Category: Military & Defense

Boeing has signed agreements with ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH and Lufthansa Technik that outline joint efforts to explore potential areas of collaboration in systems integration, training, support and sustainment work. The signed memorandum of understanding may lead to more definitive agreements should Germany select the P-8A Poseidon as its next maritime surveillance aircraft. Boeing, ESG and Lufthansa Technik have identified opportunities to collaborate in a number of areas and will explore these in more detail, including training and simulation, cyber security, systems integration, certification, environmental compliance, communications systems, electronic attack and electronic protect systems, aircraft and engine sustainment, component support Read more

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has signed a US$200 million contract to provide unmanned aerial systems (UAS) services to a country in Asia, relating to IAI’s Heron unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This is the fourth major UAS transaction that IAI has announced this year. The Heron family leads IAI’s range of UAVs. The various Heron models are used regularly for operational missions by over 20 customers worldwide. Controlled remotely from sea frigates or the seashore, the Heron supports ground and maritime missions against submarines and coastal guards. It transmits information while at sea, including between all the weapon systems participating in Read more

The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) has confirmed an option to Airbus Helicopters, Babcock and Safran Helicopter Engines for two more H160s for the French Navy. These aircraft will join the fleet of four H160s already contracted in 2020, the first of which is currently being assembled by Airbus Helicopters in Marignane, in the south of France. The six H160s will be delivered in a Ssearch and rescue (SAR) configuration and will gradually start operating from May 2022 from Lanveoc-Poulmic naval air station (Britany), Cherbourg airport (Normandy), and Hyères naval air station (Provence). Awaiting the H160M “Guépard” deliveries in the Read more

The front fuselage of the first Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer was joined perfectly with its aft section in less than 30 minutes — a testament to the digital heritage of the U.S. Air Force’s first “eSeries” aircraft and witness to the benefits of model-based engineering and 3-D design. The digital splice was completed in 95% less time than traditional splices and with substantial quality improvements. The aft fuselage was designed and built by Saab in Linköping, Sweden, under a joint development agreement with Boeing. After making the journey of more than 4,500 miles (7,200 km) to St. Louis, Read more

Europe’s Next-Generation Fighter (NGF) within the FCAS program has taken a decisive step forward as MTU Aero Engines and Safran Aircraft Engines have finalized their collaboration agreement by creating a 50/50 joint company. The new entity, called EUMET GmbH (derived from European Military Engine Team), will be based in Munich and will be headed by a Safran-nominated Chief Executive Officer. EUMET will oversee the development, production and support of the engine to power the NGF. The joint venture will be the sole contract partner for the participating nations in the engine program. On this basis, MTU Aero Engines and Safran Read more

Honeywell and GKN Aerospace’s Fokker Landing Gear business in the Netherlands have signed a license and parts supply agreement for an authorized service center for Honeywell’s wheels and brakes on the F-35 military fighter jet. In 2016, GKN Aerospace’s Fokker Landing Gear was chosen by the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) to maintain and service landing gear components for the European F-35 fleet. The ten-year, non-exclusive agreement between Honeywell and GKN Aerospace will cover the entire European market and bring significant benefits to both current and future owners and operators of the F-35. This agreement will substantially reduce the logistical Read more

STS Aviation Services (STS) has signed a five-year contract to provide fuel tank repair services for the Royal Air Force’s fleet of C17 military transport aircraft. The bulk of work for this program will take place at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire and will be carried out by an experienced team of STS fuel tank specialists based in the United Kingdom. “Having expert aircraft maintenance personnel close to RAF Brize Norton is a huge strategic advantage for all parties involved,” said Rob Gray, Business Development Manager for STS Aviation Services. “Our mobile technicians are known internally as a ‘quick reactionary force,’ Read more