du Bourget iBASEt sera présent au 53ème Salon International de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace du 17 au 23 juin 2019 stand B86. Le Salon du Bourget, événement centenaire, est le plus grand et le plus ancien salon aéronautique et spatial au monde. Depuis son lancement, le salon a été au cœur de l'évolution du marché mondial de l'aéronautique, dont il est devenu au fil des ans le plus important lieu de rencontre. A propos d'iBASEt iBASEt est l'un des principaux fournisseurs de solutions logicielles pour les industries complexes et hautement réglementées, telles que l'aérospatiale et la défense, les dispositifs médicaux, le nucléaire, l'équipement industriel, l'électronique et la construction navale. Le logiciel iBASEt de fabrication numérique rationalise et intègre les systèmes de gestion des opérations et d'exécution de production (MES/MOM), de maintenance, réparation et révision (MRO) et de gestion de qualité pour la production et de fournisseurs (EQMS). iBASEt est utilisé par plusieurs organisations industrielles leaders dans le cadre de leurs projets de fabrication numérique de produits. http://www.aeromorning.com/blog/ibaset-sassocie-a-amazon-web-services-pour-lancer-une-plateforme-de-fabrication-cloud-dediee-au-marche-de-laerospatiale-et-de-la-defense/

Leonardo and Diamond Aircraft Industries are teaming up to offer a version of Diamond's popular twin-engine DA62 aircraft customized for maritime surveillance missions. The new variant, designated DA62-MSA (maritime surveillance aircraft) will be on show for the first time at the Paris Air Show. It will be outfitted with a full intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) suite based on Leonardo's ATOS (airborne tactical observation and surveillance) mission system. The collaboration is a response to the need for cost-effective, short/medium-range land and maritime surveillance platforms in regions such as South America, Africa and Asia Pacific. The DA62-MSA meets this requirement by bringing together an affordable and pilot-friendly aircraft with a full set of state-of-the-art sensors which, through the ATOS mission system, deliver a single, intuitive operational picture to the crew. The DA62-MSA's baseline sensor fit will include a Leonardo Gabbiano Ultra-Light TS Radar, which comes with an extensive suite of modes including optimized maritime patrol capabilities (such as high sea state detection), high resolution ground mapping via synthetic aperture radar (SAR) modes, ground moving target indication (GMTI) and weather avoidance modes. The aircraft will also come with a high definition electro-optic (EO/ IR) turret which, like the radar, will be fully integrated into the operator's touch-screen ATOS display in order to follow and manage the surveillance missions. Sensor options will also be offered for users who require additional capability, including Leonardo's SAGE electronic support measures (ESM) system and Spider communications intelligence (COMINT) system. SAGE provides tactical threat awareness and strategic intelligence gathering in the radio-frequency (RF) environment, while Spider can detect, intercept, identify and geo-locate communications of interest. More than 110 twin-engine special mission aircraft have been sold by Diamond and more than 60 ATOS systems are installed by Leonardo on 10 different platforms, including for Italy's Air Force, Guardia di Finanza (customs police) and Coast Guard, and Australian Customs. With the DA62-MSA, Leonardo and Diamond are able to offer an extremely cost-effective and user-friendly light ISR solution for maritime security needs, with a takeoff weight of 2,300 kilograms, endurance of up to eight hours and up to four crew able to operate with land and maritime radar. Liqun Zhang, CEO of Diamond Aircraft said, “Diamond Aircraft is very proud to step into such an important strategic partnership with Leonardo to provide a cost-efficient high-performance maritime surveillance solution to the market. We all recognized the importance of such a capability and the high demand of many countries to protect their borders against illegal fishing and other criminal operations, this new airborne solution, based on our DA62 special mission aircraft, will be available to the market by the end of the year, ready to deliver and provide security and surveillance tasks. During Paris Air Show 2019, stand A6, the very first time Diamond will static display this configuration to the audience.” “Partnership is central to Leonardo's way of doing business and as such we are delighted to be working with Diamond Aircraft on this venture. Our aim is always to provide the optimum solution to our customers and we believe that this combination of Diamond's platform with a full suite of Leonardo sensors and our mission system provides an extremely compelling offer for this market segment,” said Fabrizio Boggiani, senior vice-president, Airborne Sensors & Mission Systems, Leonardo Electronics. https://www.skiesmag.com/press-releases/leonardo-and-diamond-aircraft-partner-to-offer-maritime-surveillance-variant-of-da62/

By: Stephen Losey New designs will be required to fix some of the issues with the refueling boom and the remote vision system on the Air Force's new KC-46 Pegasus tanker, and that could take years to fix, the Government Accountability Office said in a report released Wednesday. The refueling boom on the Pegasus could inadvertently scratch fighter jets' stealth coatings, or otherwise damage aircraft, according to the GAO. The good news is that the cost of delivering all 179 KC-46 tankers is now expected to come in at $43 billion, or nearly $9 billion cheaper than originally estimated in 2011, GAO said in the report. More, the KC-46 is ultimately expected to meet all 21 of its performance goals. But delays in the program mean that Boeing will not be able to make good on its most significant delivery requirement — delivering nine sets of wing aerial refueling pods — until mid-2020, or nearly three years later than originally expected. In addition to previously reported foreign object debris problems, the GAO report details deficiencies with the tanker's remote vision system and refueling boom — which could damage aircraft, especially stealth coatings. As has been previously reported, the remote vision system's cameras sometimes had problems with glare when the sun shone at certain angles, GAO said. This caused the display screens to be washed out or blacked out during some test flights, and the aerial refueling operators had a hard time seeing the receiving aircraft's receptacles to guide in the boom. The system also doesn't provide enough depth perception in some lighting conditions, GAO said. Boeing said it has already made changes, such as adjusting the contrast on the display screen and allowing operators to more quickly switch between different viewing options. However, GAO responded that those changes didn't fix the underlying problem: KC-46 operators need to be able to refuel aircraft in all conditions, with sufficient visual clarity in all lighting conditions. Boeing has agreed to redesign the vision system to do so, but the redesign could take three or four years, plus several more years to install it in the planes. That vision problem also caused the boom nozzle to bump into the receiving aircraft, without the knowledge of the refueling operators. This could damage the antenna or other structures near the refueling receptacle, GAO said. This especially presents a problem for low-observable planes such as the F-22 fighter, because inadvertent boom nozzle contact could scratch or damage special stealth coatings, and make them visible to radar. GAO also said the Pegasus' telescoping boom is stiffer than expected, which means lighter aircraft — such as the A-10 and F-16 — must use more power to move the boom forward while in contact to compress it and stay in refueling position. The need for additional force can create a problem when the receiving planes disconnect from the boom. When they disconnect, their additional power can cause them to lunge forward back into the boom, which could damage the plane and the boom itself. For the A-10, because the receptacle is located on its nose, a collision with the boom could damage the windshield and put the pilot at a greater risk. Boeing said that fixing that problem will require a hardware change, which could take three or four years to be designed and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. But because the contract didn't specify how much force should be needed to compress the boom, and because the Air Force signed off on Boeing's original proposed specifications, program officials said the Air Force will have to foot the bill. The total cost for designing and retrofitting roughly 106 KC-46s? More than $300 million, GAO said. https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2019/06/13/kc-46-refueling-system-flaws-will-take-years-to-fix-and-cost-hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars-gao-says/