helicopters: new projects from safran · power its upcoming falcon 5x business jet. this was the...

P. 8 TOMORROW: MICRO-SENSORS GROW UP / P. 28 MARKETS: BETTER ID THROUGH FACIAL RECOGNITION

JANUARY 2014 – # 15THE MAGAZINE FOR SAFRAN'S CUSTOMERSAND PARTNERS

HELICOPTERS: NEW PROJECTS FROM SAFRAN

SPECIAL REPORT

MARCHÉSContents

02 _ January 2014 _ Safran Magazine

22 MarketsYou can also check out the latestSafran news on:• www.safran-group.com• www.facebook.com/GroupeSafran• twitter.com/Safran

News breaks P. 04

Tomorrow P. 08Micro-sensors grow up

Special report P. 10Helicopters: new projects from Safran

Panorama P. 182013 Paris Air Show Highlights

Markets P. 2222 Safran and the A350: a successful

team effort24 Cassiopée, the expanding

constellation26 A400M: innovation in 4/4 time28 Better ID through facial recognition

Insight P. 3231 The White Bird, a transatlantic

pioneer32 Safran and suppliers, a balanced

partnership34 Diversity – a source of strength for

Safran

Interview P. 36Brazil: winning strategic alliancesInterview with Othon Zanoide de Moraes Filho, Chairman and CEO, Queiroz Galvão Defesa.

With the first flight of the A350 XWB, one of the most audacious jetliners of its generation, Safran consolidates its position as a strategic Airbus partner.

SAFRAN AND THE A350: A SUCCESSFUL TEAM EFFORT

The Safran magazine - 2, bd du Général-Martial-Valin, 75724 Paris -

France - Cedex 15 - Email: [email protected] - Publication Director: Pascale Dubois - Editorial Director: Marie-Laure Dufour - Executive Editors in Chief: Alexia Attali, Céline Groult - Editor in Chief: Martin Bellet - Written by: D. Baudier, M. Bellet, E. Dumoulin, C. Fressoz, F. Lert, P. Michaud, G. Sequeira-Martins - Translation: Don Siegel, ID Communications - Production: - Printed by: Imprimerie Vincent, certified IMPRIM’VERT on PEFC accredited paper - ISSN 1960-7164 - The articles and illustrations published in this magazine may not be reproduced without prior authorization. Cover: © Anthony Pecchi / Eurocopter

Safran Magazine _ January 2014 _ 03

MARCHÉSEditorial

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has long been an integral part of Safran’s strategy. In effect, we have to show exemplary behavior to pave the way for smooth growth at Safran.

Exemplary behavior means developing innovative products and processes to address increasingly stringent environmental requirements. Whether for the new LEAP engine, or the electric

green taxiing system (egts), Safran is actively working on ways of reducing CO2 and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, as well as the noise generated by its systems.

Exemplary behavior also means continuously strengthening protection measures for our people. While the science of “accidentology” has made considerable strides in recent years, risks are always present, whether at workstations, in the professional environment or during travel. We have to stay alert: ensuring each

person’s safety is everybody’s business!

Another major facet of our strategy is developing the full potential of the 65,000 men

and women who work for Safran. This is clearly reflected in the commitments we have made concerning hiring, training, career management, mobility, the workplace and our social model.

Last, but hardly least, exemplary behavior means ensuring a sustained culture of integrity within Safran. A number of initiatives deployed by Safran demonstrate the importance of fighting corruption, including our ethics charter, a dedicated entity, and strengthened vigilance in our international endeavors.

Safran’s commitment to CSR was formalized in 2012 to address the expectations of our employees, customers, investors, suppliers and shareholders, as well as analysts and the communities where we operate. Today, over and above financial performance and product quality, a company’s stance on social responsibility contributes more than ever to its value. Now it’s up to us to redouble our efforts.

Exemplary behavior, an imperative!

Stéphane AbrialDeputy Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Office

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“Corporate social responsibility is an integral part of Safran’s strategy.”

MARCHÉSNews breaks


Safran was a partner in the first international homeland security and technology forum, Technology Against Crime (TAC), held in France in July 2013. Organized by the French Ministry of the Interior and Interpol, the international criminal police organization, with 190 member countries, the event brought together key security players (public authorities, industry, researchers, etc.) from about 60 countries. They discussed the challenges of the fight against criminality and the technologies that could help them. Safran Chairman and CEO Jean-Paul Herteman gave a speech on “The Industrial approach to preventing and fighting crime”. According to Prefect André Viau, secretary general of the TAC science board, this biannual event could well become the “security and technology Davos”.

TECHNOLOGY AGAINST CRIME: ANTICIPATE AND INNOVATE

Safran to power Falcon 5X

At the annual NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) Convention in Las Vegas in October 2013, Dassault Aviation officially announced its selection of the Silvercrest engine to power its upcoming Falcon 5X business jet. This was the second selection of the new engine being developed by Snecma (Safran), already chosen by Cessna in 2012 for its Citation Longitude. Several other Safran companies are also contributing to the Falcon 5X: Aircelle (nacelles and thrust reversers), Sagem (engine control units and flap actuation system), Techspace Aero (low-pressure compressor, forward chamber and lubrication system for the engine, adaptation of test stands and test equipment), Turbomeca (design of the centrifugal stage on the Silvercrest compressor), Labinal Power Systems (wiring harnesses) and Microturbo (partner to Pratt & Whitney AeroPower for the auxiliary power unit and its installation kit).

WBUSINESS AVIATION

An ambitious research partnershipWAUTOMATION

On September 4, 2013, Safran and auto parts maker Valeo signed a partnership agreement to conduct research in assisted and autonomous driving. The aim is to pool their expertise in order to accelerate the development of innovative products and create new markets. The agreement identifies four main areas of collaboration: driver attention monitoring; 360° visibility for wrap-around views of vehicle surroundings; visibility in extreme weather for driver assistance; and vehicle robotization/dronization, to enhance the autonomy of land vehicles. The joint research agreement will eventually include outside research centers and universities, as well as innovative small businesses.

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Messier-Bugatti-Dowty plant in Malaysia

D uring an official trip to Malaysia in July 2013, French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault visited the site of Messier-Bugatti-Dowty’s future plant in Sendayan. This Safran company is the world leader in landing and braking systems. The new 10,000 square meter plant, now under construction, will produce and refurbish carbon brakes for commercial airplanes, especially for the two leading single-aisle jet families, the Boeing 737 Next-Generation and the Airbus A320/A320neo. Messier-Bugatti-Dowty already works with 18 operators in the region, providing wheels and carbon brakes for 230 aircraft in service in Malaysia, plus another 420 now on order. The Sendayan plant will further strengthen Safran’s presence in the country, where two other Group companies, Morpho and Turbomeca, already have operations.

WPRODUCTION

Jorge Ortega ,General Manager of Labinal Power Systems North America Wiring and Services Division “Labinal Power Systems is one of the most multi-cultural companies of Safran. The one common objective shared by all of our teams is customer satisfaction. This commitment is reflected in the multiple awards we have received over the years. We diligently work to improve our customer service by developing innovative electrical products, offering end-to-end solutions and providing more effective support. Labinal Power Systems is also preparing our future leaders to continue on this path. I am proud to lead such a dynamic organization.”

Mr. Ortega was appointed Vice President and General Manager of Labinal Power Systems’ North America Wiring and Services Division in December 2006. He began his career at Westinghouse, holding various operational functions before joining Labinal in 1993. He held different program management and operational positions, and in 2000 was promoted to President of Labinal de Mexico with the main objectives of developing and growing the company’s business in Mexico.

Decision-makers

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MARCHÉSNews breaks


Safran participated in the creation of a network dubbed “Women in Engineering”, launched during the 2013 Paris Air Show at the initiative of women executives in the French company Altran. The first network bringing together senior women managers from the international engineering community, it seeks to enhance the attractiveness of this sector, a key to innovation and competitiveness, but one in which women are still largely a minority. Safran also participated in the Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society in Deauville, France, in October 2013. Several women managers from Safran took part in roundtable discussions on women in engineering professions.

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On January 1, 2014, Safran consolidated its expertise in electrical systems and equipment within Labinal Power Systems. This new company, combining Labinal, Safran Engineering Services, Safran Power, Aerosource and Technofan, offers an unrivaled combination of expertise in electrical systems (generation, distribution, conversion, wiring and ventilation) and the associated Research & Technology capabilities. Labinal Power Systems will be the new world leader in aircraft electrical systems, enabling Safran to bolster its position in the “more electric” aircraft market.

