Airbus Military receives certification for anti-submarine C295 MPA
July 7, 2010
Airbus Military’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) version of the C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) has been certified by the Spanish authority INTA which is responsible for their certification and military airworthiness. The aircraft is based on the C295, a military multi-role transport aircraft with proven capabilities for many military and civic missions to the benefit of society. These include many surveillance missions. With an autonomy enabling it to remain in the air for as much as 11 hours, a excellent manoeuvrability, digital avionics that are compatible with night-vision goggles (NVG), advanced self-protection systems, and numerous other features, the C295 is the most capable aircraft in its category.
The anti-submarine version of the C295 MPA is equipped with a tactical system proven during MPA/ASW missions, and underwing stations to carry weapons and other stores. It represents a modern, risk-free and much more efficient alternative to older generation veterans such as the P-3 Orion or the Bréguet Atlantique, while its operating and maintenance costs are significantly lower.
This important milestone further confirms Airbus Military’s capacity to integrate complex systems into its aircraft for any kind of military and civic use. It is also the first time in 30 years that a completely new Anti Submarine Warfare aircraft is developed and certified in Europe.
The C295 MPA benefits from the experience accumulated with the CN235 MPA since 1994 on maritime patrol missions. Today Airbus Military holds 85 firm orders for the C295. Of these 63 have been delivered and have clocked up more than 80,000 flying hours in operations as varied as Afghanistan, Algeria, Brazil, Chad, Colombia, Finland, Haiti, Iraq, Mexico, and Poland.
Kaman Helicopters Delivers 1,000th BLACK HAWK Erosion Protection Coated Main Rotor Blade
June 8, 2010
BLOOMFIELD, CT, June 08, 2010 — Kaman Helicopters has delivered the 1,000th helicopter rotor blade protected with Kaman’s erosion-resistant coating system. U.S. Army BLACK HAWK helicopters are utilizing main rotor blades with Kaman’s innovative coating system and have reported significantly improved blade life, increased aircraft availability and reduced maintenance requirements.
The latest erosion-resistant blade delivery defines another successful chapter in Kaman’s ongoing support of U.S. war fighters around the world. The program has been in production for more than two years with a flawless quality assurance record.
As the only U.S. company certified to apply Hontek sprayable protective coatings to rotor blades, Kaman has improved the operational effectiveness of U.S. Army BLACK HAWK helicopters flying in the harsh desert environments of Iraq and Afghanistan where sand can cause damage to the leading edges of helicopter blades during rotation. Coated rotor blades operate effectively in rain, sand, gravel and icing conditions, and worn coatings can easily be repaired in the field. After reviewing the system’s proven performance with the U.S. Army, the Naval Air Systems Command is qualifying the coating process for use on U.S. Navy and Marine Corps helicopters.
Kaman has invested heavily in infrastructure and equipment at its HeliworX™ subcontracting facility to support the rotor blade protection program and to develop its world-class design, development, manufacture and repair of composite rotor blades.
Eagle Creek Completes and Delivers Grand Renaissance Twin Commander for Mexican Navy
June 8, 2010
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.—Eagle Creek Aviation Services, Inc., a full-service provider of aircraft sales, service and refurbishments, announced that it has completed and delivered a Grand Renaissance Twin Commander 980 to the Mexican Navy (Armada de México). Grand Renaissance is a factory-audited program that entails a complete refurbishment of a Twin Commander aircraft. Eagle Creek is a global leader in Twin Commander sales and services, including Grand Renaissance completions.
The Grand Renaissance program results in a certified aircraft of superlative quality, safety and long-term value, based on a comprehensive overhaul of all systems and virtually all components, along with worldwide service and parts support. The program process requires more than six months to complete and encompasses a complete disassembly of the aircraft to its aluminum shell and rebuilt with new or overhauled components. Eagle Creek also addressed numerous corrosion issues in the aircraft and managed the exterior painting, a complete interior refurbishment and other scheduled maintenance.
Extensive avionics upgrades required the creation of new laser-cut/laser-etched panels and the installation of Garmin G600 PFD/MFD, Garmin GNS-530W and Garmin GNS-430W navigation displays and Garmin GWX-68 weather radar.
