November 16, 2017 - No. 090 In This Issue FAA chief urges collaboration to weigh risks and keep pace with technological innovation Experts seek smarter aviation regulation in Africa flydubai and GE Aviation Reach Agreement for Intelligent Network P&WC to Provide Abu Dhabi Aviation with Customized Engine Support Services for its PT6C-67C-Powered Helicopter Fleet Dubai Civil Aviation Authority Signs Strategic Cooperative Agreement With DAFZA at Dubai Airshow Turkey moves closer to form own space agency Mubadala partners with IBM for smart aviation Cybersecurity expert claims he was able to hack into a parked Boeing 757 GE Additive unveils first BETA machine from its Project Atlas program Rockwell Collins joins Saudi aviation initiative Elon Musk's SpaceX launch is a secret government mission FAA chief urges collaboration to weigh risks and keep pace with technological innovation The head of the Federal Aviation Administration said Tuesday that government must move faster while regulating safety risks in order to keep pace with technological innovations. FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, whose term is ending, said the skies are about to become home to a multitude of new users including remote-controlled aircraft and the prospect of commercial rockets carrying people from the U.S. to Asia in minutes. Uber announced last week its partnership with NASA to develop traffic systems for flying cars. "The industry has a new need for speed," Huerta told about 400 people at the Aero Club of Washington, where he received a standing ovation. "And as a regulator, the FAA can't afford to move at the traditional pace of government. We'll get left behind at the launch pad, wondering what just happened." Huerta's five-year term ends Jan. 6. He joined the agency seven years ago as deputy administrator. His plans after leaving office are to ski - a lot. Before that, Huerta stressed the importance of airlines, airports, pilots including those in general aviation and manufacturers to collaborate with government officials. He cited the importance of advisory committees to develop a consensus for how the government should regulate such contentious issues such as drones and air-traffic control technology. "We've brought together the best minds in government, academia, aviation, technology, and law enforcement to help us address our most pressing challenges," Huerta said. "This has consistently yielded better results than if the FAA had tried to go it alone. And the aviation community today is stronger, better, and safer as a result." Huerta's advice to whoever succeeds him at FAA is to listen to competing views on contentious issues such as the expansion of commercial drones or the proposed move of air-traffic control from the FAA to a private corporation. "My advice to him or her? Embrace change. Be a good listener," Huerta said. Satellite technology is modernizing the air-traffic system. Planes are required to have equipment that relays their precise location by GPS by 2020. But concerns about the pace of modernization spurred a congressional debate about where to house air-traffic control, as part of FAA legislation that expires in March. Advocates of privatization contend it would provide more stable funding for multi-year projects such as modernizing air-traffic control equipment and training. But opponents worry that moving the system out of government could favor airlines while leaving others with nowhere to resolve complaints. "It's time to have an honest conversation about what the American public expects us to do, and how best to pay for it," Huerta said. "We can't keep talking past each other. We need to talk with each other." Paul Rinaldi, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said under Huerta's leadership that the safety of the system has been enhanced and collaboration between the FAA and NATCA has grown and strengthened. "The National Airspace System is better, safer, and more efficient because of collaboration between the FAA, NATCA and other stakeholders," Rinaldi said. Integrating new technology into the skies is also contentious. FAA developed a comprehensive rule by August 2016 for commercial drones weighing up to 55 pounds. But the industry urges faster approval of more complex flights, on the path to allow package deliveries and other uses. The Transportation Department recently invited local governments to work with industry partners to develop at least five experimental programs to explore flying more over people, farther than the pilot can see and at night. Huerta noted the various interests. While a small-business owner could view a drone as an opportunity, an airport manager might want to keep the aircraft out of its space. Airline executives want to avoid flight disruptions and general-aviation pilots just want to fly with minimal hassle. "Our aviation family is only going to keep expanding. Our table has to grow with it," Huerta said. "We need to hear from a broad range of voices if we're going to get things right." https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/11/14/faa-chief-urges-collaboration-weigh-risks-and- keep-pace-technological-innovation/863504001/ Back to Top Experts