SAFRAN CONSOLIDATES EXPERTISE IN “MORE ELECTRIC” AIRCRAFT

Women in industry

A400M now in service

The delivery of the first production Airbus A400M military transport to the French air force on September 30, 2013 was celebrated not only at the Orleans-Bricy air base in France, but also in Seville, Spain, home of the assembly plant. Safran is a major contributor to this new-generation airlifter, including the TP400 turboprop engine via the European consortium EPI1, landing gear, wiring etc. (see article on page 26 for further details). A total of 174 aircraft have been ordered to date by eight countries: Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Malaysia, United Kingdom and Turkey.

1. Europrop International : Snecma (Safran), Rolls-Royce, MTU Aero Engines, ITP.

WDEFENSE

WCOMMITMENT

WE-IDENTITY

In 2008 the Albanian government granted Morpho the concession for the production and distribution of biometric ID documents, in partnership with the local organization, Albanian-American Enterprise Fund, via a joint company called Aleat. The concession was renewed in 2013 for a period of ten years, in an agreement that also provides for use of a secure e-services platform dubbed Morpho Trusted Identity Services. This platform allows Albanian citizens to carry out various governmental operations (tax returns, requests for birth certificates, etc.), as well as private operations (banking, legal, insurance and other transactions). Other services could eventually be added, including secure money transfers, an electronic signature for a notarized act, telephone subscriptions, etc.

Albania opts for e-services

Karen Bomba,President and CEO of Morpho Detection, Inc., Safran

“Without exception, Safran’s customers expect leading-edge technologies, applied to solve current and emerging needs; innovation is key. At Morpho Detection, we are at the heart of an industry that endeavors to keep our aviation, critical infrastructure and populations safe. We develop technologies and products that not only detect anomalies to be further investigated, but in fact specifically identify threats.”

Karen Bomba has been named President and CEO of Morpho Detection, Inc. She began her career at Northrop Corporation’s Advanced Systems Division facilities, working on the structures and systems for the B-2 bomber program. She then held various management and executive positions with aerospace companies especially Hitco Carbon Composites. In 2000, Ms. Bomba joined Messier-Bugatti USA (Safran) as Executive Vice President and General Manager, and was named Chairman and CEO in 2004. After her appointment in 2008 as Chief Operating Officer of Zoltek Companies, Inc. in 2008, Ms. Bomba returned to Safran as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Labinal in 2010.


Decision-makers

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Ground tests of the new LEAP turbofan engine kicked off in September 2013, right on schedule for this successor to the CFM56, which had already recorded some 5,800 orders and commitments at October 31, 2013. The engine is now undergoing a vast ground and flight testing program, leading to certification in 2015 and service entry on the Airbus A320neo in 2016. Other versions of the LEAP engine have been chosen by Boeing for the 737 MAX and by Comac of China for the C919.

WPROPULSION

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LEAP under test! SMOOTH SAILING

After setting a new record in June 2013 for the fastest solo crossing of the North Atlantic in a monohull boat (in 8 days, 5 hours and 20 minutes), the Safran Open 60 ocean racer, skippered by Marc Guillemot and Pascal Bidégorry, finished second in the Transat Jacques Vabre transatlantic sailing race in November. Marc Guillemot will also be competing in the Route du Rhum, scheduled for November 2014.

MARCHÉSTomorrow


What exactly are MEMS and how are they used? MEMS are simply very tiny electromechanical systems, engraved in a material such as silicon at a scale as small as a micron. Devices measure up to several millimeters and are mainly used as sensors or actuators. First developed back in the 1970s, MEMS are now used in many different sectors, including automobiles (fuel level indi-cators, airbag triggers, etc.), medicine (blood pressure measurement), telecommunications (cell phones) and aerospace (pressure sensors, accelerometers, etc.).

And where does Colibrys stand in this market? Colibrys is a Swiss company that designs and builds high-performance micro-sensors to mea-sure acceleration and vibration, based on sili-con MEMS technology. Calling on the same fabrication processes as in the semiconductor industry, this technology allows the volume production of MEMS that combine small size, high performance and low cost.

Colibrys was a long-standing supplier to Sagem, which uses its components in various inertial navigation systems that it supplies to

both airplane and helicopter manufacturers (Airbus, Bombardier, Dassault Aviation, Euro-copter, HAL, etc.). Colibrys works for many other sectors, including energy, robotics, auto-motive, rail, instrumentation and construction.

How does the acquisition of Colibrys benefit Sagem? One of the main advantages of this company is that it offers a world-renowned product range

In early 2013 Sagem (Safran) acquired the Swiss company Colibrys, specialized in micro-sensors based on MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) technology. Hervé Bouaziz, Senior Vice President for Strategy and Development at Sagem, explains this latest acquisition.

MICRO-SENSORS GROW UP

TECHNOLOGY

HEALTHCAREBlood pressure measurement

TELECOMMUNICATIONSMovement detection for smartphones

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and expertise. Sagem has long built MEMS-based accelerometers for its own needs, but with quartz technology, which offers higher performance than silicon technology for now, but is also much more expensive. We believe that silicon-based MEMS, for both accelerom-eters and gyros, will continue to enhance their performance and become widely used in both aerospace and defense. They will eventually become a differentiating technology in inertial

The new Colibrys plant in Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, which makes MEMS.

AUTOMOBILESFuel level monitoring, airbag triggering

AVIATIONPressure sensors, accelerometers

DEFENSEMissile guidance, attitude and heading reference systems, navigation systems

How does a MEMS accelerometer work? One of the key areas of expertise at Colibrys is its ability to develop MEMS accelerometers capable of measuring infinitesimal movements precisely, reliably and repeatedly, at reasonable cost. Each MEMS comprises three superimposed plates, with the middle one acting as a pendulum suspended between the two others by a micro-spring. While the accelerometer itself measures several millimeters on each side, the distance between the suspended plate and the lower plate is only about two microns! As soon as the MEMS experiences an acceleration, the middle plate moves and causes a change in current, measured by a microcontroller.

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navigation applications: missile guidance, atti-tude and heading reference units, navigation systems, etc. – and that explains the advan-tages of acquiring a company that masters this technology.

What are Colibrys’ development objectives? First of all, Colibrys must retain its position as an independent MEMS supplier. At the same time, we’ll help them move up the value chain, by which I mean enabling them to produce silicon MEMS with even higher performance, that could be used on platforms requiring high-precision guidance. We will obviously be leveraging synergies with Sagem to help Colibrys enhance the design of its sensors and associated electronics. Furthermore, we’re looking at the possibility of making MEMS-based gyros and, in the longer run, integrating them in miniature inertial refer-ence systems. ■

10 _ January 2014 _ Safran Magazine Safran Magazine _ January 2014 _ 11

HELICOPTERS: NEW PROJECTS FROM SAFRANDespite the – temporary – turbulence affecting the rotorcraft sector, Turbomeca has never developed as many new engines and technologies as today.


MARCHÉS

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Special report

new helicopters should be produced from now to 2032.

The share of the helicopter market taken by military machines

Safran is the world’s leading supplier of helicopter turbine engines.

53,200 47%No. 1


MARCHÉSSpecial report

The Heli-Expo 2013 trade show and exposition in Las Vegas confirmed the vitality of the helicopter market. Overall demand is logging net growth, especially for utility missions (surveil-

lance of gas pipelines, power transmission lines, etc.) and offshore transport for the oil and gas industry.

The MRO (maintenance, repair and over-haul) business is naturally on the rise as well, in tandem with the replacement market. “The utility helicopter segment is driven by fleet replacement needs, since 70% of these machines are over 20 years old”, says Frédéric Daubas, Chief Marketing Officer at Safran. “In the military sector, the number of helicop-ters should hold steady, or decline slightly, but armed forces now tend to seek out higher-per-formance machines. This is an opportunity waiting to be seized by both helicopter and equipment manufacturers, who are developing increasingly innovative products.”

THE CENTER OF GRAVITY SHIFTSAnother primary trend in this sector is the shift in the geographical center of gravity. According to Frédéric Daubas, “Both Europe and the United States are mature markets. The future is now being played out in countries log-ging high growth rates, like China, Brazil and Russia, as well as Southeast Asia. In the next 20 years, these countries could well account for three-quarters of total market demand.”

