Mexican State of Jalisco to Purchase S-70i™ BLACK HAWK Helicopter
June 21, 2011
June 21, 2011
PARIS – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced the contract to sell one S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter to the state of Jalisco in Mexico. With the sale, Jalisco will become the first state in Mexico to acquire its own BLACK HAWK helicopter. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
Jalisco is one of 31 states in Mexico, and borders the state of Michoacan, a high-risk area in President Calderon’s war on drugs and organized crime. With the Pan American Games to be hosted in Jalisco’s capital of Guadalajara later this year, the BLACK HAWK helicopter acquisition is part of a state initiative to increase safety and security in advance of this world event.
Jalisco’s interest in the BLACK HAWK helicopter was spurred by the effective deployment of BLACK HAWK aircraft by the Mexico Federal Police over the last few years. The Mexico Federal Police have been flying BLACK HAWK helicopters since 2008, using them as a tool for drug interdiction and to help fight organized crime and corruption.
“An aircraft of this quality and value is a big investment for a state,” said Luis Carlos Najera Guittierrez de Velasco, Secretario de Seguridad Publica of Jalisco. “The functionality and performance of this S-70i helicopter means that Jalisco now has a new and valuable tool to support our policing in the region.”
The BLACK HAWK helicopter has garnered a solid reputation in Mexico as being a battle-proven, reliable aircraft for a variety of dangerous and important missions. Just three years ago, there were only six BLACK HAWK helicopters in all of Mexico. By the end of 2011, that number is expected to increase to 23, including those to be acquired by Jalisco, the Federal Police, the Air Force, and the Mexican Navy, who will receive three BLACK HAWK helicopters from the U.S. Department of State as part of the Merida Initiative later this year.
“The faith that the country of Mexico has in this product is driven by the success of the BLACK HAWK helicopters used by the Mexico Federal Police and the Mexican Air Force. Ballistic tolerant, rugged, and easy to maintain – these are the qualities of the BLACK HAWK helicopter that our Mexican customers have asked for and received in the aircraft they are flying and continue to order,” said Adam Schierholz, Regional Sales Director, Sikorsky Mexico.
The S-70i helicopter is the newest BLACK HAWK variant, being produced for the international market. The aircraft was built at Sikorsky’s PZL Mielec facility in Poland, the final assembly center and production test flight hub of the S-70i helicopter program.
The S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter incorporates the latest technology with advanced features such as a fully integrated digital cockpit with a dual digital automatic flight control system and coupled flight director. It also features an active vibration control system that will smooth the overall ride of the aircraft. The dual GPS/INS system with digital map provides accurate and redundant navigation for the most demanding of tactical environments. Customers around the world will benefit from the aircraft’s modern, robust aircraft configuration and ability to leverage existing interoperability with Sikorsky’s worldwide fleet of BLACK HAWK helicopters.
Brazilian Navy Signs Agreement To Acquire Additional S-70B™ Aircraft
June 20, 2011
June 20, 2011
PARIS – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced today at the Paris Air Show that the Brazilian Navy has signed an agreement with the U.S. Government to acquire two additional Sikorsky S-70B™ maritime helicopters via the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
In 2010, the Brazilian Navy contracted for four S-70B aircraft, also through the FMS system, with deliveries starting in December 2011 and continuing through the end of the First Quarter of 2012. Sikorsky expects contract finalization for the additional two aircraft in 2012. The multi-role S-70B SEAHAWK™ helicopter can perform anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions, among others.
“The Brazilian Navy has relied on Sikorsky aircraft for decades, including the venerable H-3 SEA KING™ helicopters dating to the 1960s. We thank the Navy sincerely for its continuing commitment to our products,” said John Pacelli, Vice President, International Military Business, for Sikorsky.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
Embraer Defense and Security Selects Major System for KC-390 Jet
June 16, 2011
Liebherr will supply latest generation environmental and cabin pressure control systems
São José dos Campos, June 16, 2011 – Embraer Defense and Security has selected Liebherr-
Aerospace for the advanced environmental and cabin pressure control systems of the KC-390
military transport aircraft.
“Liebherr-Aerospace has the best solution in latest-generation environmental and cabin
pressure control systems, which was chosen to provide greater operational efficiency for
Embraer’s KC-390,” said Eduardo Bonini Santos Pinto, Sr. Vice President Operations &
COO, Embraer Defense and Security. “This new defense and security partnership further
expands the long-standing relationship between Embraer and Liebherr-Aerospace.”
The systems will be developed and manufactured by Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse SAS, in
Toulouse, France, Liebherr’s worldwide center of excellence for air management systems,
and will feature integrated control architecture together with high-reliability, highperformance,
lightweight pneumatic and mechanical components.
“Embraer’s selection of our environmental and cabin pressure control systems will provide
crew and troops with the most advanced air management system, enabling optimized
conditions, as well as proven robustness under all of the aircraft’s operating situations,” said
Francis Niss, President of Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS. “The KC-390 program
will benefit from the outstanding experience gained over the past decades by Liebherr-
Aerospace in the design, production and service of air management systems for the most
demanding military transport aircraft.”
Flight tests of the KC-390, with the new environmental and cabin pressure control systems,
are expected to begin in 2014, and the aircraft should go into service at the end of 2015.
First Airbus Military C295 with AEW&C rotodome completes maiden flight
June 8, 2011
The first Airbus Military C295 development aircraft fitted with an Airbone Early Warning sand Command (AEW&C) rotodome has successfully completed its first flight on 7th June 2011 at Airbus Military’s site in Seville (Spain). The flight follows extensive research and development work, including wind tunnel testing, leading to the conversion of a C295 to be fitted with the in-house developed rotodome
The aircraft took off at 17h16 local time (15h16 UTC) and landed at 20h04 local time (18h04 UTC), after a flight lasting 2h48 (wheels off – wheels down). The experimental test pilot Alejandro Madurga captained the flight together with co-pilot Alfonso de Castro, the Flight Test Engineer Juan José Baeza, and the Test Flight Engineer Antonio Ojeda.