seek smarter aviation regulation in Africa KIGALI, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Aviation experts from across Africa and beyond are seeking tougher, smarter regulation policies that will guide the uninterrupted growth of the airline industry on the continent. They were speaking at the opening of 49th Annual General Assembly (AGA) for African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and its summit in the Rwandan capital city Kigali Monday. The AGA and the summit, held from Nov. 12 to 14, is the biggest air transport event in Africa that brings together airline chief executive officers and other high profile executives and decision- makersin the aviation industry in Africa, according to Rwandan Ministry of Infrastructure. "We are looking at engaging African governments to adopt smarter, tougher regulation framework to avoid unintended consequences when designing or implementing aviation policies. Smarter regulation is key to achieve tremendous airline growth on the continent," said Elijah Chingosho, secretary general of AFRAA. Chingosho called for civil aviation authorities in African nations to be given greater resources and operational independence to ensure improved safety standards. He said the growth of aviation sector in Africa is being hampered by ill-conceived regulation policies, poor safety oversight, and costly infrastructure. Iyabo Sosina, secretary general of African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), said that some countries in Africa currently are struggling to comply with 60 percent or more of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and recommended practices. "We have to engage African economies to take a smarter approach to regulation by ensuring full consultation with airlines in order to comply with aviation international standards and practices," she added. Aviation experts agreed that greater momentum could be gained by enhancing awareness of aviation issues among African leaders and policy makers in order to sustain and improve the safety and security oversight, the ratification of aviation conventions and other legal instruments for Africa aviation industry to thrive. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Africa will be a market of 350 million airline passengers by 2035 if challenges affecting the sector are urgently addressed. African aviation currently supports 6.8 million jobs and contributes 72.5 billion U.S. dollars in GDP, said IATA. Over the next 20 years passenger demand is set to expand by an average of 5.7 percent annually which opens up incredible economic opportunities for the continent's 54 nations, according to IATA. While officially opening the event, Rwanda Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente said that African governments and airlines should harmonize their operations including airport taxes, improve and expand aviation infrastructure and train the required personnel. "We need to bear in mind that Africa's aviation is still lagging behind to the rest of the world. There are more issues that should be fixed if we are to catch up with the rest of the World," he added. Convened under the theme "Rethinking strategies for airline profitability in Africa", this year's AGAwill deliberate aviation typical issues such as liberalization of African skies, cooperation, market leadership, cost-effective operations, adoption and application of information communication technology among others. In addition to statutory assembly matters to be discussed, there will be exhibition of products, solutions and latest technologies in aviation by reputable service providers from across the world. Further, the AGA will also avail quality time and opportunity for networking and business meetings among African airlines, industry partners and service providers. The event is expected to attract over 500 high profile delegates from the aviation industry in Africa, Europe, Middle East, Asia and North America. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-11/14/c_136751948.htm Back to Top flydubai and GE Aviation Reach Agreement for Intelligent Network GE Aviation and flydubai today announced that they have reached an agreement for GE to provide Intelligent Network software for efficient recovery of disruptions across the airline's fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft. "Airline disruptions occur every day, but it's how you handle them that sets you apart," said John Mansfield, vice president & Chief Digital Officer for GE Aviation. "Intelligent Network software as a service gives flydubai the real-time tools to predict the impact of operational disruptions, to optimize recovery back to normal operations and to minimize the effect on their passengers." A result of customer collaboration, flydubai and GE Aviation launched one of the first digital customer solutions built on GE's Predix platform in June 2016. "Passenger experience is critically important to us. We require a tool to provide improved Customer Service and operational visibility during interruptions to flight operations. Understanding the total impact to our passengers and our operation is of supreme importance," said Ken Gile, Chief