This translates into an excellent business outlook for helicopter-makers in the United States and Europe, the long-standing leaders in this field, as well as manufacturers of engines and equipment, like Safran. But these legacy leaders will not long remain the only players

The helicopter industry is fundamentally a growth market, driven by the replacement of aging fleets and burgeoning demand from emerging countries. Despite certain difficulties in the current market, legacy suppliers and new entrants alike are jockeying for position to seize new opportunities.

MARKETS

ENSURING A LONG-TERM FUTURE

in this global game. “While emerging countries looked abroad until now to purchase their air-craft, they are gradually developing their own production capacity”, explains Daubas. “Russia, India and China – which is gradually open-ing its airspace to civil helicopter flights – are investing heavily to develop their industry, and Turbomeca is working with all three countries.” This represents a major challenge – as well as an opportunity – for the established Western manufacturers, who are trying to anchor their positions in these markets by creating local partnerships and subsidiaries. ■

€128 billion

€260 billion

Mediumhelicoptershelicoptershelicopters

26,60026,60026,600

Heavyhelicopters

14,400

LightLightLightLightLighthelicoptershelicoptershelicoptershelicoptershelicopters

12,200

€25 billion

Sales forecast, 2013-2032.

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STRATEGY

Safran is the world’s leading supplier of turbine engines for helicopters, a position that is anchored in recognized technical expertise, custom-tailored service packages and local support for customers around the world.

SAFRAN GIVES HELICOPTERS A TURBO BOOST

In the next 20 years, an estimated 50,000 new helicopters will enter service world-wide. The industry’s long-term dynamic performance should naturally benefit Safran, the market’s leading engine sup-

plier via turbine specialist Turbomeca, as well as a top-tier equipment supplier for helicopter wiring, avionics and landing systems (see oppo-site).

The outlook is especially promising in the heavy helicopter segment, and Turbomeca is naturally bolstering its presence in the large turboshaft engine market. In September 2013, Turbomeca finalized its acquisition of Rolls-Royce’s stake in their joint engine program, the RTM 322. “Through this acquisition, we can go even further in the design and integration of new technologies on this turboshaft engine in the 2,500 shaft horsepower class”, notes Olivier Andriès, Chairman and CEO of Turbomeca.

Safran, manufacturer of helicopter engines and equipment In addition to Turbomeca, several other companies drive Safran’s success in the helicopter market. Microturbo supplies auxiliary power units (APU) for the NHIndustries NH90 and Eurocopter EC725 helicopters, and recently earned certification for its e-APU, a new model designed to meet the needs of tomorrow’s more electric helicopters. The first application of the e-APU will be on the AgustaWestland AW189. Sagem is a leading supplier to military helicopters, including the Strix and Osiris sights on the Tiger, the optronics, flight control and navigation systems on the NH90, and the Euroflir optronics pod, navigation system and flight controls for the Caracal. In addition, Sagem

develops Fadec engine control units, and mission planning systems, such as the MPME for helicopters deployed by the French army.

Landing system specialist Messier-Bugatti-Dowty was chosen by Eurocopter in 2012 to supply the wheels and electric brakes for the upcoming X4. Aircelle, via subsidiary SLCA, is participating in the design and manufacture of composite aerostructures, such as engine cowls. Labinal Power Systems, the world leader in aircraft wiring and a major supplier of engineering services, works with a number of leading helicopter manufacturers, including Eurocopter, Sikorsky, Boeing, AgustaWestland, Bell, Heli-One and Helibras.



What’s the core business at Avincis? We’re specialized in heliborne services: emergency medical evacuation, fire-fighting, mountain and maritime rescue, and passenger transport for the oil and gas industry.

How would you describe your relationship with Turbomeca? We have been working together since the mid-1980s. Turbomeca has always been very open when we encounter technical difficulties. The signature of a maintenance contract covering 180 engines of 14 different types in September 2013 clearly reflects our confidence.

What does this contract entail? It’s a service by the hour (SBH) contract, and covers engines operated by the companies Inaer, Bond Air Services, Bond Offshore Helicopters and Australian Helicopters. This service package not only gives us a long-term vision of our maintenance costs, but also the certainty of receiving services tailored to the specific needs of our different companies. In addition, it will help us improve our machines’ dispatch reliability, thanks to guaranteed engine replacement when needed.

Group Fleet and Engineering Director, Avincis Group

w�MARTIN WHITTAKER

“Reaffirming our long-standing relationship with Turbomeca”

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500 to 2 500 shp The power range covered by Turbomeca’s engines

“Furthermore, we are building a demonstrator dubbed ‘TECH 3000’ to validate the new con-cepts and technologies specific to this range by 2015, for possible application on major new helicopters announced by manufacturers. This demonstrator will enable us to develop a new family of engines in the 3,000 shp class, for helicopters from 11 to 14 tons.”

A COMPLETE FAMILYThis new model will join the seven engine types already offered by Turbomeca. The helicopter market is highly segmented, and demands a wide variety of engines, suited to the very specific needs of different helicopter missions. Turbomeca’s entry-level turboshaft engine is the Arrius, developing 500 to 700 shp. Next comes the Arriel, available in many different versions. When it hit the market in 1974, the Arriel developed only 650 shp. The latest models are now rated at nearly 1,000! Offering slightly more power is the Arrano, the latest member of Turbomeca’s family (see page 17), in the 1,200 shp class. Then come the Ardiden and Makila, followed by the RTM 322, developing up to 2,500 shp. “We now offer a very complete


family of engines, to meet the requirements of helicopter manufacturers worldwide”, adds Philippe Couteaux, Vice President & General Manager, Airframers at Turbomeca.

POWERING HELICOPTERS FOR LEADING MANUFACTURERSTurbomeca has worked closely for many years with Eurocopter, the world’s leading maker of civil helicopters. Eurocopter recently chose a Turbomeca engine for its latest rotorcraft, the advanced X4, which will replace the iconic Dauphin.

Turbomeca’s excellent reputation also won over Bell Helicopter, for the company’s new Short Light Single (see opposite). According to Philippe Couteaux, “Bell Helicopter’s selection of our Arrius 2R in June 2013 for their new SLS means that we now work with all of the world’s majors, especially the Americans.”

Building on its business success, Turbomeca anchors its market presence by emphasizing local support, which has been continuously enhanced over the years. This approach is reflected in the deployment of 15 interna-tional facilities, including five large-scale oper-

Servicing the MTR390 engines on a Tiger helicopter.

Bell Helicopter chooses Turbomeca engine for new light singleAt the 2013 Paris Air Show, Turbomeca and Bell Helicopter of the United States announced their intention to team up on a planned short-fuselage, single-engine light helicopter, the Short Light Single. It will be powered by an Arrius 2R, the latest member of this engine family, developed especially for the new Bell. Turbomeca will further consolidate its world leadership through this partnership, and strengthen its presence in the North American market, the world’s largest, accounting for over 30% of all helicopters now in service.

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ations in South Africa, Australia, Brazil, the United States and the United Kingdom. These facilities provide MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) services for the company’s engines operated in their zones. Some of these plants also manufacture parts and assemble new engines. Turbomeca’s local pres-ence naturally meets operator demand, but it also allows the company to strengthen ties with its customers – and Turbomeca’s global success shows that this strategy has indeed paid off.

CUSTOM-TAILORED SERVICESBecause of its in-depth knowledge of the mar-ket, Turbomeca can offer custom-tailored sup-port packages. For instance, it recently signed the Future Support Agreement (FSA) contract with the British Ministry of Defence for their RTM 322 engines. It has also signed “total sup-port package” contracts with the French and Brazilian armed forces, covering nearly 1,500 engines. “There’s a lot at stake here, because some 60% of our business is generated by sup-port services”, explains Philippe Couteaux.

Pierre Moscovici, French Minister of Finance, in front of the Arrius 2R engine displayed on the Safran stand at the Paris Air Show in June 2013. He is welcomed by Jean-Paul Herteman, Chairman and CEO of Safran, John Garrison, President and CEO of Bell Helicopter, and members of Safran’s corporate management team.



“Our ability to ensure fleet availability is a crit-ical factor for all operators”.

Turbomeca also offers “service by the hour” (SBH®) type support contracts, based on a fixed fee per hour of flight. With these “power by the hour” arrangements, operators are sure to receive technical support matched to their level of activity, from simple logistics support to a complete array of services.

PENETRATING NEW MARKETSTurbomeca is carving out a position in nascent international markets to bolster its new engine

The Kamov Ka-62, with its Ardiden 3G engine, on display at the MAKS air show in 2013.

