August 23, 2018 - No. 067 In This Issue Application-Specific Machine Vision Simplifies Aircraft Maintenance Growing Demands in Aviation Maintenance Spark Innovative Leadership at National Aviation Academy Western Aircraft Tapped as Embraer Maintenance Facility Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings Partners with Kansas Aviation Museum. United Technologies buys analytics firm Predikto Aireon, Irish Authorities Ready Emergency Tracking Service NBAA Announces Agendas for Safety Events at NBAA-BACE QANTAS SAYS PILOT ACADEMY TO OPERATE FROM TWO SITES BY 2020 N1 Partners with AvGuard on Engine Services Here's How New Stratolaunch Rockets Compare To SpaceX, Blue Origin Application-Specific Machine Vision Simplifies Aircraft Maintenance Machine vision systems, however automated, do not exist in isolation. They must augment and intelligently interact with human operators. Workflows can benefit from 3D optical vision systems. In particular, vision systems technology shows significant promise to improve aircraft inspection efficiency while providing operators with a better understanding of airframe integrity and safety. However, to deliver these gains to an airline's bottom line, the vision system must coexist with and empower the technician/engineer. The aviation maintenance industry has a singular focus: to return aircraft to service as efficiently as possible while ensuring unrelenting standards of safety. One of the most common maintenance tasks is to inspect an aircraft for dent damage resulting from events such as hailstorms, bird strikes, and ground-support equipment collisions. A dent must be within allowable tolerance limits for the aircraft to continue flying until the next scheduled major maintenance cycle. Dent damage typically is inspected using manual tools or 3D optical metrology equipment. Manual tools, such as dial gauges or dial-test indicators, are low-cost and simple to use. But measurement with them can be highly subjective and yield inconsistent and even dubious results. In contrast, 3D optical metrology equipment is accurate. Typically used in the form of a general- purpose 3D scanner, it is also extremely complex and time-consuming to learn, use, and maintain. In addition, the equipment is prohibitively expensive. As a class of machine vision systems, 3D optical metrology equipment can deliver valuable dimensional information about a surface under inspection. Traditional 3D optical metrology equipment is valuable for assessing manufactur ing tolerances, nondestructive testing, and structural health monitoring because it allows noncontact and precise inspection of a surface. Although reprogrammable, traditional metrology equipment has several challenges. First, it requires a long learning curve for an operator, most often a seasoned engineer, to effectively program and operate. Second, it requires a significant amount of time for the experienced operator to interpret measurement data, which typically is made up of millions of points of 3D point cloud data per scan. Finally, there are significant limits to the accessibility of the object of interest. The alternative is to design equipment to solve for only one clearly defined problem, instead of attempting to solve for a vast array of surface measurement problems. Such an application-specific approach allows complex metrology theory to remain hidden from the operator since no user- programming or postprocessing (data interpretation) is needed. As a result, the user interface is significantly simplified and operates with just one button. Real-time analysis Ease of use is further enhanced by designing a fully self-enclosed system that includes an integrated power source and CPU. This enables real-time analysis in a completely hand-held portable form factor that can transfer seamlessly from the workshop to the hangar and onward into the field. Coupled with augmented reality (AR), such real-time analysis can drive efficiency gains as well as a more productive and enjoyable operator experience. Ease-of-use also extends to the operator's ability to handle and maneuver the system in a manner that is comfortable, convenient, and safe. This becomes especially important when inspecting very large surfaces that cannot be transported to the measurement equipment. Keeping in mind these considerations, the challenge is to create a portable form factor that doesn't compromise accuracy and precision. The dentCHECK 3D surface inspection tool from 8tree is an application-specific system. The tool uses the principle of triangulation, which is often called structured light scanning, white light scanning, or fringe projection. Triangulation has become well established for applications such as 3D inspection, 3D digitizing (turning real-world objects into 3D models), and 3D measuring (comparing scan data to CAD models). The technology is being applied in a variety of areas, including automotive, aerospace, archaeology, cultural heritage, life sciences, and medicine. With triangulation, a digital camera records a series of patterns that are projected from a pattern projector. Camera and projector are arranged to enclose a triangulation angle. The series of patterns consists of linear, parallel line patterns. Scanners from 8tree employ a combination of gray-code and phase-shift patterns. The recorded image sequence generates a 3D topology map of the surface. From this, a valid 