Operating Officer of flydubai. "Intelligent Network provides a clear snapshot of the changes in our daily operations when it comes to any possible disruptions." The Predix-based Intelligent Network solution is designed to help flydubai to minimize the impact of unavoidable delays, enhance operational understanding, while optimally protecting schedules and revenue. Ramesh Venkat, Chief Information Officer of flydubai added, "We can now understand the knock-on effect across our network and having this software in place will allow us to quickly make the best decisions for our operations." "By collaborating with customers, we're better able to understand their challenges," continued Mansfield. "This is exactly how we want to work together and help customers to drive greater efficiency," GE Aviation opened the first Middle East Aviation Technology Center in Dubai in 2015 to support customers' operations in the region. GE also has digital centers in Austin Texas and digital foundries in San Ramon, Paris and Shanghai. These advancements in data and analytic technologies are examples of what GE's Predix platform for the Industrial Internet is driving in aviation. https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/flydubai-and-ge-aviation-reach-agreement-intelligent- network-1047830 Back to Top P&WC to Provide Abu Dhabi Aviation with Customized Engine Support Services for its PT6C-67C-Powered Helicopter Fleet DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES--(Marketwired - Nov. 14, 2017) - Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) announced today it has signed a 20-year Fleet Management™ Program (FMP®) contract with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) for 22 PT6C-67C engines that will power the airline's fleet of Leonardo AW139 helicopters which primarily serve the offshore oil and gas industry in Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Dubai and India. The FMP will also include the installation of P&WC's FAST™ Solution for advanced prognostics and engine health management. P&WC is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). "When it comes to helicopter dispatch, time is paramount - especially given the extremely large number of offshore takeoffs and landings by our fleet," said H.E Nadir Ahmed Al Hammadi, Chairman of ADA. "As the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East, we have opted to invest in an FMP plan and the FAST advanced prognostics solution with P&WC to help optimize our maintenance environment and ensure our AW139 fleet remains mission-ready at all times to the highest safety standards." The FMP plan for Abu Dhabi Aviation will provide customized support to meet both its technical and commercial needs. P&WC's FMP plan is a flexible, high-value engine management solution that helps lock in lower operating costs and simplifies fleet operations management. It also serves as a financial planning tool supporting efficient cash flow while allowing ADA to focus on its core business of offshore oil support. "The combination of our tailored FMP plan and FAST technology is a preventive maintenance solution that will help ADA reduce costs while supporting greater availability through comprehensive engine and aircraft health management," said Tim Swail, Vice President, Customer Programs, P&WC. "P&WC's focus is on delivering long-term value and peace of mind to our customers through innovative and flexible solutions aligned closely with their individual needs and flying environments." Along with fleet management, P&WC's turnkey FAST solution will provide situational awareness about engine health, usage and trends by capturing, analyzing and sending full-flight data intelligence wirelessly minutes after the pilot shuts down the engines. FAST technology goes beyond traditional prognostics to give customers a turnkey solution for a connected, data-driven engine for proactive and predictive engine health management. It also helps reduce pilot workload on the AW139 through automated power assurance checks. More than 1,200 FAST solutions have been delivered across numerous platforms, including 20 regional airlines. P&WC will be at Dubai Airshow, stand 1444. Interested operators are invited to drop to speak with a marketing or customer service representative. 100,000 Reasons To Go Beyond P&WC reached a significant milestone in April 2017, when it produced its 100,000th engine, a testament to the company's longevity and leadership in the global aerospace market. P&WC will celebrate this achievement throughout the year, recognizing all families of products as well as dedicated employees and loyal customers who, together, have marked the many accomplishments of its journey. About Pratt & Whitney Canada Founded in 1928, and a global leader in aerospace, P&WC is shaping the future of aviation with dependable, high-technology engines. Based in Longueuil, Quebec (Canada), P&WC is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12381177/pwc-to-provide-abu-dhabi-aviation-with- customized-engine-support-services-for-its-pt6c-67c-powered-helicopter-fleet Back to Top Dubai Civil Aviation Authority Signs Strategic Cooperative Agreement With DAFZA at Dubai Airshow 2017 