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AgustaWestland: the No. 2 manufacturer in Europe, created by the merger of

these Italian and British companies, mainly calls on Safran for the engines powering its EH101 Merlin. Avicopter: this Chinese

manufacturer aims to join the select circle of companies

offering a complete range of helicopters. Its upcoming AC352 will be powered by a license-built Safran engine. Bell Helicopter: currently focusing

on a return to the civil helicopter market. Safran, until now solely

a cockpit equipment supplier, will

provide the engine for its latest, the Bell Short Light Single (SLS). Boeing: primarily focused on military

machines, including the AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook, V-22

Osprey. Safran provides the landing gear for the V-22 tiltrotor. Eurocopter: a company formed by a

German-French merger, offers the widest range of

helicopters in the world. Safran provides engines and equipment for nearly all models in this range.Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd:

HAL, the leading Indian aviation company, and Safran jointly

developed the new Shakti engine for

the Dhruv helicopter, and are continuing their long-standing partnership via derivatives of this engine. Russian Helicopters: a new

company grouping all Soviet era helicopter-makers, including

MIL and Kamov. It is launching new models to compete against the West. Safran supplies engines for the Ka-226T and Ka-62. Sikorsky: maker of the world-

famous Blackhawk, Sikorsky also has a line of civil machines,

including the S-76, several versions of which are powered by Safran engines.

Safran, partner to the world’s helicopter-makers

sales. “By about 2030, a large share of the heli-copter market will be driven by emerging coun-tries”, says Philippe Couteaux. “We receive a number of requests to submit proposals in these countries, and we have long pursued a strategy based on partnerships with local players”. As early as 1960, for instance, Turbomeca gained a foothold in India by selling a license for the local production of the Artouste engine. A decade later, the company signed its first con-tracts with China. These fledgling partnerships are continuing today, with Turbomeca’s stake in India’s Dhruv helicopter, and the opening of a new technical support center in Tianjin, near Beijing, in September 2013.

Russia is also a fertile land for collaboration. During the recent MAKS airshow in Moscow, in August 2013, Turbomeca bolstered ties with Russian Helicopters, a new company that con-solidates Russia’s legacy helicopter manufac-turers. Russian Helicopters will shortly open a maintenance center for the Arrius 2G1 and Ardiden 3G engines that power the Ka-226T and Ka-62 helicopters, respectively. Turbom-eca also celebrated its 35 years of operation in Brazil in 2012. Thanks to recent investments it can now provide local assembly of the Makila 2 engines powering the 50 Eurocopter EC725 helicopters ordered by Brazilian armed forces.

Turbomeca naturally intends to continue and expand these relations in the coming decades to consolidate its position as the world’s leading supplier of turbine engines for helicopters. ■


latest technologies. Designed for medium heli-copters in the 4 to 6 ton class, this unrivaled new engine reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 10 to 15% versus current engines, and simplifies maintenance thanks to a highly modular design and longer mean times between overhauls. Eurocopter quickly grasped these advantages, and has already chosen the Arrano to power its high-tech X4 helicopter.

In addition to these advanced, but conven-tional turboshaft engines, Turbomeca is also looking ahead by studying hybrid propulsion systems in conjunction with fellow Safran com-pany Labinal Power Systems. “The idea is to use different energy sources depending on the flight phase,» explains Jacques Brochet, «especially by combining a conventional gas turbine with an additional electrical energy source”. In other words, scientists and engineers alike are going to be very busy over the next 20 years. They will also have to look into the use of second-genera-tion biofuels. It’s up to the big oil companies to set up a secure supply chain, while engine-mak-ers have to adapt their turbines to use these fuels without a performance penalty. ■

Helicopters in a Clean Sky Launched in 2008, the European research program Clean Sky aims to develop even greener technology solutions for aviation. Efforts at Turbomeca focus on the TECH 800 technology demonstrator, developed in partnership by ten European countries. It was used to validate the technologies for CO2 emission reductions used on the new Arrano engine. It also paves the way for a series of demonstrators – eco-designed engines, airplanes, helicopters, parts and systems – that will be completed in 2015. And the proven technologies will then be incorporated in products that will hit the market in 2016 and beyond, to meet the ambitious goals of the European aviation industry.

Turbomeca and X3 set recordOn June 7, 2013, the Eurocopter X3 helicopter set a new speed record of 472 km/h (about 293 mph) in level flight. The X3 is a compound aircraft, adding stub wings and propellers, driven like the main rotor by its twin RTM 322 turbine engines, to a conventional helicopter airframe.

INNOVATION

INVENTING TOMORROW’S HELICOPTER

Given skyrocketing energy costs, increasingly stringent environmental standards and heightened competition, the helicopter industry is counting on innovation to support sustained growth.

Safran is taking an active role in the development of next-generation helicopters. According to Jacques Brochet, Safran Vice President, Sci-ence & Technology, “This market

faces three major challenges: improving flight safety, reducing operating costs, and decreasing environmental impact.” To meet these chal-lenges, turbine engine specialist Turbomeca is taking a three-pronged approach: improve flight safety through innovative architectures and ever-higher reliability; reduce operating costs through lower fuel consumption, cost-effective maintenance, new support packages, better dis-patch reliability, etc.; and reduce environmental footprint, which means cutting noise and emis-sions, especially carbon dioxide. “The key to the performance of modern helicopters is energy generation and efficiency”, summarizes Brochet.

SHAPING THE FUTUREIntroduced by Turbomeca at Heli-Expo in March 2013, the new Arrano engine meets these three challenges. Its clean sheet design meant that it could take maximum advantage of the

Siim Kallas, the European Transport Commissioner and Vice President of the European Commission, visited the Turbomeca (Safran) plant in Bordes last spring to see the first ground test of the TECH 800 turbine engine demonstrator. Left to right: Jean-Paul Herteman, Chairman and CEO of Safran, Olivier Andriès, Chairman and CEO of Turbomeca, Laurent Mazoué, Vice President, Manufacturing Operations at Turbomeca, and Siim Kallas.

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The watchword for Safran at this year’s air show was “innovation”!

2013 PARIS AIR SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

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EGTS MAKES PUBLIC DEBUTThe electric green taxiing system (egts) developed by Safran and Honeywell was demonstrated on the tarmac, making it one of the show’s stars. Fitted to an Airbus A320 flying the two companies’ colors, it allows the airplane to move independently on the ground without its jet engines, using electric motors located in the wheels on the main landing gear.

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1. LEAP, tomorrow’s aero-engineMarketed by CFM International, the 50/50 joint company of Snecma (Safran) and GE, the new LEAP engine will power the next generation of single-aisle commercial jets: Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX and Comac C919. It will offer improved performance in terms of fuel consumption, emissions and maintenance costs.

2. Introducing the Arrius 2RTurbomeca (Safran) and Bell Helicopter officially unveiled the Arrius 2R turboshaft engine that will power Bell’s new Short Light Single (SLS), a new single-engine light helicopter with a short fuselage.

3. MorphoPASSFrench Minister of Foreign Affairs Laurent Fabius tested MorphoPASS, a new airport checkpoint concept that consolidates all stages in passenger controls.

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THE WORLD’S LEADING AIR SHOW

2,215 exhibitors from 44 countries, 315,000 visitors: the Paris Air Show once again confirmed its position as the leading event of this kind for the global aerospace community. “Le Bourget”, as it’s known locally, also allowed Safran to showcase its broad range of businesses and latest technological innovations, some of which are pictured here.

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6 4. Safer, more efficient airportsMorpho (Safran) and the Bahrain Airport Company have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to team up on airport safety. In particular, this accord provides for the deployment of the MorphoPASS integrated airport checkpoint, which will be trialed for a six month period.

5. French president visits Safran standFrench President François Hollande visited the Safran stand at the Paris Air Show, where he was welcomed by Chairman and CEO Jean-Paul Herteman. He also spoke with some of the Group’s recent young hires.

6. Attracting talentSafran participated in the “Careers Plane” exhibition organized by French aerospace industry group Gifas to promote jobs in the aerospace industry. Safran also organized its own recruiting event, dubbed Talent2Days, in which it interviewed 170 job candidates.

7. A successful show for CFM International CFM International booked 660 engine orders during the show (468 for LEAP and 192 for the CFM56), worth a total of 15 billion dollars.

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With the first flight of the A350 XWB, one of the most audacious jetliners of its generation, Safran consolidates its position as a strategic Airbus partner.


