Analysts estimate over 8000 space payloads to be launched between 2017-2036

Coinciding with the Satellite 2017 Conference & Exhibition held in Washington, D.C., this week, Teal Group space analysts have identified 8,607 satellites, probes and capsules to be built and launched to earth or deep space orbits between 2017 and 2036. They estimate the value of these space payloads at more than $250 billion. Teal Group is an aerospace and defense consultancy based in Fairfax, Va.

The payload count for 2017-2036 reflects a 41 percent increase compared to the 5,095 payloads identified last year for 2016-2035 and 46.5 percent more than the 4,067 payloads for the 20-year look forward in 2015.  The trend in the future market for space payloads continues upward, and it is being driven largely by the introduction of thousands of small, nano and pico (mainly "Cubesats") commercial satellites designed to provide everything from broadband and mobile communications to meteorological, imaging and position location & tracking services.

Teal analysts identify 443 payloads "proposed" for launch in 2017, followed by 583 in 2018; 727 in 2019; 926 in 2020; 731 in 2021; 1,222 in 2022; 1,201 in 2023; 968 in 2024; 730 in 2025; and 298 in 2026.

In their latest update by spacecraft type, Teal analysts classified 6,786 (79 percent) of the payloads as commercial, 921 (11 percent) as civil (government non-military), 579 (6.5 percent) as military, and 321 (3.5 percent) as university and non-profit.

Of the payloads, more than 75 percent of them are proposed for low earth orbits; 17 percent for medium earth orbits; six percent to geostationary orbits; and the rest to deep space or elliptical orbits.

Demand for Eagle 407HP helicopter conversions is growing

Honeywell will deliver a total of 10 HTS900 helicopter engines to Eagle Copters Ltd. in 2017. Eagle Copters placed a new order for eight additional engines in January 2017, adding to the two engines from a previous order, which are scheduled for delivery in the second quarter.

"The global helicopter market recognizes the many benefits of replacing the standard engine on the Bell 407 helicopter with the more powerful and reliable Honeywell HTS900," said Rick Buchanan, senior director of retrofit, modifications and upgrades, Honeywell Aerospace. "The HTS900 has a 17 percent reduction in fuel consumption compared with the standard engine and a 22 percent increase in shaft horsepower, making it ideal for lifting heavy loads under hot-and-high flying conditions."

"We have already completed eight conversions, have more in the pipeline, and are in regular conversation with other operators looking to upgrade their fleets either by converting their existing Bell 407 or acquiring a new Eagle 407HP from Eagle Copters," said David Whiting, vice president, Technical Sales, Eagle Copters.

The Honeywell HTS900 is a new engine design that provides an additional 500 pounds of payload, improved dash speed and 12 percent lower maintenance costs compared with the original Bell 405.

Most popular posts February 2017

1.) Air Canada flight runs through grass during landing - On Feb. 25, Air Canada Flight 623 was traveling from Halifax to Toronto/Lester B. Pearson airport with 118 persons on board. [Full story]

2.) 10th annual Routes Americas conference to plan new flights in North and South America - The aviation industry came together last month in Las Vegas at the 10th annual Routes Americas conference to plan new flights in North and South America. [Full story]

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5.) Video: Coast Guard overflight of New Orleans tornado damage - An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans conducted an overflight in eastern New Orleans to assess the damage caused by tornadoes in February. [Full story]

Gas station app aims to give out $1 million in cash back

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Sikorsky transfers S-70i prototype helicopter to Aselsan

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has transferred to defense electronics firm Aselsan an S-70i Black Hawk helicopter for use as the prototype aircraft for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program (TUHP). The aircraft will enable Sikorsky to integrate an Aselsan-developed avionics suite into the Republic of Turkey's new T70 utility helicopter, and later into Turkish-built Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk aircraft to be sold internationally.

Called the Integrated Modular Avionics System (IMAS), the new avionics suite is a collaborative design by Aselsan, Sikorsky, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and pilots serving the Turkish Armed Forces to meet the requirements of Turkish T70 operators and other potential customers.

TAI leads a team of Turkish aerospace companies that will build at least 109 helicopters with the T70 designation for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program. The IMAS suite is expected in time for initial deliveries of T70 aircraft to Turkish end users in 2021.

The Sikorsky-owned S-70i aircraft arrived at Aselsan facility in Ankara on Saturday after nine hours of flight from Sikorsky's PZL Mielec aircraft factory in southern Poland. During the 930 nautical mile journey, the aircraft crossed Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria with two fuel stops along the way.

Sikorsky TUHP Program Director Jason Lambert presented the aircraft's keys to Aselsan President and CEO Dr. Faik Eken during an arrival ceremony Wednesday. Also attending were officials from the Turkish Government's Undersecretariat for Defence Industries, the Turkish defense industry, Sikorsky, and an international diplomatic delegation with missions in Ankara.

Aselsan and Sikorsky are co-developing the IMAS suite to provide Turkish pilots with powerful smart displays, point-and-click functionality to speed input of pilot commands, and ergonomic enhancements to the Pilot Vehicle Interface that will reduce pilot workload. Navigational improvements tailored to Turkish requirements will include an integrated Terrain Avoidance Warning System, an integrated advanced digital map, and coupled flight control functions for guided approaches to landing zones.

The TUHP program is valued at approximately $3.5 billion for 109 T70 aircraft, inclusive of the work to be performed by Sikorsky, TAI and other suppliers.

Air Canada flight runs through grass during landing

On Saturday, Air Canada Flight 623 was traveling from Halifax to Toronto/Lester B. Pearson airport with 118 persons on board. Towards the end of the flight, the aircraft (an Airbus A320) was flying an Instrument Landing System approach to runway 15R. Just after midnight, during the landing sequence, the aircraft traveled through the grass on the western side of the runway, eventually coming to a stop on the runway centerline. The passengers were deplaned on the runway and transported by bus to the terminal. There were no reported injuries, and apparent damage to the aircraft at this point is minor. The aircraft will be thoroughly examined to further determine the extent of the damage. Five runway edge lights were also damaged.

Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) investigators were deployed in the early morning to Pearson Airport to examine the aircraft and gather information. The TSB is an independent agency that investigates marine, pipeline, railway and aviation transportation occurrences. To date, TSB have:

• Taken possession of the CVR and FDR. These will be sent to the TSB Lab in Ottawa for further analysis.
• Gathered airborne radar, ground radar and audio data from air traffic control.
• Gathered the initial weather information.
• Examined and took measurements of the occurrence site.
• Conducted preliminary examination of the aircraft.

Next steps

The investigation is ongoing and the next steps include the following:

• Interviewing the flight crew, air traffic control and other witnesses.
• Gathering all information surrounding this flight, such as: weather, the approach, navigation systems, communications, the crew, training, the organization.
• Analyzing data from FDR/CVR.
• TSB investigators have to examine all the information before drawing any conclusions. It is too early to say what the causes and contributing factors of this occurrence might be.

ClixSense launches promotion to celebrate 10-year anniversary

On Feb. 22, the popular rewards website ClixSense will celebrate its 10-year anniversary. In celebration of this, the company is running a special promotion starting Monday that will run until the end of the month. [Full story]