The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has revealed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) during Dubai Airshow. The MoU aims to enhance cooperation between the two parties in the economic, social and cultural aspects of their respective operations. The move complements the objectives set forth in Dubai Plan 2021, which looks towards reinforcing the emirate's position as a global destination across many aspects and continuously support the government's communication strategy. The agreement also demonstrates DAFZA and DCAA's strong commitment towards consolidating communication, transparency and innovation. The MoU was signed by H.E Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General, DCAA and H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director General, DAFZA, in the presence of senior officials from both authorities. Under the terms of the agreement, the MoU seeks to enhance cooperation between DCAA and DAFZA --combining efforts across jointly initiated programs and initiatives, including the promotion of excellence in customer service and keeping at pace with the latest developments that impact Dubai and the UAE at the economic and social levels. The agreement throws special focus on consolidating cooperative ties in the commercial affairs within the aviation industrythrough the activation of Blockchain between the two parties and linking the license service for companies involved in aviation through digital technology - a move which will enhance the experiences of foreign investors in DAFZA. Both DCAA and DAFZA have also agreed to work closely together on other essential operational aspects like safety, the environment and price regulation. The two parties have further committed to exchange institutional practices and expertise in various fields while also collaborating on efforts aimed at improving the performance of joint operations, including simplifying procedures to further enhance their relationship. The MoU also recognizes DCAA as an official member of the Future Aviation Lounge (FAL) initiative, which was launched by H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The initiative is the first smart digital network backed by Artificial Intelligence technology to envision the future of aviation sector in Dubai. The new digital network will include various government entities like small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), multinational corporations (MNCs), the academic sector and other aviation affiliates and experts. The agreement also seeks to encourage joint action and cooperative innovation as well as improve these entities' roles as institutions and individuals in accelerating the growth of the sector and contributing to Dubai's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In this context, H.E. Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), said, "Through this MoU, we are looking towards further strengthening our strategic cooperation with our partners, which in turn, can result in consolidating Dubai's position globally across all fields and sectors. The agreement represents a positive step in the move to achieve the common objectives shared by the two entities, especially in the unified effort to promote and drive in more economic growth." H.E. Dr. Al Zarooni said, "DAFZA looks forward to strengthening its partnership with DCAA based on the freezone's priorities for creating a positive environment and a unique experience that attracts foreign investments and contributes to achieving its set goals and objectives. DAFZA is fully committed in providing the essential expertise and implement best practices to improve serving its customers, which will have a positive impact at the economic, social and cultural levels of Dubai and the UAE in general." H.E. added, "We welcome DCAA as a member of the Future Aviation Lounge and look forward to enhancing joint actions and cooperative innovation to envision the future of the aviation sector by sharing knowledge, expertise and institutional experience at all levels to play a vital role in the interests of the aviation sector and its contribution to Dubai's GDP." The MoU also covers the provision of training opportunities and workshops according to the programs being implemented by both parties. It also covers various activities, ideas, proposals and innovations like the facilitation and exchange of knowledge, experiences and related studies to support and accelerate national economic growth. Moreover, the agreement promotes the consolidation of resources, innovation and effective communication practices at both federal and local levels to serve the public interest. https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/dubai-civil-aviation-authority-signs-strategic-cooperative- agreement-dafza-dubai-airshow Back to Top Turkey moves closer to form own space agency ANKARA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- As a regional player, Turkey has set its sights on space. An ambitious space program will constitute the backbone of a special agency which should be launched next year to determine policies and strategies in space and aviation technologies. A draft bill to this effect