Michelin Inks 425-Aircraft Tire Deal
Tire manufacturer Michelin has signed two 10-year contracts with Air France and KLM to provide tires for “around 425 aircraft.” The aircraft, covered on a pay-by-the-landing basis, include 145 Airbus A320s, 66 Boeing 737s, 34 Boeing 777-300ERs and three Airbus A380s, among others.

L-3 Link on a Mission for the U.S. Air Force
The Aeronautical Systems Center’s Training Systems Product Group at Wright Patterson U.S. Air Force Base has awarded L-3 Link Simulation & Training a $21 million contract option to build a third F-16 Mission Training Center (MTC) suite. This latest contract option brings the total contract value on the program to $132.8 million. Under the program, the U.S. Air Force could order as many as 20 F-16 MTCs for delivery to installations in the U.S., Europe and Pacific regions.

The L-3 Link MTC suite includes four high-definition simulators, which are integrated with its HD World simulation product line, combining high-definition databases, image-generation systems, physics-based processing technology and visual displays. The MTC simulators will accurately model all of the fighter aircraft’s weapon systems and ordnance.

L-3 Link has also received a $10.3 million contract from the USAF to provide its new simulated joint helmet-mounted cueing system and advanced helmet-mounted display on training devices that support the service’s F-16 aircrew training device program.

Air Works Adds A320 MRO Approval
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have awarded India’s leading third-party MRO specialist, Air Works Engineering Pvt. Ltd., certification to maintain the Airbus A320 aircraft family. The certification covers major airframe maintenance on A319s, A320s and A321s powered by IAE and CFM engines.

This new certification comes within a year of Air Works having acquired EASA approval for the ATR 42/72-500 and Boeing 737 Classic and Next Generation aircraft.

Air Works’ commercial MRO in Hosur has one hangar capable of housing two ATR 72 regional jets or one narrowbody jet. The company plans to invest $40 million on an additional hangar– expected to be ready in the first quarter of 2011–a dedicated paint operation and future engine/component MRO activities.

Rolls-Royce Joins FAA’s Environmental Program
Rolls-Royce has received $16 million from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration for its participation in the continuous lower energy, emissions and noise technologies program. The engine manufacturer will perform tests focused on reducing fuel burn and evaluating alternative aviation fuels. FAA has set a 2015 goal of a 33-percent cut in fuel burn against current technology. Moreover, the agency wants advances in sustainable alternative aviation fuels.

In the quest for less fuel burn, Rolls-Royce will build on its own environmentally friendly engine program. It will work on “large gains” in cycle efficiency through reductions in turbine cooling airflow, the company said. Design and manufacture will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, and testing in Bristol, UK.

In parallel, Rolls-Royce will describe the properties of alternative fuels using ASTM procedures. It will employ an AE3007 engine and, with the support of Cessna, a Citation X, which is powered by two AE3007s. Rolls-Royce aims to assess fuel suitability, environmental sustainability and industrial and commercial viability.

PPG To Supply Cockpit Windows for MRJ
PPG Aerospace has been awarded a contract to supply cockpit windows for the Mitsubishi MRJ regional jet. The heated glass windshield and side flight-deck windows will be among the largest in commercial aviation, PPG says. They will feature three plies of Herculite II for strength and lightness and will be designed to withstand the impact of a four-pound bird at 340 knots.