“We are honored to have been selected by the Mexican Navy for this important completion and delivery,” said Matt Hagans, Eagle Creek’s CEO. “Our efforts in this delivery demonstrate our dedication to ensuring that every aspect of aircraft ownership and operation exceeds our customers’ expectations. This level of professionalism is enjoyed by every Eagle Creek customer, every day.”
Representatives of the Mexican Navy came to Eagle Creek’s facility in Indianapolis to accept the Twin Commander, and reposition the aircraft for its use.
The completion of the refurbished aircraft for the Mexican Navy follows the recent delivery by Eagle Creek of another Grand Renaissance Twin Commander to Kern County, California. Kern County is using the aircraft as a tactical fire suppression command and control platform, with a secondary role in providing VIP transportation.
U.S. State Department Accepts Modernized S-61™ Helicopters for Use in Afghanistan
June 3, 2010
U.S. State Department Accepts Modernized S-61™ Helicopters for Use in Afghanistan
June 2, 2010
PERKASIE, Pennsylvania – Sikorsky Aerospace Services today announced that the U.S. State Department has accepted the first two modernized S-61TM aircraft that will support missions for the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan. Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) is the aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
The U.S. State Department has entered into a five-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) purchase agreement for up to 110 modernized S-61 aircraft for passenger and cargo transport missions in support of its worldwide operations. The accepted aircraft will now undergo completion by SAS with specialized mission equipment to meet U.S. State Department requirements before being deployed this fall.
“The U.S. State Department’s acceptance of these first two modernized S-61 aircraft marks a major milestone in the launch of the S-61TTM modernization program. The S-61T helicopter will meet the needs of customers worldwide, and we are excited about how much interest this aircraft has generated,” said David Adler, President of Sikorsky Aerospace Services. “As the State Department pursues worldwide aviation missions, we remain fully committed to supporting their helicopter requirements.”
The modernized S-61T helicopter will incorporate key upgrades that include composite main rotor blades (CMRB), modular wiring harness, and an optional state-of-the-art glass cockpit – all of which dramatically improve aircraft supportability. The S-61T helicopter modernization will also add lift capability as well as enhance speed. Additional features will be incorporated to reduce pilot fatigue and reduced maintenance requirements for increased safety.
First S-70i™ BLACK HAWK Helicopter enters Flight Test Program
June 3, 2010
First S-70i™ BLACK HAWK Helicopter enters Flight Test Program
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., June 1, 2010 – The first S-70i™ BLACK HAWK helicopter, built at Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.’s company in Poland, PZL Mielec, has entered the flight test program at Sikorsky’s Development Flight Center (DFC) in Florida. The S-70i helicopter is an international variant of the BLACK HAWK helicopter. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
The aircraft arrived at the DFC on May 4. This new international variant utilizes a global supply chain and is the first BLACK HAWK helicopter assembled in Europe. It launches a new helicopter in the Sikorsky product line. Production flight tests are planned at PZL Mielec later this year.
“In July, we will mark the debut flight of the S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter at our Development Flight Center in Florida. Production of the second S-70i aircraft is underway at PZL Mielec,” said Debra A. Zampano, S-70i Program Manager, International Military Programs. “The program is progressing well and hitting all key milestones.”
Plans call for at least 20 S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopters to be produced per year, beginning in 2012, and for PZL Mielec to be the hub of the program for international customers.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
Finland orders one additional Airbus Military C295 aircraft
June 1, 2010
The Finnish Air Force has ordered from Airbus Military one additional C295 tactical transport aircraft. This new aircraft will be the third to join the Finnish Air Force, which has already been operating two C295s since 2007. It will have the same configuration as the earlier aircraft.
The two C295 aircraft operated by FINAF are supported by a FISS – Full In Service Support – contract by Airbus Military in a “pay by hour” concept. This FISS contract covers the material and the maintenance tasks required to be performed in the aircraft above the “line maintenance” which remains operator’s task.
Kaman Helicopters Awarded Army Contract for Unmanned Helicopter Enhancements
May 27, 2010
BLOOMFIELD, CT, May 27, 2010 – Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman) announced today that the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC), has awarded a $2.9M contract to Kaman’s Helicopter Division. The contract will develop enhanced mission capabilities for the Unmanned K MAX helicopter.