penned by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been approved last week by a Parliamentary sub-committee and should be voted early next year at a plenary session, parliamentary sources said. The bill which is expected to pass with the consent of the opposition in the fragmented Parliament defines the mission of this first Turkish Space Agency as primarily reducing dependence on foreign technology, coordination work for space programs and develop and launch aerospace systems. The agency will reportedly combine the experience of similar institutions in the United States (NASA), Germany, France and Japan, according to the bill. Turkey's efforts in space programs, essentially on launching and integrating satellites, has experienced problems these last years, expressly because of the coup attempt of summer 2016 who has shocked the NATO and G20 country and after which thousands of officers have been arrested or purged from the army and the intelligence services, two forces who needed the space program to work the most. More than one year after this botched attempt, Ankara is more than ever determined to launch its own space agency which will be under strict civilian control. "We signed a protocol of cooperation with Japan in order to launch our own national space agency. This way we will be able to consolidate our efforts in the fields of satellites and space technologies," stated Turkish Transport, Maritime and Communications Minister Ahmet Arslan during an international symposium in Istanbul on the weekend. In September, Turkey and Japan signed a deal regarding satellite and space technologies. Under the deal, they will build an infrastructure of space technologies in Turkey over a span of six years. UBAKUSAT will be launched from Japan next year, and Japan will help train experts in space technologies and will also assist in establishing the Turkish Space Agency. "This is a sign that Turkey's dreams are becoming reality," said the minister, adding that "We will be able in a short future to achieve thing that we couldn't even dream of in the past." Turkey wants to increase its number of satellites to a total of 10 in 2023, in order to be able to operate and have direct communications links with some 90% of the world population through its own satellites. Turkey has launched its first satellite in 1994, followed by two others in 1996 and 2001 supported by the European consortium Airbus facilities. Three other military and observation satellites where launched subsequently since 2012, bringing the actual number of Turkish satellites galloping in the earth's orbit to six. Turkey aims to build its first fully indigenous satellite by 2019 and wants to invest more in software and design. Last week Ankara hosted SpaceX CEO Elon Musk who met President Erdogan to discuss cooperation between his companies and Turkish firms, including the launch of Turkish satellites. Turkey hopes to launch satellites Turksat 5A and Turksat 5B in 2020 and 2021 with the support of world famous entrepreneur Musk's SpaceX. Those two satellites will be launched into space by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets in the scoop of an agreement signed with Airbus Defense and Space Systems, told Minister Arslan to reporters. In an article in the Al-Monitor media site, Metin Gurcan, a leading Turkish security expert, indicated that the lack of a national space agency is "a key institutional deficiency" and is hampering the country's efforts to assert fully its power in her region. And Gurcan also asked if Turkey will be able to afford the massive funding needed for sustained space activities, explaining that she has allotted only 0.01% of its gross domestic product to space while this ratio is 0.25% in Russia and 0.23% in the United States. There is also the problem of finding qualified people to offer jobs in the field. Nearly 500 people work actually in space field and "there is hardly any work being done in research and development," remarked Gurcan, a former special forces officer. The Turkish Air Force, the apple of the eye of the Turkish army, had its fair share of blood loss after the failed coup where pilots and experienced personnel suspected of links with plotters have been jailed or dismissed, leading to a real anemia in this force and other aeronautical institutions. The creation of a space agency is on the work since the early 1990's but didn't materialize for financial, political or practical reasons, military and civilian institutions having being unable to clear authority sharing issues. But now that Turkey has transitioned from a parliamentary to a presidential system in the aftermath of a critical constitutional referendum in April, the president's authority and powers should settle these issues, according to official sources. "There was never ending discussions on the project which was constantly delayed but now is seems that the project will finally see daylight in the coming months," indicated to Xinhua a former intelligence service employee who asked to remain anonymous. "There is also more sensibility and increasing interest in the society for space research. We have to get ordinary people interested in these