Hawker Beechcraft AT-6 Light Attack Prototype Production, Flight Testing Progress
October 24, 2009
Advanced derivative of world’s most proven trainer will offer solutions for warfighter needs
ORLANDO (Oct. 20, 2009) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) today provided an update on the successful progress of its Beechcraft AT-6 light attack aircraft program. The AT-6 is a structurally strengthened derivative of the highly successful T-6A/B/C – the world’s most proven military trainer aircraft. Development flight testing of the first AT-6 demonstrator aircraft continues at a rapid pace, with preliminary flight envelope investigations and initial integration of an EO/IR sensor completed. In addition, the production of a second AT-6 demonstrator aircraft is moving forward at the company’s headquarters in Wichita, Kan.
“The AT-6 is a U.S.-made solution designed to meet training, light attack and armed reconnaissance needs for irregular warfare and building partner capacity initiatives,” said Jim Maslowski, president, U.S. and International Government Business for HBC. “Like our contribution to Project Liberty, we are listening carefully to the warfighter and, together with our partners at Lockheed Martin, we are creating high-end capabilities in a low-cost, low-risk aircraft.”
The AT-6 is designed to be able to quickly transition pilots between basic flight training missions and complex NetCentric light attack and armed reconnaissance missions. The aircraft will offer the U.S. Air Force and partner nations a robust airpower solution that meets a wide spectrum of needs at a fraction of the cost of other platforms.
The focus of the first AT-6 aircraft is integration of mission systems in conjunction with HBC’s partner, Lockheed Martin Systems Integration-Owego. The aircraft is scheduled to complete aerodynamic handling quality and flight envelope expansion tests by late this year, with additional mission system integration and testing to follow. The primary objective of the second prototype aircraft is integration of the new, higher horsepower PT-6A-68/10 engine for improved performance, with initial flight testing to begin in the spring of 2010.
The HBC T-6 trainer fleet recently passed the one million flight hour mark and 550th delivery with aircraft currently being flown by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, Hellenic Air Force of Greece, NATO Flying Training in Canada and the Israeli Air Force. T-6 trainers for the Iraqi Air Force are currently in production in Wichita and are slated for delivery to Iraq beginning later this year. The Royal Moroccan Air Force recently ordered 24 T-6C aircraft, and the U.S. Navy recently started receiving T-6B aircraft to replace the Beechcraft T-34 as its primary trainer.
GE Advanced Military Demonstrator Engine Funded for Next Phase of Development Work
October 24, 2009
EVENDALE, Ohio – October 20, 2009 – The U.S. Air Force Research
Laboratory has continued funding for GE Aviation’s development of a
demonstrator engine core and selected critical component
risk-reduction activities for the ADaptive Versatile ENgine Technology
(ADVENT) program.
ADVENT involves developing game-changing technologies for future
military and commercial engines. The program, which began in 2008, is
developing a variable engine cycle, greater component efficiencies,
and new materials technologies to provide future aircraft with far
greater range and mission flexibility.
For the past two years, GE has been engaged in Phase I of ADVENT,
which involved preliminary and detailed design, analysis, and
risk-deduction activities. This development work involved running a
full annular combustor rig, component and rig tests using ceramic
matrix composite materials, and testing of a full core engine
(consisting of the compressor, combustor, high-pressure turbine),
which featured GE’s most advanced compression system.
After an extensive evaluation, the USAF determined that GE’s efforts
earned continued funding, with Phase II expected to continue through
2012.
“Several key technologies will be demonstrated in Phase II, including
a hot section featuring ceramic matrix composites, demonstration of a
high-pressure ratio core and an advanced variable pressure ratio fan,
and GE’s next-generation cooled turbine,” said Jeff Martin, GE’s
general manager for the ADVENT program. “These technologies, if
successfully demonstrated, will find a home on the next-generation of
GE jet engines.”
The ADVENT technology demonstrator program, undertaken by GE Aviation,
is funded by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). ADVENT is
part of the Versatile Affordable Advanced Turbine Engines (VAATE)
Program, an initiative sponsored by industry and Government partners
to advanced state-of-the-art turbine engine technology for military
aviation.
Raytheon Introduces Improved Mobile Device for Fast Intelligence Sharing
October 8, 2009
Device leverages the Google(TM) Android mobile platform for warfighter use
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) is debuting at the 2009 Association of the U.S. Army Annual Meeting and Exposition a breakthrough mobile device for faster intelligence sharing.
