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AgustaWestland selects MSC.Software
programs and receive great benefi ts like low cost health insurance. To fi nd out more log on to AFReserve.com/TalkToUs
or call 800-257-1212 to speak to an advisor.
MSC.Software, a leading global provider of simulation software and standardized virtual build and test system.
services, has announced that AgustaWestland has chosen MSC.Software The completed system will be a key part of AgustaWestland’s
CAE tools and simulation management technologies to power its extended PLM environment, integrating CAE-based and test-based
“Advanced Simulation and Process management (ASaP)” project engineering activities across geographies, preserving intellectual
following a two-year evaluation. The ASaP Project is a multi-year initiative property, and automating simulation tasks.
to deliver optimally performing products faster while maintaining high “MSC.Software is excited to be helping Finmeccanica companies with
reliability and quality. our next generation simulation technologies,” says Dominic Gallello,
The cornerstone of the project is the “Helicopter Portal,” a process CEO of MSC.Software. “Their deep two-year evaluation shows that our
management environment for simulation and virtual product validation. continued commitment to core CAE technology and simulation process
Leveraging state-of-the-art engineering simulation technology, and data management is resulting in new levels of technical and business
engineering knowledge, and AgustaWestland best practices, ASaP value for global aerospace leaders.”
will deliver system level multidiscipline simulation capabilities in a
SES gets Apache Block III work
The Boeing Company has selected Science continues to produce Apaches for the US Army and airframes to Boeing in Mesa, Ariz., for
Engineering Services (SES) to perform and international customers.” integration into the newest model Apache
*AFReserve.com/TalkToUs
disassembly, inspection and repair on AH-64D “As a supplier team member working on the helicopter, the AH-64D Apache Block III.
Apache helicopters in preparation for their Apache program, SES will add to the scope “This decision by The Boeing Company
upgrade to the Block III configuration. The of aviation work being performed for Boeing will positively affect the Tennessee Valley over
program will create approximately 70 new in North Alabama and provide additional the course of the next several years,” said E .J
positions for aviation and avionics mechanics, aerospace employment opportunities in the Sinclair, CEO of SES. “We look forward to being
structural installers, and aviation quality region,” said Tony Jones, Boeing vice president an integral part of the Boeing Apache Block
inspectors within SES. and Huntsville site executive. III team and working on the greatest attack
“Boeing is pleased to welcome Science and SES will receive US Army Apache helicopters helicopter in the world. This work continues to
Engineering Services to the Apache Block III at the SES West Aviation and Integration build Huntsville’s reputation as a Rotary Wing
program,” said Al Winn, Boeing Vice President, Facility in Huntsville, where the aircraft will Center of Excellence for the Army.”
Apache Programs. “The capabilities of the SES be disassembled, inspected and repaired as
organization will enhance our efforts as Boeing necessary. SES will then ship the components
Bell cuts 429 maintenance costs
Bell Helicopter has revised the maintenance manual for its new 429 to reduce
costs for operators while retaining its state-of-the-art reliability and safety. Bell’s
post-certification test program will enable component lives to be extended or life
limitations to be lifted all together. This testing is in conjunction with an effort to
reduce inspection requirements for components on the 429. That test program led
to a December 2009 revision of the 429’s approved maintenance manual, a change
that reduces the direct maintenance cost significantly.
The 429 is certified to the latest version of Part 27 airworthiness standards. Its
maintenance program is said to be the only one in the helicopter industry that is
based on Maintenance Steering Group 3 (MSG-3) practices that are the foundation
of the world airlines’ unprecedented reliability. The 429 is the first rotorcraft to have
its maintenance program approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency to
these high standards.
The Bell 429 offers low maintenance requirements.
.Bell plans to continue its test program, overseen by airworthiness authorities, to
support additional revisions to the maintenance manual and reductions in the 429’s maintenance costs.
“Bell will revise the maintenance manual as we progress with component testing and help lower our customers’ costs as they make greater and
greater use of this state-of-the-art helicopter,” says Bell 429 Program Manager Neil Marshall. “The 429 today offers performance capabilities and
design features unmatched in the light, twin-engine helicopter class. Ongoing improvements to the maintenance program will make it an even more
valuable helicopter for operators.”
Certified in mid-2009 by Canadian, US and European authorities, the 429 is to enter service in February with its first customer, Air Methods
Corporation, which will operate it for US emergency medical service operator Mercy One in Des Moines, Iowa.
10 Aviation Maintenance | avmain-mag.com | February/March 2010
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