programs by means of awareness. Turkey has lost to much time because of internal feuding," he added. In the framework of its own space agency and seemingly setting even higher goals, Turkey is working on sending the country's first ever astronaut into space in the coming years, Science, Industry and Technology Minister Faruk Ozlu said. "We have contacted countries that have expertise in training astronauts," he told daily Hurriyet last week, adding that the cost of training a spaceman in Japan was 25 million U.S. dollars. "They train spacemen from scratch," he said. Turkey will evaluate offers from Russia and the U.S., he informed, while adding that the government drafted a law on establishing space research authorities. Ozlu said Russia had trained a Syrian cosmonaut in the past, who later was sent into space with a Russian team. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-11/15/c_136752633.htm Back to Top Mubadala partners with IBM for smart aviation Mubadala Investment Company has announced a collaboration with IBM at the Dubai Airshow, to develop smart systems that support manufacturing facilities, predictive technology and service optimisation in the aviation sector. Just ahead of the Airshow, Mubadala and IBM discussed the terms of the collaboration that will benefit Strata Manufacturing (Strata), the advanced composite aerostructures manufacturing facility in Al Ain, and Turbine Services & Solutions (TS&S), a leading maintenance, repair and overhaul provider for aircraft engines - two wholly owned Mubadala businesses. "At Mubadala, we are focused on achieving a future for Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE that is advanced, progressive and sustainable. Investing in diversified sectors with partners that have transformative technologies is critical to our next phase of growth," said Badr Al-Olama, Mubadala's director of Aerospace. "Our partnership with IBM will help us go above and beyond what we think is possible today, by optimising our operations and utilising disruptive technologies across businesses that already have a successful track record in the aviation sector." Since its launch in 2010, Strata has emerged as a tier 1 supplier of aircraft components to Airbus and Boeing. The company's existing facilities cover an area of 31,000 square metres and are home to more than 700 employees. The company plans to expand its capabilities towards establishing a dynamic aerospace ecosystem that will revolutionise traditional aerospace manufacturing using cognitive decision making processes, enhance quality and incorporate advanced material manufacturing capabilities. TS&S services leading original equipment manufacturers include GE, Rolls Royce and Siemens, and will soon be implementing predictive technology for maintenance, information retrieval, and the most advanced level of customer care. "As the aviation sector continues to grow, businesses need to explore innovative technology to differentiate themselves and optimize their operations," said Takreem El-Tohamy, general manager, IBM Middle East & Africa. "Whether it's analytics, artificial intelligence or Internet of Things, these will enable improved decision making." Cognit Technology Solutions (Cognit) is the exclusive provider for agreed IBM Watson technology in the MENA region. Amal Al-Jabri was earlier this year appointed as Cognit's new CEO. Mubadala also penned a deal with Honeywell this week for the manufacturing, development and maintenance, repair and overhaul of aerospace products across the Middle East. https://www.tahawultech.com/news/mubadala-ibm-smart-aviation/ Back to Top Cybersecurity expert claims he was able to hack into a parked Boeing 757 Experts working with Homeland Security remotely hacked into a Boeing 757 parked at a New Jersey airport - stunning a group of pilots who had no idea their planes are vulnerable, according to a report. Homeland Security cyber-sleuth Robert Hickey told Aviation Today that his team hacked into the controls of the commercial jetliner, which the department bought on Sept. 19, 2016, and parked in Atlantic City. "Two days later, I was successful in accomplishing a remote, non-cooperative, penetration," said Hickey, a manager in the Cyber Security Division of the DHS Science and Technology Directorate. "I didn't have anybody touching the airplane, I didn't have an insider threat," he said. "I stood off using typical stuff that could get through security and we were able to establish a presence on the systems of the aircraft." Noting that details of their hack and their research are classified, Hickey told attendees at the CyberSat Summit in Tysons Corner, Va., last week that they accessed the plane's systems through radio frequency communications. Experts initially reacted by saying, "We've known that for years'" and "It's not a big deal," Hickey said. But during a technical exchange meeting in March, he said seven captains from American Airlines and Delta Air Lines had no clue. "All seven of them broke their jaw hitting the table when they said, 'You guys have known about this for years and haven't bothered to let us know because we depend on this stuff to be absolutely the bible,'" Hickey said. President