3D point can be generated at each camera pixel location that receives light from the full sequence of the image. In aggregate, 2.3 million individual 3D coordinates are created per scan. Points might be invalid because of underexposure, overexposure, or difficult surface properties, such as shiny or transparent surfaces. To improve the reflective properties of the surface, different color patterns can be used. With the measurement of a dent on an aircraft wing skin, the topology information is visualized with a color scale - in this case ranging from purple (-1 mm) to red (+1 mm). Additional information can be calculated from the 3D map, including the deepest point of the detected dent. The system architecture follows a modular design so specific applications can be addressed. Most commonly available scanning systems that use triangulation are designed according to the traditional approach of addressing a broad range of applications with a general-purpose system design. All such systems are operated through dedicated software that runs on extremely powerful standalone computers. The scanner itself is connected through a cable to that computer. While connected to the external computer, general-purpose system setups cannot easily be moved on the shop floor or in difficult-to-access areas where measurement is required. Also, these systems often require additional software to interpret the generated 3D data and obtain actionable results. Results are delivered on a computer monitor that can be situated far from the place of measurement. Operators need to focus on their computer screens and align the results mentally to the actual surface that was measured elsewhere. Because of the inherent drawbacks and challenges of traditional measurement systems, they are rarely used for the daily routine of maintenance and quality-control jobs in the hangar. Instead, these systems are relegated to use by engineering departments and highly trained operators. Accuracy and speed A great deal of attention is placed on the accuracy and repeatability of results delivered by a measurement system, and for good reason. But often this necessary accuracy comes at the expense of speed, simplicity, and meaningful feedback. The 8tree system makes use of usability engineering principles to correct these drawbacks. Among other things, usability engineering states that there are three important limits to device response times: The limit for immediate response is 0.1 s. If a response is faster than that, the user doesn't perceive any delay and experiences immediate response. The limit for uninterrupted user workflow is 1 s. For more involved operations, a user will typically allow up to 1 s before shifting the attention away from the task at hand. The limit for keeping the user's attention is 10 s. When response times approach that, it becomes important that the user receives feedback on the progress of the process. Displaying a progress bar can serve this purpose. Delays in response time greater than 10 s increase the risk that the user will be distracted, which can negatively affect continuous workflow and the quality of work. In the context of a measurement tool, speed relates to scanning time and the time taken to analyze and represent results. Because of the targeted nature of the problem being evaluated, an application-specific system can significantly shorten analysis time, while AR can project the results back on the surface that has been measured. Results can include numerical values as well as simple color codes that mark features relative to tolerance settings. Additionally, status information about the measurement tool, such as battery load level and Wi-Fi connectivity, can give operators real- time feedback. The goal of design simplicity is to produce results that are meaningful, readily understood, and immediately actionable in the form of a pass/fail or go/no-go decision. Reaching this goal means achieving the right balance between functionality and ease. The factors that can make a critical difference include fewer mouse clicks, no complex menus, immediate response, little latency, and hard-wired buttons instead of complex software configuration options. For the optimal experience, it also is important that the user is in control. Besides making the process short, providing feedback, and keeping the user informed when progress is slow, user control means always allowing the user to interrupt the process. Case studies from TAP Maintenance & Engineering (M&E) and easyJet illustrate the practical benefits to the aviation maintenance industry of application-specific tools that follow a user-centric design. The measurement tools these companies used were packaged in a self-contained design with a zero learning curve and one-button operation. TAP M&E is a global provider of heavy-check maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. It is part of the TAP Group, which operates Portugal's national carrier, TAP Airlines. After a year of using dentCHECK, an application-specific tool designed to empower operators in the hangar, TAP M&E witnessed a more than 90 percent improvement in time taken to map and report dent damage. Meanwhile, in a separate study, easyJet, a pioneer of low-cost aviation in Europe, realized a more than 80 percent time savings to disposition dents with the aid of dentCHECK. Applying lessons from usability engineering has a