Boeing, ANA Celebrates the First 787 Dreamliner Delivery

Boeing celebrated the delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner to launch customer ANA during a ceremony adjacent to the factory where the airplane was assembled. More than 500 employees representing the 787 program walked alongside the all-new jetliner to present it to ANA executives as a crowd of thousands looked on.

"Today we celebrate a significant moment in the history of flight," said Jim McNerney, Boeing chairman, president and CEO. "The 787 Dreamliner is the biggest innovation in commercial aviation since the Boeing 707 introduced the world to passenger jet travel more than 50 years ago. I want to thank ANA and all the employees of Boeing and our partner companies for the talent, technology and teamwork that have brought this game-changing airplane to life."

During the ceremony, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh presented a ceremonial key to Shinichiro Ito, president and CEO of ANA.

"It's not often that we have the chance to make history, do something big and bold that will change the world in untold ways and endure long after we are gone," said Albaugh. "That's what the 787 Dreamliner is and what ANA and Boeing have done together – build what truly is the first new airplane of the 21st century."

Made from composite materials, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes and will allow airlines to open new, non-stop routes preferred by the traveling public. In addition to providing airlines with unprecedented fuel economy and low operating costs, the 787 features a host of new technologies that greatly enhance the passenger experience.

Gordon Murray and Toray Industries Build Carbon-Fiber Electric Sports Car

Gordon Murray Design Limited and Toray Industries Inc has announce a prototype electric sports car named TEEWAVE AR.1 The AR.1 had an internal GMD code number of ' T.32' and the car is the result of a commission from Toray for Gordon Murray Design to design, tool and build a fully functioning prototype vehicle which utilizes many of Toray's advanced automotive materials in order to achieve Toray's basic concept of an attractive vehicle for everyone.

The 2-seater sports car is designed to use the Toray carbon fibers component system with a process time of less than 10 minutes. A carbon monocoque, one of the key technologies of TEEWAVE, can be applied to all types of vehicle other than the 2-seater sports car.

The entire programme from concept discussions to running vehicle took just 9 months and was delivered on target, both in terms of cost and final handover. The power train in the vehicle are the base components used in one of the commercial electric vehicles currently available, but the unique electrical architecture and control units were developed by Gordon Murray Design.

A carbon front crash structure was designed and developed for the car. A Full vehicle Euro Ncap O.D.B test was simulated in addition to a rigid barrier dynamic impact. A correlation process was conducted on the front crash structure for both half energy and full energy using physical tests. Quasi -static bend and torsion analysis was also conducted.

The AR.1 has a remarkably low weight of just 850kg (including the 240kg battery) putting the car firmly in Lotus Elise territory and some 400kg lighter than a Tesla. The ultimate performance is limited by an output figure of 47kw but a torque of 180 Nm available from a standing start results in lively acceleration.

Eastman Acquires Scandiflex to Expand Plasticizer Business

Eastman Chemical Company apprised that it has acquired Scandiflex do Brasil S.A. Industrias Quimicas, a manufacturer of plasticizers located in Maua, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The acquired Scandiflex plasticizer business and manufacturing capabilities are now part of Eastman’s Performance Chemicals and Intermediates (PCI) segment.

With 2010 sales revenue of $54 million, Scandiflex’s manufacturing capabilities and customer relationships in Brazil will enable Eastman to accelerate growth of its PCI segment’s non-phthalate plasticizer business in the Latin America region. In addition to regional diversification of both sales and manufacturing, Scandiflex also brings several complimentary non-phthalate products to Eastman’s broad portfolio of plasticizer products.

“This acquisition is an important next step in our global growth strategy and positions us to grow as demand increases in Latin America for non-phthalate plasticizer products,” said Ron Lindsay, executive vice president, performance chemicals and intermediates and fibers. "I am confident that Scandiflex’s strong customer connect and reputation as a reliable supplier in the Latin America market will provide us additional opportunities for future growth in this fast expanding region."

Vector Aerospace Signs Engine Services Agreement with John Hopkinson and Associates Ltd

Vector Aerospace Corporation a leading providers of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services informed about the signing of a service agreement between Vector Aerospace Engine Services-Atlantic, Inc (Vector) and John Hopkinson & Associates Limited, based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The three-year service agreement requires Vector to provide John Hopkinson & Associates Ltd. with comprehensive fixed-wing engine repair and overhaul support for the Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) JT15D and PT6A series engines from its P&WC Distributor and Designated Overhaul Facility (DDOF) located in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada. The work performed in Summerside will be augmented by Vector’s four other North American satellite centres located in Atlanta, Georgia; Calgary, Alberta; Dallas, Texas; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

John Hopkinson, president of John Hopkinson & Associates Ltd., says, “We are very proud to be entering into this Service Agreement with Vector Aerospace.” John Hopkinson & Associates Ltd. is Canada’s oldest and largest aircraft brokerage and aviation consulting firm; having been in business for over 40 years. JH&A have facilitated the purchase or sale of over 3,500 new and pre-owned aircraft during that time period and continue to be an industry leader in providing both individuals and corporations with comprehensive service from the planning stages, right through to the completion of the transaction and beyond. The timing of this agreement coincides with the firm’s acquisition of 25 Cessna Citation Ultras purchased from Embraer.