The Raytheon Android Tactical System (RATS) delivers multimedia content faster and in less time to warfighters. Using RATS will provide them with a common mobile device that now can be used on the battlefield.
“RATS provides our U.S. military forces with a last mile of connectivity for delivering images and full motion video to our warfighters,” said Mark Bigham, vice president of Raytheon’s Defense and Civil Mission Solutions. “Utilizing existing technologies provides developers the ability to focus on requirements that our warfighters need now.”
The RATS device disseminates vital intelligence data via the Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS) Intelligence Backbone (DIB) architecture system. Information is instantly viewed on the DIB and searchable to mobile device users and other users. Raytheon has demonstrated how the device provides the warfighter the ability to make decisions in seconds and minutes, rather than hours.
Raytheon is developing applications or “wigets” for intelligence collection and analysis to be used on the Google Android, such as license plate reading, streaming video camera feeds and biometric collection (facial recognition, for example). These applications will enhance warfighers’ safety by providing tactical alerts based on the intelligence collected.
Bigham added, “We are providing an innovative technology that is available in the commercial market and applying it to warfighter needs.”
Raytheon Intelligence and Information Systems is a leading provider of intelligence and information solutions, specializing in ground processing, unmanned ground systems, cybersecurity operations, homeland security and other markets to resolve the most complex problems for customers worldwide. IIS had 2008 revenues of $3.1 billion and employs more than 9,000 engineering and technical professionals worldwide.
ROSOBORONEXPORT: WE EXPECT BREAKTHROUGH IN ARAB ARMS MARKET
October 5, 2009
Participation of the Rosoboronexport delegation in the Third Libyan Aviation
Exhibition, LAVEX 2009, to be held from 5 until 8 October in Libya and to be accompanied
by the 3rd Pan Arab-African Aviation Conference, will promote the systematic expansion of
defence cooperation between Russia and Libya, and Russia and other states of the region.
“We expect significant shifts towards Russian weapons in regional arms markets in
the near future,” Rosoboronexport Deputy Director General and head of the delegation
Alexander Mikheev said. “Interest in Russian combat aircraft, air defence systems, and
training aids, as well as other weapons, materiel, and special equipment grows, and we hope
to secure new and to a certain extent breakthrough contracts.”
The Rosoboronexport exhibition
stand is expected to be visited by officials
from Libya, Algeria, Egypt, the UAE, and
many other countries. Upcoming meetings
will focus on a wide scope of issues,
ranging from procurements of cutting-edge
combat systems to upgrades of arms and
materiel delivered earlier. Russian weapon
systems have been in service throughout
the region for a long time and are highly appreciated. For instance, combat tactics of the
Libyan Air Force are based on the employment of Russian- and Soviet-made hardware, while
many Libyan pilots and technicians were trained in Soviet and Russian colleges. At the
present time it is an excellent basis for developing close defence relations, inherent in true
partners, even further.
The Rosoboronexport Corporation is a traditional participant in the Libyan air show.
The Tripoli-based LAVEX 2009 Exhibition will display a wide range of Russian aircraft, weapons, air defence systems, and other hi-tech products, which are of great interest to
Middle East and North African countries.
Special interest is generated by the Su-35 multi-role super-manoeuvrable fighter,
boasting fifth-generation technologies that ensure its superiority over its rivals. The Su-35
features state-of-the-art avionics and a phased-array radar, capable of detecting targets at a
greater range, tracking up to 30 targets, and simultaneously engaging eight targets. The
aircraft’s super-manoeuvrability is provided by the new powerful thrust vector control (TVC)
engine. At the same time in order to establish air superiority and attack any air-, ground-, and
sea-based targets in any conditions by day
and night, the aircraft is capable of
carrying an awesome combat load of up to
eight tons of guided and unguided air
weapons, attached to 12 external stations.
The Yak-130 combat trainer, which
will soon enter service with the Russian
Air Force, is also the focus of attention of
arms procurement experts. The aircraft will
be employed to train pilots for Su- and MiG-family fighters, including cutting-edge Su-35s
and MiG-35s. Given outstanding flight characteristics, the reliable electrical fly-by-wire
system, and the advanced glazed cockpit, the Yak-130 ensures efficient and safe training in
piloting modern and advanced aircraft, including foreign ones. The combat trainer is capable
of operating from unpaved airfields. It has a service life of 10,000 flying hours, while its
airframe is designed to remain operational for at least 30 years. In addition to that the Yak-
130 can carry out air strikes in the course of low-intensity conflicts.