positive impact on quality and repeatability of results and efficiency. Gage R&R analysis of the measurement data from user- and workflow-centric design has demonstrated that the variability attributed to the operator is small even for a complex metrology instrument. Meet the authors Howard Chung is an applications engineer at 8tree in Germany. His research experience is in the development of smart materials, particularly in the applications of structural health monitoring and energy harvesting. He currently focuses on optimizing workflows for human operators of complex vision systems. He holds two aerospace engineering degrees from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; email: howard@8-tree.com. Pia Böttcher is vice president of operations at 8tree. She has held a variety of project management, sales/marketing, and business management roles in the machine vision and life sciences sectors. Her current research involves the practical implementation of usability engineering theory in the design of application-specific 3D scanners. She is a graduate of the University of Applied Sciences Konstanz and Warwick Business School, with emphasis in computer science and business; email: pia@8-tree.com. Erik Klaas is CTO of 8tree. His two decades of work in 3D optical metrology include some of the earliest intellectual property development for structured light scanning. His current research focuses on the integration of gesture-based techniques and AR in application-specific 3D scanners. A senior member of SPIE, he is a graduate of the Cologne University of Applied Science, with an emphasis in optical 3D metrology and color topometry; email: erik@8-tree.com. https://www.photonics.com/Article.aspx?AID=63823 Back to Top Growing Demands in Aviation Maintenance Spark Innovative Leadership at National Aviation Academy CLEARWATER, Fla. (PRWEB) August 22, 2018 A growing need for aviation maintenance technicians, and increasing technologies in the aviation industry overall, have demanded forward-thinking solutions from aviation maintenance training institutions like National Aviation Academy (NAA) in recent years. In an effort to bolster offerings to students, and the industry alike, NAA has developed a diverse and highly-adept leadership team, making changes that will steer their educational facilities in Clearwater, Fla. and Concord, Mass. into the future. Holli Hudson, a member of NAA's Board of Directors and Executive Committee, has risen to senior executive vice president of communications and market development. Michael Hargrave has been promoted to executive vice president of financial aid and compliance. Proven track records in career training and education make them both uniquely qualified to leverage their experience and develop broad institutional initiatives to meet the goals of NAA and the demands of the industry. According to Boeing's Pilot & Technician Outlook 2018-2037, careers in aviation maintenance currently outpace the number of qualified individuals trained to fill open positions. NAA's focused, dynamic leadership structure has been implemented to inspire and recruit the next generation of aviation personnel. Benefits for this next generation of niche technicians are immense. Earnings for aviation maintenance technicians continue to rise year over year, as evidenced by a current median salary of $61,020 according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) data. Competitive wages, in addition to a vast portion of the aviation maintenance workforce approaching retirement age, have created an untapped source of opportunity for hands-on individuals. Hudson is excited to continue serving NAA in greater capacity, stating "the value of helping our students achieve success as they train for viable careers in aviation maintenance cannot be understated. It is at the core of what we do." In partnership with Hudson and Hargrave, NAA team members are committed to maintaining NAA's position at the forefront in technical education, providing world class aviation maintenance training for the airmen and airwomen of tomorrow. http://virtual-strategy.com/2018/08/22/growing-demands-in-aviation-maintenance-spark- innovative-leadership-at/ Back to Top Western Aircraft Tapped as Embraer Maintenance Facility Greenwich AeroGroup subsidiary Western Aircraft has been named an authorized service center by Embraer Executive Jets. The Idaho-based company will now provide full support for the Phenom 100 and 300 light jets and midsize Legacy 450 and 500, while offering line maintenance for the large-cabin Legacy 600 and 650. The company is currently in the process of acquiring tooling and training for its maintenance staff and is expected to begin receiving Embraer customers by the end of September. "We are pleased to be a part of the Embraer-authorized service facility network," said Austin Shontz, Western's vice president and general manager. "Embraer seeks to provide its customers with an optimal level of support and we are delighted to now be among the choices for Embraer customers." Operating in Boise for more than six decades, the MRO provider is also a factory authorized service center for Cessna, Dassault Falcon, Beechcraft, Pilatus, and Piper. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-08-21/western-aircraft-tapped- embraer-maintenance-facility Back to Top Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings Partners with Kansas Aviation Museum Wichita, KS - The Kansas Aviation Museum is excited to announce a new partnership with Sherwin- Williams which will be donating the necessary aviation paint to aid in the restoration of several of the museum's fleet. The first two aircraft to be repainted will be the Boeing 737-200 and the Cessna 310. Both aircraft will be painted with Sherwin-Williams JCX™ polyester urethane commercial topcoat system. The Boeing 737 was originally donated by Ryan International Airlines. This was Southwest Airlines' first plane. It will be restored to Ryan International Airlines' original livery. The Kansas Aviation Museum has also partnered with the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) for the structural restoration of the Cessna 310. The plane is currently at their facility undergoing this restoration. Sherwin-Williams provides quality aerospace coating systems and technical support to the global commercial, military, general and business aviation markets. Sherwin-Williams is an industry leader in innovation and technology solutions with its certified products, top-rated service and knowledgeable team of field technicians. For more information on coatings, go to Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings go to https://www.swaerospace.com/home or call 1.888.888.5593 (North America), 1-316-733-7576 (International). https://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12426158/sherwin-williams-aerospace-coatings- partners-with-kansas-aviation-museum Back to Top United Technologies buys analytics firm Predikto Many companies in the airfreight world are trying to figure out a way to incorporate predictive software into their operations. While most of these plans are only in their early conceptual stages, there may be some movement soon in the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) market with the purchase of startup Predikto buy United Technologies (UTC). Atlanta-based Predikto offers a software platform that analyzes maintenance and usage data from jet engines to help MROs better predict when the systems of these complex machines will fail. By developing automated algorithms for aircraft maintenance, Predikto aims to eliminate unplanned downtime by determining when engines are most likely to fail and scheduling maintenance in advance to save on MRO costs. UTC said Predikto's services will be integrated with UTC' portfolio, and will be used for its Pratt & Whitney engine unit, as well as its non-aviation subsidiaries, including elevator manufacturer Otis and HVAC company Carrier. "This is all about efficiency and automation to help us identify things we haven't identified before," said Vince Campisi, UTC's chief digital officer. UTC also said Predikto co-founder and CEO Mario Montag will join UTC's leadership team as chief of data and analytics, replacing Steve Abrams, who left the company earlier this year. The financial details of UTC's purchase of Predikto were undisclosed. http://aircargoworld.com/allposts/united-technologies-buys-analytics-firm-predikto/ Back to Top Aireon, Irish Authorities Ready Emergency Tracking Service Aireon and the Irish Aviation Authority have begun accepting "pre-registration" for their newly developed Locating and Emergency Response Tracking (Alert) service, an ADS-B-based tracking system that provides exact position reports on aircraft in distress or experiencing loss of communication. Available free of charge to air navigation service providers (ANSPs), aircraft operators, regulators, and search-and-rescue organizations, the system will start operating in the first quarter of 2019 from the IAA North Atlantic Communications Center in Ballygireen, Ireland, according to Aireon. The partners said the service will for the first time allow for precise position data for an aircraft in distress over the oceans, remote areas, and anywhere else on the planet they might need aircraft position information in an emergency. "As long as an aircraft is broadcasting on 1090 MHz ADS-B, we will be able to locate it anywhere worldwide," noted IAA chief executive Peter Kearney. "This is a unique and secure cloud-based service, designed to the highest data protection standards." The partners stress that users of the service do not need to be customers of either Aireon or the IAA. Once a stakeholder has registered and received approval for Aireon Alert, it can contact the operations facility to obtain the last known position of its aircraft at any time. The report includes a map of the last 15 minutes of flight, with one plot per minute and a four-dimensional report including altitude, latitude, longitude, and time information. Based on the situation, the Alert service can provide further tracking information, said Aireon. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2018-08-22/aireon-irish-authorities-ready- emergency-tracking-service Back to Top NBAA Announces Agendas for Safety Events at NBAA-BACE Washington, DC, Aug. 21, 2018 - The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today announced the agendas and speakers for two significant safety events - the Single-Pilot Safety Standdown and the National Safety Forum - to be held in conjunction with the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), which runs from Oct. 16-18 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Single-Pilot Safety Standdown NBAA's 10th annual Single-Pilot Safety Standdown takes place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 15, and features interactive learning opportunities, expert speakers and lively peer-to-peer discussions. Single-pilot business aviators will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills, while exploring practical tips to enhance operational safety and risk mitigation. "We are excited about developing our 10th annual Single-Pilot Safety Standdown," said David Ryan, chair of the NBAA Safety Committee. "We have a progressive and interactive program planned this year with several industry safety leaders to discuss and together work toward developing resources with the single-pilot community" Scheduled presentations include: a detailed analysis of single-pilot business aviation accident data; interactive discussions on mitigation best practices and leadership briefings from NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) President and CEO Mark Baker and Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) CEO and Chairman Jack Pelton. Learn more about the Single-Pilot Safety Standdown. NBAA National Safety Forum NBAA's fourth annual National Safety Forum is set for Thursday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Following the theme of "Safety Begins with You," this critical event will focus on the basics of maintaining skills and understanding automation in aircraft; examine the physiology and psychology that affects human performance and explore the relationship of leadership and professionalism in aviation safety. "Continuing with our town-hall format, the National Safety Forum will engage with operators on several topics, including airmanship, fitness for duty and professionalism/safety leadership," said Ryan. "We encourage NBAA-BACE attendees to plan their travel accordingly to attend these two outstanding 'bookend' safety events." Learn more about the National Safety Forum. NBAA-BACE is business aviation's most important annual event, where participants have an unequaled opportunity to view the latest business aircraft, products, technology, and services the industry offers. Held this year at the Orange County Convention Center and Orlando Executive Airport, the event also offers a premier networking venue and dozens of educational sessions. Learn more about NBAA-BACE. https://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12426112/nbaa-announces-agendas-for-must- attend-safety-events-to-be-held-at-nbaa-bace Back to Top QANTAS SAYS PILOT ACADEMY TO OPERATE FROM TWO SITES BY 2020 Qantas has confirmed its proposed pilot training academy will be operating from two Australian regional centres by 2020. In June, the airline group announced a shortlist of nine regional centres were being considered for the school, comprising three in New South Wales (Dubbo, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga), two in Queensland (Mackay and Toowoomba) and one in each in the Northern Territory (Alice Springs), Tasmania (Launceston), Victoria (Bendigo) and Western Australia (Busselton). The academy is due to open in 2019 and would initially train about 100 pilots a year for the Qantas group of airlines. However, looking further ahead, Qantas has previously indicated this could grow to 500 pilots a year on a fee for service basis depending on demand from other parts of the industry. When the shortlist was announced, Qantas said it was considering the idea of a second academy, given the broader demand for pilots from other airlines, the defence force or service providers such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service. At the company's 2017/18 full year results presentation on Wednesday, Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said an announcement on where the pilot training academy would be based was only weeks away. Further, Joyce confirmed a second site would be operational in 2020. "Today we're committing to a second pilot academy facility to help meet global demand," Joyce said. "It's a commercial opportunity for Qantas - to train pilots for other airlines - and an opportunity to support the broader aviation industry in a country that relies so heavily on air transport." Despite the addition of a second site for the pilot training academy, Qantas said its total investment in the venture was unchanged at $20 million, "reflecting the levels of third-party support". Joyce said those assessing the bids from the various regional centres had been impressed with the level of community support for the school. "It's been fantastic," Joyce said. "It's reflected in the levels of support put forward by governments, councils and the private sector. There's a lot of excitement about using the Academy to leverage more jobs and investment for the region." INDUSTRY ANALYSIS SHOWS STRONG DEMAND AMID SHORTAGE OF EXPERIENCED PILOTS The Boeing 2018-2037 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook has forecast commercial airline industry will require 635,000 new pilots over the next 20 years in response to a doubling of the fleet and record demand for air travel. Boeing noted in its Business Environment Update report for 2018 there were currently 295,000 active commercial pilots around the world. Asia Pacific represented the largest source of demand with 31 per cent of all new pilots, 34.1 per cent of all technicians and 36.1 per cent of all cabin crew to be recruited in the region between