“Under the contract, Kaman Helicopters will be adding mission equipment to a test aircraft that helps elevate the reliability of unmanned aircraft to the standards the K-MAX attains in commercial operations,” stated Terry Fogarty, general manager, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Product Group for Kaman Helicopters. “While this is not a deployment contract, it continues our efforts as we prepare for a potential opportunity for a military deployment later this year.” Kaman’s commercial operators boast 98-99 percent availability rates in the harsh helicopter logging environment, where K-MAX rotorcraft deliver 6,000 pound loads 20 to 30 times per hour. A single K-MAX often moves more than one-million pounds of timber in a single day, and has exceeded two-million pounds in a single day on numerous occasions.
The 2010 Unmanned K-MAX AMRDEC program takes the next step toward fielding a deployable system in a military environment, with primary focus on those operations in theater. Because of the geographically dispersed nature of the U.S. and coalition forces, manned aviation assets are often over extended. Unmanned K-MAX potentially provides technological solutions to supplement these constrained assets by using a VTOL UAV to relieve manned aviation assets from flying some missions, such as resupply, thereby releasing invaluable manned aviation assets for more demanding operations. These concepts address current high priority U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command capability gaps.
Under its own funding, Kaman is developing autonomous pick-up technologies that will allow the Unmanned K-MAX to attach loads without human intervention. The development will also provide for pin-point delivery as determined by the soldier on the ground. “This type of technology could have many uses, including autonomous collection of retrograde after dropping off supplies, reducing soldier exposure to enemy fire,” stated Sal Bordonaro, president of Kaman Helicopters.
Kaman designed the K-MAX helicopter to deliver sling loads up to 6,000 pounds at sea level, and more than 4,300 pounds at 15,000 feet. Lockheed Martin’s mission management and control systems give the K-MAX helicopter unparalleled flight autonomy in remote environments and over large distances.
In January, Kaman and Lockheed Martin conducted a U.S. Marine Corps demonstration where multiple loads were placed at precise locations using sling-load delivery methods with the Unmanned K-MAX. Kaman and Lockheed demonstrated their four-hook carousel system during that demonstration, autonomously placing four separate loads at four separate locations.
Kaman recently conducted 11 cargo airdrop tests from 300 feet to 400 feet above ground level, in partnership with the U.S. Army’s Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), where Kaman again used its four-hook carousel system, and during one flight, demonstrated four airdrops in a single mission.
Kaman Helicopters is a division of Kaman Aerospace Corporation, a subsidiary of Kaman Corporation (NASDAQ-GS: KAMN). Founded in 1945 by aviation pioneer Charles H. Kaman, and headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut conducts business in the aerospace and industrial distribution markets. The company produces and/or markets widely used proprietary aircraft bearings and components; complex metallic and composite aerostructures for commercial, military and general aviation fixed and rotary wing aircraft; safing and arming solutions for missile and bomb systems for the U.S. and allied militaries; subcontract helicopter work; and support for the company’s SH-2G Super Seasprite maritime helicopters and K-MAX medium-to-heavy lift helicopters. The company is also a leading distributor of industrial parts, and operates nearly 200 customer service centers and five distribution centers across North America.
The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) has awarded a $2.9M contract to Kaman’s Helicopter Division to develop enhanced mission capabilities for the Unmanned K‑MAX helicopter.
A400M to make its first public appearance at ILA Berlin Air Show 2010
May 27, 2010
Latest Airbus product developments on display
Celebrating its 40th anniversary of ongoing innovations, Airbus will be at the ILA Berlin Air Show, taking place at Schönefeld Airport from June 8th to 13th.
Visitors will be able to get an exclusive first glimpse of the A400M, the all-new airlifter for the 21st Century and Airbus Military’s latest development. The airlifter, which is capable of performing tactical, strategic and tanker missions, will be on static and flying display during the first two days of the airshow, leaving on the 10th June.
From June 11th, the “new Queen of the Skies”, the A380, will take over. During the A380 flying display you will be able to experience the unique quietness of this all-new eco-efficient airliner – a true good neighbour for each and every airport.
Airbus and Airbus Military will be present at the EADS Chalet (17-23) to welcome guests.