Trump's personal jet is a 757, as is the plane Vice President Pence often uses, including on his recent trip to Texas, according to CBS News. Mark Rosenker, former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, told CBS that "the 757 hasn't been in production since 2004, but the aging workhorse is still flown by major airlines like United, Delta and American." The cost to change one line of code on a single avionics component is $1 million - and it takes a year to implement, according to Aviation Today. Hickey noted that newer models of 737s and other state-of-the-art planes, like Boeing's 787 and the Airbus A350, have been designed with security in mind. He added that there are no military and commercial maintenance crews that can deal with ferreting out cyber threats aboard planes. "They don't exist in the maintenance world," said Hickey, who was an airline pilot for more than 20 years. Boeing, which observed the testing and was briefed on the results, said in a statement: "We firmly believe that the test did not identify any cyber vulnerabilities in the 757, or any other Boeing aircraft," according to CBS News. An official briefed on the test does not believe it revealed an "extreme vulnerability" to jetliners because it required a very specific approach on an older aircraft with an older system. The official added that it was good to know about the hack, "but I'm not afraid to fly." https://nypost.com/2017/11/14/cybersecurity-expert-claims-he-was-able-to-hack-into-a-parked- boeing-757/ Back to Top GE Additive unveils first BETA machine from its Project Atlas program FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE Additive today unveiled the first BETA machine developed as part of its Project A.T.L.A.S program. The meter-class, laser powder-bed fusion machine has been developed to provide manufacturers of large parts and components with a scalable solution that can be configured and customized to their own specific industry applications. Project A.T.L.A.S (Additive Technology Large Area System) is GE Additive's company-wide program to develop the next generation large additive machines. This first BETA machine was developed in just nine months and complements the company's existing portfolio of products. Ideally suited to industries that require large complex metal parts, such as aviation, automotive, space and oil and gas industries, the new BETA machine builds on technology previously developed by GE, combined with Concept Laser's expertise in laser additive machines. The first few BETA machines are currently being evaluated by a small group of customers and more are available for delivery in 2018. "Irrespective of industry, every customer has its own specific needs and its own unique levels of complexity. We regularly hear that next-generation machines need to be customizable and configurable. The new meter-class machine we're debuting at formnext is our response to that feedback - a solution that is scalable and customizable and meets the needs of our industry, as it matures," said Mohammad Ehteshami Vice President and General Manager of GE Additive. The machine's feature resolution and build rate speeds are better than machines available today and has a scalable architecture that can increase the 'Z' axis to 1.0M and beyond. Well-suited for large components with high resolution and complex geometries, such as aerospace- class parts, the machine incorporates the latest laser technology - and the ability to be reconfigured to incorporate additional lasers - as well as discrete dosing to save on powder and cost. Key features of this first, new machine - on show at formnext - include: * Build volume: 1.1 x 1.1 x 0.3M (x,y,z) * Gantry-based architecture * The latest 1kW laser * 3D scanner translates with laser * Discrete dosing * Optimal air flow over the print area * Best-in-class feature resolution * Process and machine health monitoring (enabled by Predix software - GE's cloud-based operating system) "Bringing innovation and technologies to market in just nine months demonstrates exactly what we mean by accelerating the additive manufacturing industry. Our Project A.T.L.A.S is one way we are helping our customers be more efficient and nimble as the sector matures," said Frank Herzog, founder and CEO, Concept Laser. "This demonstrates what's possible when we combine the strength of Concept Laser with GE." For many years, GE has been a leading end user and innovator in the additive manufacturing space. In addition to the $1.4 billion investment in Concept Laser and Arcam, GE has also invested approximately $1.5 billion in manufacturing and additive technologies over the past 10 years, developed additive applications across all GE businesses, created new services applications across the company, and earned hundreds of patents in material science. In 2016, the company established GE Additive to become a leading supplier of additive technology, materials and services for industries and businesses worldwide. Editor's Note: formnext 2017 is an annual trade show for the additive manufacturing industry and this year runs from 14-17 November in Frankfurt, Germany. GE Additive is located at booth E30 in Hall 3. About GE Additive GE Additive is part of GE (NYSE: GE) - the world's Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE Additive includes additive machine providers Concept Laser and ArcamEBM; along with additive material provider AP&C and additive service provider to the medical industry, DTI. As a notable user of additive technologies GE recognize the value and potential it brings to modern design and manufacturing. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the "GE Store," through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, resources and intellect. GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. www.geadditive.com http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171114005471/en/GE-Additive-unveils-BETA- machine-Project-Atlas Back to Top Rockwell Collins joins Saudi aviation initiative Rockwell Collins has joined an initiative with Airbus, Taqnia Aeronautics, the Saudi Technology Development and Investment Company, Saudi Arabian Airlines and other Saudi companies to support the aviation innovation challenge, Entaliq in Saudi Arabia, to benefit the aerospace industry. US-based Rockwell Collins is a leader in aviation and high-integrity solutions for commercial and military customers around the world. The programme is being organised in conjunction with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) based in Saudi Arabia, said a statement from the company. Rockwell Collins will work alongside the partners to organise student workshops and provide employee mentors to students over the coming months. Interested students apply for the opportunity to share their innovative ideas with programme judges who will select three winners for an incubator programme with the partners. During those internships, the companies will help the selected winners to industrialise their ideas. Rockwell Collins, which has an office in Riyadh, is joining Entaliq as part of its commitment to grow local human capital in Saudi Arabia and to support the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, which is a roadmap for the kingdom's development and economic objectives, said a statement. This programme exemplifies the company's overall commitment to help strengthen the industrial capabilities of the defence and aerospace industry throughout the Middle East, it said. Talel Kamel, managing director for the Middle East, Turkey and North Africa for Rockwell Collins, said: "We've been present in the Middle East for almost a quarter of a century and we continue to develop valuable relationships with local entities in Saudi Arabia in conjunction with Airbus." "We are proud of this collaboration that enables us to share our knowledge and expertise in domains such as avionics and communication with local students and fresh graduates who are working on leading technologies and capabilities-thus providing an ongoing talent incubator in the region," he added. - TradeArabia News Service http://www.tradearabia.com/news/IND_333082.html Back to Top Elon Musk's SpaceX launch is a secret government mission Thursday night's SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Kennedy Space Center is a mystery mission. Set to launch from pad 39A during a two-hour window that opens at 8 p.m., the brand new nine- engine rocket will take a payload to low Earth orbit on a mission codenamed "Zuma" for Northrop Grumman. The first stage of the Falcon 9 will then descend for a landing at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Landing Zone 1, generating a window-rattling sonic boom along the way. Unlike other mysterious launches, such as ones for the National Reconnaissance Office, a member of the intelligence community and the Department of Defense, a spokesman for Northrop Grumman identified the payload customer only as the "U.S. government." "The U.S. government assigned Northrop Grumman the responsibility of acquiring launch services for this mission," said Lon Rains, communications director at Northrop Grumman's Space Systems Division and Space Park Design Center of Excellence in California. "We have procured the Falcon 9 launch service from SpaceX." "This event represents a cost effective approach to space access for government missions," he said. Neither SpaceX nor Northrop Grumman would provide additional details. The fact that the rocket's booster will return for a propulsive landing at Cape Canaveral, however, reiterates the low-orbit insertion of the payload and could also indicate that it's comparatively lighter than previous SpaceX missions. Heavier satellites typically require drone ship landings or expendable first stages due to fuel constraints. Zuma marks the 17th mission of the year for SpaceX - more than doubling last year's total of eight launches - and, if successful, the 20th landing of a Falcon 9 first stage since 2015. Launch Thursday Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9 Mission: Zuma for Northrop Grumman / U.S. government Launch Time: 8 p.m. Launch Window: 10 p.m. Launch Pad: 39A at Kennedy Space Center Weather: 80 percent "go" https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/science/2017/11/15/elon-musks-spacex-launch-secret- government-mission/868678001/ Curt Lewis