AVIATION

E motions were running high at Toulouse-Blagnac airport on June 14, 2013: the Airbus A350 XWB (Extra Wide Body), the latest member of the European plane-

maker’s family, was about to take off for the first time. This new widebody commercial jet calls on a number of innovations to stand out in this highly competitive market segment: composite materials, a new curved winglet1 concept, larger windows, and much more. The A350 will carry up to 369 passengers, and offers a range of up to 8,250 nautical miles and a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and

CO2 emissions. These qualities have already earned over 600 orders from 33 airlines (see box). One of the main contributors to this striking success is Safran, which brings to the table its proven technical expertise and com-mitted personnel.

A NOSE TO TAIL PARTNERMessier-Bugatti-Dowty (Safran) is a tier-1 partner to Airbus, in charge of the develop-ment and production of wheels and carbon brakes, and all systems needed to control and actuate the main and nose landing gear. It also supplies the main landing gear for the

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613firm orders from 33 customers worldwide

25 %reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions

8,250 nautical mile range.


Market successOn June 21, 2013, just a week after its first flight, the Airbus A350 XWB flew over the Paris Air Show, in front of French President François Hollande and thousands of visitors. During the show, Airbus added another 69 air-craft to its A350 backlog, with orders from Air France-KLM, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines and United Airlines. The European planemaker has already planned its production ramp-up, with the aim of rolling out three A350-900s per month starting in 2014. Not to mention the launch of the stretched -1000 version, already reserved by a number of airlines.

Airbus A350 XWB, featuring advanced mate-rials such as titanium and corrosion-resistant steels. “We came up with the best possible combination of robustness, lightness and sim-plicity”, notes Chris Morgan, program direc-tor at Messier-Bugatti-Dowty’s Landing Gear division. “The excellent communications between our development teams and their counterparts at Airbus proved decisive, and even increased in intensity during the ground and flight testing phases”.

Fellow Safran company Sagem was cho-sen to supply the onboard information sys-tem, including the control system. “Airbus was won over by our expertise in flight data acquisition and processing, largely based on our experience with the A380”, explains Bruno Bellanger, Senior Vice President Pro-grams Avionics division at Sagem. “However, the real quantum leap in technology is our highly integrated hybrid friction throttle control actuator – and we’ve already received excellent feedback from Airbus and its test pilots on this device.”

CONTROLLING, DISTRIBUTING AND GENERATING POWERSafran’s wiring specialist Labinal Power Systems is in charge of the design and produc-tion of the electrical interconnection system for the entire fuselage and the engine pylons for the A350. In other words, Safran provides a complete electrical package, including wir-ing harnesses for the fuselage, pylons and tail.

Engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce tabbed

Hispano-Suiza (Safran) as early as July 2008 to design, produce and support the power transmission for the Trent XWB. According to Patrick Hovnanian, Trent XWB acces-sory gearbox (AGB) program manager at Hispano-Suiza, “We supply the entire power transmission system, from the driveshaft bevel gears to the accessory gearbox, includ-ing all gears and the oil reservoir.”

After its maiden flight, the A350 XWB kicked off an extensive flight test campaign that will span some 2,500 hours in the air. Entry into service is slated for the second half of 2014. ■

1. Upturned wingtip or added auxiliary airfoil above and/or below tip to increase efficiency of wing in cruise

W LEARN MORESpotlight on Hispano-Suiza’s contribution to the Trent XWB in the Media corner of the Safran website: www.safran-group.com

1. A350 XWB power transmission.

2. Preparing wiring harnesses for the A350 XWB.

3. A350 XWB main landing gear under test.

4. Testing an A350 XWB throttle.

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C assiopée, French for the Cassiopeia constellation, is Sagem’s family of innovative aeronautical services designed to help airlines and opera-tors efficiently manage their fleets.

Based on the processing and analysis of flight data, it is organized in several major families of services: safety management, maintenance management, regulatory management, cost management and flight ops efficiency.

“Airlines have to record and analyze their flight data”, notes Eric Glomaud, Vice Presi-dent, Sales and Marketing at Sagem. “This raw data is generated by the aircraft’s own systems at every stage of the flight, including prepara-tion, taxiing, takeoff, cruise, approach, landing and arrival. The data is recorded by the aircraft condition monitoring system, or ACMS, then transmitted to Sagem, where experts process and analyze the data, sending their reports back to the operators.”

ENHANCED EFFICIENCYCassiopée is a modular range of services, which welcomed a new member in 2013, dubbed Flight Ops Efficiency. This new ser-vice is designed to reduce operating costs for airlines and other operators. “The first specific service available is SFCO2®”, explains Carole Arlotto, Marketing manager Airlines & Ser-vices at Sagem. “It helps our customers further

CASSIOPÉE, THE EXPANDING CONSTELLATION

SERVICES

The constellation of aeronautical services introduced by Sagem (Safran) at the 2011 Paris Air Show, under the Cassiopée label, was enriched in 2013. It adds enhanced new functions to meet the evolving needs of airlines, as well as helicopter and business aircraft operators.

reduce fuel consumption by improving their flight procedures. Our experts call on their in-depth knowledge of best practices to offer different improvement approaches, depending on the operator’s actual flight conditions, and then help implement these recommendations. Airlines have access to a secure site, allowing them to closely track their specific fuel con-sumption [sfc].” The new SFCO2® service was developed jointly by Sagem and engine-maker Snecma (Safran), which markets it as part of its EngineLife® package of support services.

Cassiopée services have already been chosen by over

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As your airline’s flight safety officer, what are the advantages of Cassiopipe? We mainly use the Flight Data Monitoring service to study class 3 incidents during our flights, such as exceeding speed. It allows us to know by exactly how much and for how long we exceeded the stipulated speed. This is very important data because, in line

with manufacturer recommendations, it helps us schedule the required maintenance operations.

Pilot and flight safety officer, Aigle Azur

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And how do pilots use Cassiopée services? The system automatically compares the results of flight data analysis with our forecasts. Each crew receives a warning email if a class 3 incident occurs during a flight, so they are aware of points to be improved, and can apply the appropriate corrections. Cassiopée is actually very educational!

W LEARN MOREThe Cassiopée website: www.cassiopee.aero

EAGLE EYESFlight Data Monitoring is the flagship service offered by Cassiopée, delivering an expert analysis of flight data within two hours, via a secure website. For example, pilots can replay their flights in 3D. A dedicated iPad app is also available, enabling users to down-load data and then study it later, offline. This type of solution is especially well suited for use in maintenance workshops or out on the tarmac. Through the Cost Management service, Sagem’s experts provide recommen-dations to improve maintenance procedures,

using powerful predictive analysis meth-ods. For Regulatory Management, Sagem’s consultants visit the airline to carry out an extensive audit of its fleet, along with flight and maintenance procedures. This compre-hensive array of services has obviously proven very attractive, since more than 160 customers are already part of the Cassiopée constella-tion. ■

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Designed to meet the needs of armed forces around the world, the new Airbus A400M quad-turboprop military transport entered service with the French air force in August 2013. A major technological breakthrough in force projection capabilities.

A400M: INNOVATION IN 4/4 TIME

DEFENSE

M ilitary operations need logis-tics support to succeed, which explains the strategic impor-tance of the Airbus A400M for Europe. The new military

transport aircraft from Airbus boasts a pay-load capacity twice that of the aircraft it will

replace, and offers unprecedented versatility. State-of-the-art technologies developed by the Safran group play a key role in delivering these exceptional capabilities.

Payload capacity:

37metric tons of freight or 116 passengers

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSSafran designs and manufactures electrical harnesses for the A400M’s nose section as well as avionics cabinets for the aircraft’s onboard computers. Aluminum cables are used for most of the nose section wiring – amounting to about 100 harnesses and 17,000 connections – in order to meet the A400M’s weight target. Safran also teams up with Thales to provide the aircraft’s electrical generation system. 174

aircraft ordered by eight countries (Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, UK, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Turkey)

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6,400 kmrange with a 20 metric ton payload, or 4,500 km with a 30 metric ton payload.

LANDING SYSTEMThe A400M’s 12-wheel main landing gear, signed Safran, ensures equitable load distribution on the ground; along with its low-pressure tires, this allows the aircraft to land on unprepared landing strips as well as short runways (1,800 ft). Its carbon brakes provide long endurance and oxidation-resistance. Titanium is used on some landing gear components, such as the walking beam, to reduce overall weight. Safran also provides the electromechanical systems that provide backup opening and closing of the landing gear doors.