Media will be welcomed in the EADS Press Chalet (24-25).
On the EADS stand (Hall 7), visitors can learn more about Airbus and Airbus Military products and innovations. They will find an interactive tool featuring all Airbus commercial aircraft family products including Airbus Military’s, as well as a cut-away model of the A320P2F (Passenger to Freighter conversion). A full scale cross section of an A400M fuselage and a full scale mock-up of the A350 XWB’s cabin housing an audio-visual theatre showing Airbus’ latest innovations “shaping efficiency” are also on display. Airbus experts and specialists will be available to discuss innovations at the Forum on the stand.
Throughout the ILA week Airbus will be holding events designed to give students and recent graduates in an aerospace, engineering or an engineering-related business discipline the chance to discuss career opportunities at Airbus.
For the latest update on market trends, on Wednesday 9th June at 10:00, Airbus will hold a press conference starting at 10.00, in room A in the Press Centre, followed by an Airbus Military press briefing. Commercial announcements can be expected during the course of the week.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Awarded $20 Million Contract From Missile Defense Agency
May 25, 2010
CANOGA PARK, Calif., May 24 /PRNewswire/ — Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne received a $20.3 million contract for the first phase to design, develop and test a High-Performance Liquid Upper-Stage propulsion system that will support early intercept capabilities for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company.
“With emerging ballistic missile threats, the MDA needs to develop faster interceptors that can stop enemy missiles early in flight when their countermeasures are less effective,” said Bruce Janeski, program manager, Liquid Upper-Stage propulsion system, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. “We are confident our propulsion system will increase the speed of interceptors by reducing weight and increasing performance.”
Under the contract, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne will develop components and conduct risk-reduction tests on a liquid upper-stage propulsion system, which could be integrated into an advanced land-based interceptor to augment the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne will demonstrate the propulsion system’s capability by conducting a static hot-fire test of the integrated system in simulated altitude conditions.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., a part of Pratt & Whitney, is a preferred provider of high-value propulsion, power, energy and innovative system solutions used in a wide variety of government and commercial applications, including the main engines for the space shuttle, Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, missile defense systems and advanced hypersonic engines.
The Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master advanced trainer adopts the Helmet Mounted Display
May 18, 2010
Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company, recently carried out the first flight tests of the new sophisticated Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) system that will be fitted to the M-346 Master advanced training aircraft.
The HMD system, a true interface between the pilot and aircraft systems, complements the Head-Up Display by offering the pilot to receive attitude, navigation, tactical and mission information directly on the helmet visor, independently of the direction in which he is looking. The HMD is fully integrated with aircraft avionics and with the Embedded Tactical Training Simulation system.
The adoption of this new HMD system on the M-346 is a crucial element of training effectiveness and an important step towards making the Master ever more representative of operational aircraft. The M-346 Master will now allow student pilots to learn to use the HMD, avoiding the risks involved should it be encountered directly on the much more expensive operational aircraft (Eurofighter, F-35, Rafale, F-16). The HMD will also be integrated in the Full Mission Simulator.
Test pilots Quirino Bucci and Matteo Maurizio tested the new HMD system to their fullest satisfaction, appreciating its ergonomics and performance from both the forward and rear seats.
“We obtained significant results, with stable symbology under high g and ease of head movement thanks to the lightweight helmet”, said after the flights Alenia Aermacchi Chief Test Pilot Quirino Bucci.
The limited helmet weight – under 1.6 kilos, achieved by the miniaturisation and careful placement of components – translates into lower pilot fatigue under high g manoeuvres, while the low voltage translates into a high levels of safety. A micro camera captures the pilot’s field of view, including visor symbology, making it available for post-flight debriefings.
The system selected for installation in the M-346 employs the latest optical and digital technologies. It allows the aircraft to operate by day and night, using Night Vision Goggles (NVG). The ability to present synthetic symbology and high-resolution images, plus the accuracy of the pilot’s line of sight measurement, are peculiar characteristics of the M-346 Master HMD system.
Comentarios de Elenita
 |
Estimados lectores:
La historia que sigue es sobre una carrera aérea que se realiza la semana entrante. O sea, que se enterarán del resultado después de leer este artículo. Todos... Read more » |
 |
|
 | ||