The Kamov Ka-52A Alligator reconnaissance/attack helicopter also generates
considerable interest. In addition to impressive combat capabilities of an attack helicopter, the
Ka-52A rotary-wing aircraft can fly reconnaissance and target designation missions, including
laser illumination of targets, in the interests of interacting attack aircraft and ground-based
weapon systems. The Alligator is fitted with the most advanced target detection and
designation systems and is capable of carrying out automated low-level flights. In addition to
that the Ka-52A can be employed to train and maintain flight skills of helicopter jockeys
instead of a special training helicopter of the same type.
Russia is a traditional leader in developing and manufacturing air defence systems,
which have time and again proved their high efficiency in providing area and point air
defence. The cutting-edge S-400 Triumf long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system,
designed to counter all existing and future airborne threats, is one of the most efficient
systems. Triumf SAM systems are capable of killing aerodynamic targets at a range of up to
250 km and ballistic targets at a range of up to 60 km within an altitude envelope of up to 27
km. This system can be integrated into any air defence system, just like the Pantsir-S1 selfpropelled
air defence system, capable of engaging targets with a minimal cross-section.
Other promising lines of defence
cooperation will also be discussed at
LAVEX 2009. Rosoboronexport will
familiarise its partners with precisionguided
air-to-air and air-to-surface aircraft
missiles, guided air bombs, as well as a
variety of radars, sights, simulators for air
defence combat crews, avionics, and
navigation, flight control, communications,
and life support systems. Much attention will be focused on building airfields, establishing
service centres and an integrated after-sale services system, as well as licensed-production and
assembly facilities.
“Our participation in the Libyan exhibition will strengthen Russia’s relations with
countries of the region both in the sphere of aircraft industry and other areas of defence
cooperation. We stand every chance of succeeding given out vast experience in successful
long-term cooperation,” Alexander Mikheev emphasised.
Raytheon Awarded Contract Worth Up To $100 Million To Provide Encrypted Combat Identification Technology To U.S. Air Force
October 1, 2009
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Oct. 1, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been awarded an indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity contract worth up to $100 million to improve secure combat identification for the U.S. Air Force.
Under the five-year agreement, Raytheon will produce and deliver up to 8,000 KIV-77 applique crypto computers for Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment.
“The KIV-77 safeguards communications and protects warfighters when they need to identify friendly positions during combat,” said Jerry Powlen, vice president, Network Centric Systems Integrated Communications Systems. “This is another critical product in the long lineage of Raytheon’s assured communication solutions.”
The KIV-77 is Type 1 certified by the National Security Agency and provides information assurance for both legacy Mode 4 and new Mode 5 IFF equipment. Mode 5 IFF is an encrypted data link between interrogators and transponders to confirm an aircraft is friendly. It uses a newer, more secure waveform than Mode 4 and is part of Raytheon’s crypto modernization initiative to ensure information security for warfighter communications.
Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provided state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.
Raytheon Completes Flight Testing of Key Air Force Intelligence System
September 28, 2009
Voice communications system is first accredited VoIP system for the Department of Defense with built-in information security
FALLS CHURCH, Va., Sept. 28, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has established initial operational capability and has conducted flight tests for a key communications component for the U.S. Air Force DCGS (Distributed Common Ground System).
The new intercom communications system, Crew Communications (Crew Comm), modernizes peer-to-peer collaboration between intelligence operators regardless of geographic location. The multiple-level security system is designed to support enterprisewide execution of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
The system is the first “Protection Level 4” accredited and deployed VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology that includes a sophisticated information assurance component for the Department of Defense intelligence community. Crew Comm is an Enterprise Intercom product suite that permits DCGS mission crew members to communicate in real time regardless of geographical distance or security boundaries.
“This system provides the best peer-to-peer communications for the men and women responsible for providing intelligence information to our warfighters,” said Anthony DiFurio, director of Multi-Intelligence Systems for Raytheon’s Intelligence and Information Systems (IIS) business. “With security between different levels built-in, the system delivers world-class information safely and securely for intelligence analysts across the globe.”