TURBOPROP ENGINES The A400M is powered by four TP400 turboprop engines rated at 11,000 shaft horsepower (shp) each, the most powerful engine of this type ever built in the West. They are designed and manufactured by Europrop International, a consortium comprising Snecma (Safran), Rolls Royce, MTU Aero Engines and ITP. Other engine equipment from Safran includes the air starter, cooling and lubrication systems, engine control units and power transmission.

NAVIGATION SYSTEMThe hybrid navigation system (combining inertial guidance with GPS) developed by Safran for the A400M allows the aircraft to carry out a wide range of tactical and strategic missions, from military re-supply to humanitarian rescue operations. It also enables the aircraft to operate under difficult conditions, such as very low altitude flights in zero visibility, unassisted landings on rough airstrips, etc. This sophisticated system is certified to both civil and military standards.

MAINTENANCE-AIDMaintenance-aid systems supplied by Safran are used to record key parameters such as airspeed, engine temperature, etc. In addition to its importance as flight data for pilots, this information enables the prompt detection and prevention of possible failures on the electric power supply, pneumatic system, sensors, engines, etc., as part of the preventive maintenance concept for the A400M.

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T he idea behind facial recognition is to identify a person or authenticate their identity based on the morpho-logical traits of their face. One of the pioneers in this technology is

Morpho, a Safran company that is the world leader in biometric technologies.

MULTIPLE SECURITY APPLICATIONS Facial recognition is an increasingly powerful technology that is expanding its reach across a broad spectrum of security applications, starting with police forces and customs ser-vices, where it is used to check identities and search for known criminals. It is also used by armed forces and homeland security units to identify terrorists. But facial recognition is also rapidly extending its scope to more com-mercial arenas. For example, casinos use this technology to detect both known cheaters and addicted gamblers who have signed up for a self-exclusion program – not to mention VIP clients who expect special treatment. In stadi-

Facial recognition garnered broad media coverage in April 2013 because of its role in the investigation of the bomb attacks during the Boston Marathon in the United States. This futuristic technology is taking an increasingly important role in our daily lives.

BETTER ID THROUGH FACIAL RECOGNITION

BIOMETRICS

ums, the system can recognize pre-identified violent fans before they take their seats, while department stores are automatically notified of arriving customers who have already been arrested for shoplifting.

The other main applications for facial rec-ognition systems include access control at high-value sites, ID checks for travelers and border control. The latter two are combined in the SmartGates family of automated border control kiosks developed by Morpho for Aus-tralia and New Zealand (see page 30). “We don’t offer a single facial recognition tech-nology, but rather solutions tailored to our customers, depending on what equipment is already in service – cameras, webcams, etc. – and their specific needs,” explains Claude Bauzou, product manager at Morpho (Safran). FACIAL RECOGNITION: A TWO-FACED CONUNDRUMThe effectiveness of facial recognition technology depends on several key factors, starting with image quality, which in turn largely depends on how the facial biometrics are captured. According to Claude Bauzou, “We have to distinguish between coopera-tive and non-cooperative subjects. Cooper-ative subjects voluntarily allow us to capture their facial image and they follow instruc-tions, like looking directly at the lens, not smiling, etc. Then there’s non-cooperative capture for ID purposes, via surveillance cameras, photos or videos of events taken by witnesses using their smartphones, etc.” Jim Albers, Senior Vice President of Federal Government Operations at MorphoTrust USA, the company’s U.S. subsidiary, adds, “When facial recognition is used on cooper-ative subjects, it is now virtually 100% reli-able. And we are developing the technology © P

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to eventually offer this level of reliability for non-cooperative subjects. In this case, the quality of surveillance cameras becomes a key factor – and technology in this area is improving by leaps and bounds, while public venues are increasingly outfitted with these cameras.”

ALGORITHMS FOR IDENTIFICATIONThe second key performance factor for this biometric technology is the power of the algo-rithms that are used to determine similarities between facial photos, or matching. “Recog-nition is based on the geometric profile of the face, including the corner of the eyes, tip of the nose, the mouth, chin and ears”, notes Claude Bauzou. “It also takes into account changes in skin texture, how different parts of the face reflect light, and more.” All of these parameters have to be integrated in increasingly complex computation codes. For the identification of non-cooperative subjects, matching also involves human input: the sys-

“While it has fewer connotations than fingerprints, facial recognition still raises several concerns and ethical issues, especially when used on non-cooperative subjects. Like any

technology, the use of facial recognition is not intrinsically good or bad: the real challenge is to strike a balance between freedom and security. It’s the role of governments and

personal rights organizations to set up regulations allowing governments and businesses to use these technologies correctly. These legitimate concerns should not prevent these technologies being used to protect one’s personal data or authenticate important actions in everyday life. Biometrics is one of the best defenses against identity fraud, and may therefore be considered as helping improve citizens’ lives.”

Founder of Morpho and Advisor to the Chairman

w�BERNARD DIDIER

“Striking a balance between freedom and security”

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tem operator has a list of “candidates”, sorted by ranked “similarity scores”. The operator thus makes a preliminary selection by looking at the person’s profile (home address, criminal record, etc.), then makes a decision based on a visual comparison of the face photos.

RELIABLE DATABASESFacial recognition accuracy also depends on the size and quality of the databases used. To recognize a face, you have to be able to compare it to something! The challenge is to establish matching points between the new image and the source image, in other words, photos of known persons. “The largest image databases in the United States – which only public authorities can access – are those that list holders of driver licenses, passports and other ID documents, not to mention photos of suspects taken during arrests,” explains Jim Albers. That’s why the first large-scale application of facial recognition primarily concerns public security, such as making sure a new driver license isn’t issued to someone

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that may already have one under a different name (see above).

When police investigators are looking for a suspect, they may also check out photos on Facebook or other social networks, to com-pare biometric characteristics. There are also private databases, such as those developed by casinos. A PROMISING OUTLOOKStill a relatively new technology, facial recognition has considerable headroom for improvement. For instance, these systems could add 3D sensors, recognition of moving faces, processing of images captured from above or the side, development of models to integrate aging, and much more. Another area of improvement is the addition of new functions. “In the coming years, systems based on facial recognition will combine official and commercial procedures”, says Jim Albers. “For instance, tomorrow’s airport checkpoints such as MorphoPASS will not only check the traveler’s identity and passport validity, but also their ticket, all in a single passage! Morpho’s other proven technologies could be integrated in these checkpoints as well, especially our luggage scanning systems to detect explosives or narcotics.” ■

“The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission currently has some seven million drivers in our registry,

but if you include renewals and replacement licenses due to loss or theft, our database now

counts some 23 million photos. We have used Morpho’s facial recognition technology, the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) since January 2012, allowing us to compare these photos with each other, and pick up certain biometric matches between people with different names in our license database. Six months

after having started the analysis of our current database, we started to use facial recognition technology to issue and renew driver licenses. By comparing the photo of the person requesting the license with those in our database, we can immediately check whether that person already received a license under another name.

In barely two years of operation, we’ve already detected 200 cases of fraud – often by dangerous drivers whose licenses were revoked and who are trying to get another one. License fraud may also involve persons who are wanted for other misdemeanors trying to hide under a new identity, or criminals who are seeking the cover of multiple identities.”

Chairman & Chief Administrator, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, United States

w�RAYMOND P. MARTINEZ

“Facial recognition helps us detect fake licenses”

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Faces across borders With the continued growth in air travel, the Australian customs service started to examine the “SmartGate” concept in 2001. The idea was to check a passenger’s ID by comparing his or her face to a photo stored on a chip in the passport. After an initial trial, Morpho was selected to install its SmartGates in the main Australian airports, where they entered service in 2007. Four years later, New Zealand airports joined them. The new-generation SmartGate, faster and easier to use, has been tested since June 2013 at the Auckland international airport. Morpho has also supplied systems of this type to the customs department in the United Arab Emirates.


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Raymond Orteig, a French-Ameri-can businessman and aviation fan, launched a new challenge for this burgeoning industry in 1919: a $25,000 prize for the first non-stop

flight across the North Atlantic between New York and Paris, in either direction. More than this tempting award, it was the prestige that motivated two French aviators, Charles Nun-gesser and François Coli, to take off from the Le Bourget airfield near Paris on May 8, 1927, headed for New York.

