Technological progress abounds
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia Air Show '96 is providing a first-hand look at some of the world's most potential markets in an industry that has one of the greatest growth rates in Asia.
Many foreign companies have come to the air show to showoff their latest technological achievements.
One of the 220 companies displaying at the air show is Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI), which is presenting its equipment and services related to air traffic control to the Asia-Pacific region.
AEROTHAI has been providing air traffic control and its related services for international aircraft flying over Thailand for more than 47 years. Its engineers have acquired the technical skills to manufacture air traffic equipment. This production was initially aimed at serving AEROTHAI's operations in order to help reduce costs for Thailand, a country which would otherwise have to import this expensive equipment.
AEROTHAI, a nonprofit organization, has quality competitive products at lower prices on the world market. As well as conducting continual after-sales services, AEROTHAI also designs specific equipment on request from buyers.
At the air show, AEROTHAI will exhibit its Automatic Message Switching System, which is a computerized system for high-speed exchange of flight information,. It will also show its Radar Simulator, which is used for training air traffic controllers, and its Aeronautical Telecommunication Network, which is the new communication network recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization. The system utilizes digital communication via satellite and computer network technology for developing communications of air-traffic service.
Another company to exhibit is Boeing. Its latest aircraft, the Boeing 777, will roll across the runway at the air show.
Harry Hopkins, in Flight International, says the Boeing 777 is the largest twin-engined aircraft ever. It is Boeing's first fly- by-wire aircraft, but it handles conventionally.
He says the Boeing 777 boast the most spacious airliner cockpit yet. Boeing's philosophy on this new cockpit could be called "need-to-show", he says. Meaning that the information a pilot needs shows up on the screen at the right moment.
Its seating arrangements offers six-abreast in first class, eight-abreast in business and either nine-abreast or 10-abreast in economy. Rolls Royce, General Electric, and Pratt and Whitney make the engines for the 777.
Dassault Aviation, of France, will also jet into the air show. The Dassault Aviations Group's primary vocation is the design, development, production, sale and maintenance of military aircraft. It builds Falcon business jets and Falcon Multi-role aircraft as well.
Dassault will feature the Rafale weapons system at its booth. The high-performance weapons system considerably lightens the pilot's workload with a innovative man-machine interface.
Right from the design, special attention has been paid to the Rafale's survivability, robustness and low observability. The Rafale's low observability is the result of extensive research into geometric forms, materials and the integration of military loads. The aircraft's self-protection system is fully internal and integrated.
A multipurpose twin-jet combat aircraft, it is able to carry out a variety of missions using the same engine configuration and the same navigation and weapons systems, whether for air strikes or for air superiority missions.
Dassault is also featuring the Mirage 2000-5. Built to carry the latest weapons systems available, or those still under development, it enjoys enhanced multimission capability. It is designed for air defense and air superiority missions.
The two-seater version of the Mirage 2000-5 has the twofold advantage of being adapted for training missions, while preserving the operational capability of the single-seater version.
The pilot interface fitted to the Mirage 2000-5 cockpit is completely new.
Indonesian Air Show '96 is an excellent opportunity for buyers to view the latest aircraft or find information on the latest technological advancements. It will also enthrall spectators from the moment they enter the grounds.