now and 2037. Meanwhile, a report compiled by an Australian expert industry panel has concluded urgent action was needed if Australia's aviation industry was to avoid disruptions due to the shortage of pilots and skilled maintenance engineers. "Australia is experiencing a severe shortage of aviation personnel and the situation is growing worse," the report published on July 27 stated. "The current shortage of qualified pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers is a global problem and a major issue for Australia's aviation system. "This is not a future threat, it is a significant present challenge that is currently disrupting the industry, and actions to address it need to include immediate mitigations supported by a longer- term sustainable strategy which involves many stakeholders." http://australianaviation.com.au/2018/08/qantas-says-pilot-academy-to-operate-from-two-sites- by-2020/ Back to Top N1 Partners with AvGuard on Engine Services Maintenance provider N1 has reached an agreement to offer engine services for business aircraft enrolled in AvGuard's hourly maintenance coverage programs. AvGuard offers unscheduled maintenance coverage for 447 makes and models of business and general aviation aircraft. The agreement with N1 expands that coverage into engine maintenance, N1 said. "This partnership enhances the services provided by AvGuard beyond avionics and airframe coverage for scheduled and unscheduled programs," said N1 president Bill Metera. "Our companies employ the same values in providing high-quality, affordable aftermarket services, and the N1 team is well prepared to offer our custom engine service for all of AvGuard's customers." N1, a joint venture of B&G Aviation and Directional Aviation Capital, will provide scheduled and AOG maintenance events, along with unscheduled and catastrophic coverage for AvGuard-enrolled engines. A global support team will be available to provide round-the-clock coverage, N1 added. "With more than 350 domestic and strong international support outlets, [AvGuard] required an experienced and trusted partner to support turbine engines at an unmatched value," N1 said, adding it is able to fill that need with factory-trained mechanics and integrated maintenance service offerings. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-08-21/n1-partners-avguard- engine-services Back to Top Here's How New Stratolaunch Rockets Compare To SpaceX, Blue Origin Microsoft (MSFT) co-founder Paul Allen's Stratolaunch added to the growing fleet of new spacecraft that private space companies are developing. Here's a look at Stratolaunch's new rockets and how they match up with rockets from Allen's tech- space mogul rivals: Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk's SpaceX and Amazon(AMZN) CEO Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin. Stratolaunch System Rockets The Northrop Grumman (NOC) Pegasus medium-lift rocket can carry payloads up to 815 pounds and its first test flight is scheduled for 2020. The Medium Launch Vehicle rocket can hold payloads up to 7,500 pounds, and its first flight is scheduled for 2022. The Medium Launch Vehicle - Heavy has three booster cores and could carry payloads up to 13,000 pounds but the rocket is still in early development. Stratolaunch also announced the development of a new reusable cargo space plane, similar to Boeing's (BA) X- 37B. The space plane will be able to send and retrieve cargo on orbit with a possible crew transporter as a follow on. Unlike SpaceX's and Blue Origin's free-standing rockets, the Stratolaunch System relies on a massive plane that lifts rockets to high altitudes before they are launched into orbit. The plane features six-engines, two fuselages and the largest wingspan ever at 385 feet. SpaceX Launch Rockets SpaceX's main rocket, the Falcon 9, has a capacity of 50,300 pounds for payloads going to low- Earth orbit. SpaceX's Falcon Heavy, which first launched in February, can carry 140,660 pounds into orbit. The company has an even bigger rocket, the "BFR," in development that is being designed to carry 330,000 pounds into orbit. Musk has an ambitious timeline for the BFR will first test flights slated fro the first half of 2019 with cargo missions to Mars ready in 2022. Blue Origin Launch Rockets The New Shepard is a reusable rocket and has been in test flights since 2015. While its maximum payload capacity is unclear, it's designed to take humans to the edge of space. Meanwhile, Blue Origin is developing the New Glenn rocket. The rocket has a payload of 100,000 pounds and a 2020 first test launch date. While it's still two years away from a test launch, Blue Origin has multiple customers lined up. Like SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets, the New Glenn will be reusable and land on a drone ship near Cape Canaveral. United Launch Alliance Rockets The Boeing (BA)-Lockheed Martin (LMT) joint venture has been launching rockets for the longest, but the new space startups have pushed the company to innovate faster. Its Delta IV Heavy rocket can lift 62,500 pounds into orbit and is currently operational. But United Launch Alliance is working on a new Vulcan rocket with a first test flight scheduled for no earlier than 2020. That heavy-lift rocket will have a payload capacity of 80,000 pounds. https://www.investors.com/news/space-companies-rockets-stratolaunch-spacex-blue-origin-ula/ Curt Lewis