Crew Comm will provide enhanced communication to and from pilots and sensor operators that will increase intelligence collection to enhance warfighter needs. When completed later this year, Crew Comm will connect more than 500 pilots, operators and analysts.
Raytheon Delivers First Joint Standoff Weapon C to Australia
September 28, 2009
TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 28, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) delivered the first Joint Standoff Weapon C to Australia in July for the Royal Australian Air Force’s new F/A-18F Hornet fighter aircraft.
In addition to the JSOW C, the RAAF has placed an order for the JSOW C-1, which is currently in production; deliveries will begin in 2010. The JSOW C-1 maintains the land attack capability of JSOW C and adds a moving maritime target capability by incorporating a datalink. This enables the JSOW to receive target updates as it flies to its objective.
“We’re thrilled that Australia is a member of the growing JSOW family,” said Phyllis McEnroe, Raytheon’s JSOW program director. “The on-time delivery of the JSOW C positions Australia well for its 2010 JSOW C-1 deliveries.”
The combat-proven JSOW is a family of low-cost, air-to-ground glide weapons with a range of 70 nautical miles (80.5 statute miles). It employs an integrated GPS-inertial navigation system and terminal uncooled infrared seeker that guides the weapon to the target. JSOW is integrated on all variants of the F/A-18, F-15, and on several variants of the F-16, B-2 and B-52 aircraft. The weapon is currently being integrated on the Joint Strike Fighter.
FLIR Systems Announces Delivery Order for $15.4 Million From the U.S. Army
September 24, 2009
PORTLAND, OR–(Marketwire – September 21, 2009) – FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) announced today that it has been awarded a new delivery order totaling $15.4 million from the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command in Huntsville, Alabama for its Star SAFIRE® stabilized multi-sensor systems. The units delivered under this order will be installed on Army Black Hawk helicopters in support of ongoing MEDEVAC missions.
Work on the delivery order will be completed within the next twelve months in FLIR’s Wilsonville, Oregon facility.
“This order, a continuation of FLIR’s partnership with the U.S. Army on Black Hawk operations, demonstrates the value of our systems to support the diverse missions of the Black Hawk platform,” said Earl R. Lewis, President and CEO of FLIR Systems. “We are pleased the U.S. Army has once again chosen FLIR products to assist in the immediate life-saving needs of our soldiers.”
U.S. Air Force Awards Raytheon $77 Million Contract for Infrared-Guided Maverick Missiles
September 10, 2009
TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 10, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) a $77.4 million Foreign Military Sales contract to produce AGM-65D and AGM-65G2 infrared-guided Maverick air-to-surface missiles for Korea and Taiwan.
The AGM-65 Maverick family of precision-attack missiles is used by the air, naval and marine forces of 33 countries. More than 69,000 missiles have been produced to date, and more than 6,000 have been used in combat with a 93 percent kill rate.
“Integrated on more than 25 aircraft, Raytheon’s Maverick is an affordable, combat-proven missile with a history of on-cost and on-schedule delivery,” said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile System’s Air Warfare Systems’ product line. “Maverick is a best-value solution for the warfighter who needs a direct-attack weapon.”
Raytheon will build and provide life-cycle support for more than 250 new missiles. The company began production of the missile’s IR guidance and control sections in November 2008.
BVR Systems Receives New Orders Valued at More Than $14 Million
September 10, 2009
ROSH HA’AYIN, Israel, September 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — BVR Systems (1998) Ltd. (OTC: BVRSF), today announced it has signed contracts valued at over $14 million for the provision of Distributed Mission Trainer and Maintenance and Support services.
BVR is to act as a major sub-contractor in a program for the provision of a high end Distributed Mission Trainer, in consideration for approximately $10 million.
The Maintenance and Support award is valued at more than $4 million and includes maintenance, support and spare parts for one of BVR’s leading customers using its “EHUD” AACMI (Autonomous Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation) system.
BVR Systems’ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ilan Gillies, noted, “We are very proud to take a key role in one of the leading Distributed Mission Training centers and very pleased with the confidence of our customers in our EHUD product. The order of maintenance and support services is clear evidence of the customers’ intent to keep using the system intensively.”
About BVR Systems
BVR Systems (1998) Ltd. is a world leader in advanced defense training and simulation systems. The Company offers highly efficient, cost-effective solutions to the simulation, training and debriefing needs of modern air, sea and ground forces.
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