The two Frenchmen piloted one of the best planes of its era, a Levasseur PL-8 biplane dubbed the L’Oiseau Blanc, or White Bird, powered by a Lorraine-Dietrich 12Eb engine developing 450 horsepower. In the United States, an enthusias-tic crowd gathered on the banks of the Hudson River to welcome them the next day. But after waiting for a few hours, they had to admit that the White Bird had vanished. It was the young American Charles Lindbergh who would win the prize shortly afterward, on May 21, 1927, after a 33 hour and 30 minute flight from New York

to Paris in The Spirit of Saint-Louis.

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUESNearly 90 years later, the destiny of this French airplane is still a mystery. Did the White Bird manage to cross the Atlantic 12 days before Lindbergh?

The association La Recherche de l’Oiseau Blanc has been delving into this enigma since 2008, studying the records and looking for any wreck-age from the plane. Reports from witnesses at the time seem to indicate that the aircraft had to ditch off the coast of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon after having flown across the North Atlantic.

Safran, as a successor to the engine-maker Lorraine-Dietrich, joined the search for the air-plane’s engine (likely to be the only part that survived), in honor of its industrial heritage and to provide factual proof of the two pilots’ achievement. Search experts using sophisti-cated equipment (sonar, magnetometer, etc.), plus advanced analytical methods, are narrow-ing down the search area, and a new search is already scheduled for 2014. ■

The association La Recherche de l’Oiseau Blanc (“In Search of the White Bird”) teamed up with Safran in May 2013 to carry out a new search for the vestiges of this legendary airplane, which disappeared in 1927 on its quest to fly across the North Atlantic.

THE WHITE BIRD, A TRANSATLANTIC PIONEER

HISTORY

On May 31, 2013, in conjunction with the latest search for the White Bird, Bernard Decré, president of the association La Recherche de l’Oiseau Blanc, Jean-Paul Herteman, Chairman and CEO of Safran, and Erik Lindbergh, grandson of Charles Lindbergh, laid a wreath at sea in front of the Galantry lighthouse in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, in honor of Charles Nungesser and François Coli. Also attending this ceremony were representatives of the U.S. Coast Guard, which had done everything in its power to help find the two pilots back in 1927.

On May 29, 2013, a Cessna Turbo Skylane JT-A powered by an SR305 compression ignition engine built by Safran company SMA made a non-stop flight across the Atlantic in 11 hours, consuming ten times less fuel than the White Bird.

On July 6, 2013, Safran skipper Marc Guillemot set a new solo record for a monohull crossing of the North Atlantic, in 8 days, 5 hours and 20 minutes.

Safran and the North Atlantic: records galore!

MARCHÉSInsightA model of the L’Oiseau blanc

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MARCHÉSInsight

Safran works alongside its suppliers to help them deliver the high levels of performance and innovation that it demands.

INDUSTRY

With a backlog of orders amount-ing to four years of production, and production rates on the rise, Safran is more than ever counting on its suppliers to

ensure its future success. “Seventy percent of our product value comes from our suppliers”, says Denis Vercherin, Safran Vice President for Production1. “We have to bolster our rela-tionship with our suppliers, and we expect them to support us over the long haul through

their performance in terms of quality, cost and on-time delivery, and by coming up with inno-vative solutions. In exchange, we are commit-ted to building a balanced partnership that will guarantee their development capabilities, and to working with the best suppliers to sup-port their own growth.” This was the key mes-sage at the Suppliers Convention in November 2013, which brought together several hundred of Safran’s leading suppliers.

KEEP IT SIMPLE…The first goal of Safran’s policy in this arena is to simplify relations with suppliers. “Our Group has ten main companies, and until now they each had their own certification requirements and procedures,” explains Denis Vercherin. “We unified our procedures in 2013 to create a single set of Group-wide prac-tices. At the same time, we are improving our planning tools to give suppliers a clearer view of upcoming needs.” This is a real win-win approach, one that allows Safran to improve its supplier management, while enabling suppliers to focus on their core business. In fact, the entire European aerospace industry, and not just Safran, is now engaged in this simplification drive. For instance, in 2009 Safran and industry partners Airbus, Dassault Aviation, EADS and Thales launched a dig-

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SAFRAN AND SUPPLIERS, A BALANCED PARTNERSHIP


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QRQC: it’s a state of mind…

Now being deployed at Safran and its suppliers, QRQC (Quick Response Quality Control) is a proven approach already used in a number of different industries. Its aim is to improve operational performance (quality, productivity, on-time delivery, etc.) by using a new method of managing daily tasks, based on greater responsiveness, listening and a real hands-on analysis. Applied at Sagem, in less than a year the QRQC approach reduced non-conform parts at certain facilities by nearly half. “As soon as a problem is detected, the operator stops immediately to signal the incident and try to resolve it, alone or with his or her supervisor,” explains Denis Saladin, Senior Vice President for Quality at Sagem. According to Laurent Remuzon, General Manager of Labinal Power Systems’ Villemur plant and initiative coordinator, “QRQC reflects the principles governing each manager’s day to day activities, based on two watchwords, demanding and exemplary.” Philippe Larrauri, QRQC Deployment Manager for Safran and its suppliers, describes this initiative as a major cultural change. “QRQC is a state of mind, in which each problem, whether non-quality, administrative dysfunction, etc., is seen as an opportunity for improvement.”

ital platform called BoostAeroSpace, pro-viding a collaborative working space for cus-tomers and suppliers to share technical and logistic data and more efficiently manage multi-partner programs.

MEASURING AND IMPROVING PERFORMANCESafran has also made a commitment to help-ing suppliers improve their performance, based on two main initiatives. The first is “performance management”, which involves setting up performance scorecards (non-qual-ity, on-time delivery rate, etc.) that apply across Safran. “These tables are sent monthly to suppliers, enabling us to discuss with them points that have to be improved, whether on their side or ours”, explains Denis Vercherin. “Subsequently, we can dispatch teams, if nec-essary, to help them deploy various improve-ment methodologies, such as Lean.”

The second initiative, dubbed QRQC, for Quick Response Quality Control, was launched in mid-2012. Derived from practices in the auto industry (see opposite), it aims to reduce the time needed to handle problems on the production line, whether at Safran or its suppliers.

PRODUCTION RAMP-UPThe third main focus of Safran’s efforts in this area is to gear up for the rise in produc-tion rates on certain key programs. One of the primary beneficiaries is the engine-maker Snecma (Safran), which will have to be capable of rolling out more than 1,700 LEAP engines a year by 2019. “Some of our suppli-ers are looking three to six months ahead for production requirements, but our success depends in fact on their ability to plan ahead right now for production facilities that will be operational in two or three years”, notes Frédéric Michel, head of a Snecma project designed to address this issue, dubbed LS2R (LEAP Supplier Rate Readiness). “The prin-ciple is simple in fact. Our project managers visit our suppliers to help them draw up a pro-duction schedule and analyze their capacity requirements. These visits also allow them to identify risk factors and recommend action plans to contain these risks.”

Safran is carrying out other actions as well, such as its participation in the financing arm Aerofund III or extending order periods to facilitate credit arrangements for suppliers. ■

1. Until December 31, 2013.

15 % the improvement recorded by Safran from 2009 to 2013 in terms of on-time deliveries from suppliers

4 %decrease in the non-quality rate from the Group’s suppliers over the same period.

W LEARN MORE Article on the Suppliers Convention in the Media Corner on the Safran website: www.safran-group.com


MARCHÉSInsight

Where does Safran stand on diversity? Diversity and the fight against discrimination are among our core values, which include a deep commitment to being responsible corporate citi-zens, recognizing and rewarding employees, and leveraging the power of teamwork. In practice this translates into creating job opportunities for young people, ensuring gender equality in the workplace, creating openings for people with dis-abilities, promoting social diversity and ensuring hiring and continued employment of seniors.

What’s new in 2013?Against a backdrop of rising unemployment, we have signed two major new agreements. The first is a European agreement aimed at integrat-ing young people in the work environment [see below]. Safran was the first French company to sign the accord, which aims to improve oppor-tunities for hiring and training young people through work-study and mentoring schemes at all Group companies in Europe. This effectively extends Safran’s employment model to all of our

European businesses. The second agreement, which applies to our French sites, concerns the “generations” contract relating to job opportu-nities for both young people and seniors. Over the next three years, at least 40% of all new hires will be no more than 30 years old, and we will significantly increase our intake of young-sters on work-study schemes, as well as interns. At the same time, at least 4% of all new hires will be aged 50 or older, and we will retain 15% of all staff over the age of 55, while providing the best possible conditions (subsidized part-time contracts, teleworking, further training, etc.). This agreement also seeks to emphasize teamwork by employees of different generations, an approach that is already actively encouraged at Safran.

