Lufthansa Technik announced a string of developments at last week’s world-leading cabin systems show.
The Hamburg-based VIP completions and cabin systems provider has teamed with French-headquartered interiors specialist EADS Sogerma to attempt the summit of the aircraft seating market. EADS Sogerma is to offer the Aerosleeper – Lufthansa Technik’s concept for a premium-class bed – as an element of its existing Ultimate 17 super first-class seat under the overall designation Ultimate Sleeper.
Created by the German company’s Innovation Centre, Aerosleeper is intended to iron out the wrinkles still to be found in first-class seats when they recline fully flat. To ensure that the passenger sleeps comfortably, the design incorporates a genuine bed that can be folded out over the fully reclined seat as required.
“Even the best ideas are useless if they can’t be implemented in practice,” commented Innovation Centre managing director Andrew Muirhead. “In EADS Sogerma we’ve found the right partner to realise the Aerosleeper concept.” Sogerma is productionising Aerosleeper and intends to bring the combined Ultimate Sleeper to market in the middle of this year.
Another Lufthansa Technik product, the foldable Aerostretcher system for the transport of patients who are unable to use standard aircraft seating, has been upgraded. With its weight now further reduced to 38kg the new Aerostretcher NG offers a number of additional improvements.
It can be secured by quick-release locks to the seat tracks of most economy-class cabins in five to ten minutes. In the structure solid cross-beams are replaced by steel cables, reducing weight and making it possible to brace the unfolded assembly via a single knurled screw. Despite its lightweight construction, Aerostretcher NG is fully 16g-certificated.
A height-adjustable opaque curtain assures privacy, and the legs, armrests and click-on desk can be adjusted to meet the needs of patients and their carers. When not in use, Aerostretcher NG can be folded and stowed in two compact boxes suitable for the aircraft’s cargo bay. Launch customer Lufthansa has ordered 50 examples for delivery by the end of August.
In a second medical initiative, Lufthansa Technik has partnered with RDT of the UK to assure air-to-ground communications for the latter’s Tempus IC airborne telemedicine system.
Lufthansa Technik’s Mobile Access Router (MAR) can intelligently select the most appropriate air-to-ground communications link at any time and automatically make a connection for the transmission of data from Tempus IC.
In the event of a passenger falling ill in flight, Tempus IC allows a non-medical user to collect and transmit key vital signs - including blood pressure, pulse, blood oxygen, breath gas analysis and heart condition - to a ground-based medical centre staffed by specially trained doctors. The accurate real-time data, along with the two-way voice and streamed-video links also facilitated by MAR, maximises the doctors’ ability to make a diagnosis and offer advice.
The company announced that it had been selected to provide its Guideline ColourFit emergency floorpath lighting system as standard equipment on the whole Airbus range. It will also supply Guideline for Bombardier CSeries aircraft under contract to C&D Zodiac, provider of the complete interior package for the new aircraft.
Based on photoluminescent technology, Guideline ColourFit is guaranteed by the manufacturer to be 100 per cent failure-proof, with unlimited lifespan and better light performance than comparable products. It has been certificated by EASA and the FAA for installation on all current commercial aircraft types.
Guideline requires just 15-30min of charging in normal cabin light to ready it for a 12-hour flight. The light-producing material is non-radioactive, has low flammability and is non-toxic. The light-storing process can be repeated indefinitely. Other than routine cleaning, no maintenance is required.
The Guideline product range also includes exit signs. Similarly photoluminescent, they are recyclable and non-toxic and can be disposed of in an eco-friendly way.
The DoD has changed its structures and is been increasing efforts to facilitate access to loans by companies interested in working with artificial intelligence, advanced materials and semiconductors, biotechnology and quantum science.
India has approved millions of dollars in new military purchases, most of which will go to public sector companies.
The main obstacles to overcoming risks in the region are a lack of a strong cybersecurity culture and inadequate funds to invest in this domain given a widespread Chinese presence in the region.
MBDA is adapting to supply chain pressures as the Russian invasion of Ukraine leads to increased demand for armaments.
Despite the additional funding promised this week, the UK armed forces still look set to face cutbacks, and maintaining international commitments to AUKUS and GCAP may limit the options for other programmes.
This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, senior naval reporter Harry Lye and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann chat with Professor John Louth.
Connect with us on socials