So you would say that Safran also fos-ters greater social and professional inclusion?Absolutely. We help young people from under-privileged backgrounds to go on to higher edu-

Safran believes that diversity is good for business. The Group has long been committed to equal opportunity and the fight against discrimination, reflected in two new agreements signed in 2013. Catherine Buche-Andrieux, diversity and corporate social responsibility manager at Safran, shares her insights on this all-important issue.

DIVERSITY – A SOURCE OF STRENGTH FOR SAFRAN

COMMITMENT

Preparing the wiring harness jigs in Denton, Texas.

A European agreement to integrate young people in the workplaceOn March 28, 2013 Safran became the first French company to sign an agreement with the pan-European trade union IndustriAll to promote the employment of young people. By signing the three-year agreement, Safran will contribute to developing

vocational training opportunities for young people and at the same time meet its own changing skills requirements. The aim is to improve and expand vocational training schemes based on work-integrated learning, sustain employment

opportunities for young people at all Safran companies in Europe, and develop attractive induction initiatives. The agreement also underscores the Group’s commitment to gender equality, diversity and equal opportunity, especially by facilitating the inclusion of

young people from underserved communities in the work environment. A committee has been set up to track implementation of the agreement, using quantitative and qualitative indicators for each of the countries in which Safran operates.

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cation and find a job. For example, we currently have 39 Safran mentors supporting exception-ally bright students from these neighborhoods who are continuing their education via schol-arships through a partnership with the Frateli association. Safran companies also contribute to the neighborhood outreach programs supported by the industry network IMS-Entreprendre pour la Cité, which organizes recruitment forums and coaching sessions for students from under-served neighborhoods. In addition, we support the Aéronautique Solidaire program set up jointly by Boeing and the charity organization Restos du Cœur to provide vocational training to long-term unemployed and socially excluded adults.

What are Safran’s policies regarding the employment of people with disabilities?Safran currently employs more than 1,500 peo-ple with disabilities, which amounts to 4.5% of our workforce. The Group signed an agreement in 2012 committing to hire at least 72 more and to offer at least 100 work-study placements and 65 internships by the end of 2014. We focus in particular on work-integrated learning schemes, notably through our in-house “Elan” program

that was launched in 2006. Along the same lines, we are involved in specific partnerships with Hanvol (which promotes the employment of disabled people in the aerospace industry) and @talentEgal (which helps students with dis-abilities to succeed in higher education). Last but not least, we regularly conduct poster cam-paigns in the workplace to raise staff awareness about these issues.

And what about gender equality?Women are still in the minority here, especially in the more technical and scientific jobs. To make Safran more attractive to women, over 100 mentors have volunteered from among our female engineers and technicians to work in partnership with the association Elles bougent (“Women on the Move”), which encourages young women to choose technical careers. We are also partners in the Women’s Forum and Les Trophées des Femmes de l’Industrie awards, allow-ing us to spotlight the achievements of female high-flyers. Naturally, we make it a priority to support the career development of our female employees. The Group needs all the best talent available to stay ahead in the future! ■

“When I was at school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. It became a lot clearer when I did a vocational baccalaureate, specializing in machining. After that, I completed a vocational certificate in “production engineering of mechanical products” on a work-study basis at Snecma. Over these three years, I’ve

worked in several different workshops and learned about a whole range of jobs. I feel like I’ve found my place here – even though I’m the only woman in a team of 30 men! I know exactly what I want to do now: qualify as a quality control technician. Industry is a vast world, with job openings for everyone – including women!”

Student in a work-study program at Snecma (Safran)

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“The work-study scheme helped me find my vocation”

of new hires in France under the age of 30 – Safran’s employment target

people with disabilities work for Safran in France

of Group managers are women

40 %

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MARCHÉSInterview


Interview with Othon Zanoide de Moraes Filho, Chairman and CEO, Queiroz Galvão Defesa.

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Joins Queiroz Galvão Construction on an engineering internship

Appointed Vice President for Business Development for São Paulo and South Brazil at Queiroz Galvão Construction

Civil Engineering degree from the University of Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil

Named National Director of Business Development for Oil & Gas, Energy and Private Markets at Queiroz Galvão Construction

Named Chairman and CEO of Queiroz Galvão Defesa

1979 19931981 2007 2009


Safran Magazine: Brazil has become a top-tier economic power. What lies behind its remarkable growth?Othon Moraes: Brazil’s strong growth over the last fifteen years has been driven by investments in infrastructure and the devel-opment of our oil and gas industry, coupled with a significant expansion in concession and privatization programs, plus public-pri-vate partnerships. In addition, a series of reforms to reduce social inequality has been successfully implemented. These efforts have helped strengthen the country’s industrial fabric and create jobs.

Meanwhile, the growing power of the so-called BRICS1 nations has prompted our country to aim for a much broader role in the global economy as well as on the world’s political stage. Ultimately, Brazil is seeking more clout on the United Nations Security Council. At the same time, our position in the geopolitical landscape has changed. Our ties with other Latin America countries are much stronger today and contacts forged with countries in Africa and the Middle East have

allowed Brazilian businesses to expand into new markets.

What is the outlook for the Brazilian defense industry?O. M.: Brazil set out its national defense strategy as part of a new law passed in 2012 that redefines the industry’s legal and fiscal framework. The Strategic Defense Plan has three objectives: increase procurement of locally developed products, grow the defense industry through alliances with large interna-tional firms, and bolster our domestic capacity for strategic and technological development. Queiroz Galvão was among the first Brazilian

Already active in several strategic sectors, the Brazilian industrial conglomerate Queiroz Galvão is now seeking to expand its foothold in the defense and security markets. Othon Moraes is Chairman and CEO of the defense subsidiary Queiroz Galvão Defesa, set up in 2012 to achieve just that. He reviews prospects for growth in this promising sector and the company’s strategy, which emphasizes alliances with major multinationals. Building on its strengths in Brazil, Safran is already a front-runner to seize these emerging opportunities.

BRAZIL: WINNING STRATEGIC ALLIANCES

Queiroz Galvão at a glance

Queiroz Galvão is a major industrial conglomerate founded in 1953. It has 46,000 employees in a multitude of sectors, including construction, real estate development, oil and gas, agribusiness, steel, environmental engineering, highway management, water treatment and shipbuilding.

companies to develop close links with Safran and other multinationals. In 2012, we sub-mitted a joint bid with Safran for the pilot phase of the Sisfron border surveillance pro-gram, which is of vital strategic importance to Brazil, as we share over 10,000 miles of land borders. We are currently working on other projects with Safran to win a bigger share of the Brazilian defense market. In addition, we were honored to receive a visit from the heads of Safran and Sagem in 2012 as part of efforts to strengthen our partnership.

What challenges lie ahead for Brazilian industry? O. M.: The main challenge is maintaining the necessary investments over the long haul. All three service arms are engaged in major projects. The navy has launched plans to


MARCHÉSInterview

build conventional and nuclear submarines in partnership with French shipbuilder DCNS. Other projects in the pipeline are of particu-lar interest to Queiroz Galvão, since we have shipyards and could leverage a host of com-plementary strengths.

The major strategic projects launched by the Brazilian air force and army offer substan-tial opportunities for both local and interna-tional firms. But to win this business, foreign companies need to have a clear grasp of how Brazil operates – especially when it comes to legal matters. This is why it is vitally import-ant to choose the right local partner.

Does Brazil have the R&D capabilities needed to meet its strategic goals?O. M.: Brazil still has to move it up a notch if it wants to become a major research player. We already boast several state-of-the-art tech-nology centers and our industrial facilities are among the most advanced in the world. Delegations from Safran and missile-maker MBDA were able to see this for themselves during their recent visits. What we lack how-

In this facility in Xerém, State of Rio de Janeiro, Turbomeca do Brasil (Safran) carries out maintenance on the engines powering helicopters for Brazil’s armed forces.

“Our industrial facilities are among the most advanced in the world.”

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ever is real expertise in the latest technol-ogies. Brazil will therefore boost its invest-ments, while expanding alliances with large multinationals. Brazil is hosting the 2014 Soccer World Cup and the Summer Olympics in 2016. What are the potential impacts of these two event

helicopters: new projects from safran · power its upcoming falcon 5x business jet. this was the...

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