The objective of the trials is to verify the aerodynamic and structural impact of the rotodome on the aircraft’s overall structure, handling qualities and performance. The six metre diameter rotodome fitted for the initial trials is a fixed dummy structure. On production aircraft the rotodome would be a fast-rotating device housing a state-of-the-art radar providing full 360 degree and continuous coverage of a selected area.
“This first flight confirmed to us that the C295 is an excellent platform to support such a rotodome”, said Alejandro Maurga after the flight. The behavior of the aircraft and its flying characteristics were very satisfactory and as expected”.
Flight testing will continue during the next three months to complete the feasibility study and fully validate the concept.
Airbus Military’s C295 is an ideal platform for Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) missions. The C295 is currently used for other Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance applications such as maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare or environmental protection missions, to list just a few. The C295 is a simple but robust platform with proven reliability, used in conflict operations for defence and homeland security missions. It is adaptable to the AEW&C role thanks to its versatility and the largest cabin in its class. The in-house developed Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) enables the integration of on-board sensors, including operation and monitoring of the future radar system and display of the aerial picture.
The current AEW&C trials are to demonstrate the C295’s capability in this sector and thereby expand its range of applications. With the C295, Airbus Military has the tool to open up a new market segment for affordable high-performance AEW&C systems
IAI/Tamam delivred new MiniPOP Systems mounted on Rafael’s RCWS installed in Czech’w Army KBVP PANDUR operating in Afghanistan
May 18, 2011
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has announced that it has delivered the new MiniPOP lightweight EO/IR sights for Rafael’s Samson 30 RCWS (Remote Controlled Weapons Station) in a deal worth several millions of dollars.
The new systems are installed on the GDELS-Steyr KBVP PANDUR 88 CZ infantry fighting vehicles, which are currently operated by the Czech Army in Afghanistan.
The MiniPOP features a thermal imager, a CCD camera, a laser rangefinder and a laser pointer. Two MiniPOP systems are installed on each turret; one is used as the commander sight, and the other as the gunner sight.
FLIR Systems Introduces Next Generation Explosives Detection
May 16, 2011
Fido NXT Expands Explosives Detection Capabilities
PORTLAND, OR, May 16, 2011 – FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) announced the introduction of the next generation of its industry leading handheld, explosives detector – Fido® NXT. The completely redesigned Fido NXT provides expanded explosives detection capabilities in a smaller, more compact, rugged device.
The Fido NXT was designed and developed based on the lessons learned from more than 3,000 Fido detectors currently fielded around the world. The light weight system delivers fast, accurate and consistent explosives detection through a simplified user interface suitable for users of any experience level. The multi-modal design allows operators to use the device with confidence, even after long periods of inactivity, while also enabling expanded capabilities and additional response data for advanced users and subject matter experts. With all-weather and day/night capabilities, the Fido NXT is ideally suited to covert operations or screening in high risk, high threat environments.
“Explosives and IEDs continue to provide a detection challenge for our forward deployed military as well as law enforcement agencies,” said Bill Sundermeier, president of FLIR Detection & Protection. “With the introduction of the Fido NXT, FLIR continues the tradition of providing cutting edge solutions for the emerging challenges of our time.”
Bell Helicopter’s OH-58 Block II successfully completes first flight
April 20, 2011
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (April 18, 2011) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT) announces the first flight of its OH-58 Block II demonstrator at its Xworx research and development facility in Fort Worth, Texas on April 14, 2011.
“The flight was flawless and completed according to plan,” said Cathy Ferrie, Director of Bell Helicopter’s Xworx facility. “The Block II is a significant leap forward in performance for the Kiowa Warrior platform and will absolutely make this a 21st Century airframe for the 21st Century soldier.”
Bell Helicopter is developing this OH-58 Block II fleet representative demonstrator to facilitate prototyping activities in anticipation of a U.S. Army future requirement of 6K/95 performance. The Block II OH-58 provides an attractive, cost efficient alternative for the U.S. Army and U.S. taxpayer, and will demonstrate Bell helicopter’s ability to meet or exceed all performance requirements for the Army’s Armed Aerial Scout. Bell Helicopter is developing this aircraft with its own resources and at no cost to the government.
The Block II demonstrator takes an OH-58 Kiowa Warrior and makes it a fast fielding, low risk and lowest cost solution to achieve 6,000ft and 95 degree performance. The “high-hot” performance can be attained with propulsion and drive training upgrades to the existing platform. This upgrade program builds upon the F model Cockpit and Sensor Upgrade Program (CASUP) improvements by adding a new engine, transmission and rotor system.
“By continuing to upgrade the OH-58F into a Block II program, the Army will save money that they can invest in future technologies or future platforms,” said Stephen Eppinette, Army business development manager. “It will also give the Army and the tax payer a return for the money invested in the F model program.”
Along with the performance upgrades, the Block II will adopt fully integrated condition-based maintenance (CBM) technologies so that the aircraft will have higher performance, increased safety, and greater operational readiness while reducing life-cycle costs.
With more than 750,000 fleet combat hours, the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior is a combat- proven aircraft that is safe, rugged and reliable, maintaining the highest readiness rate of any Army helicopter operating in Afghanistan while simultaneously having the highest operational tempo.
First Airbus Military A330 MRTT for UAE Air Force makes maiden flight
April 12, 2011
The first Airbus Military A330 MRTT for the United Arab Emirates Air Force has successfully completed its maiden flight following conversion of the aircraft in Madrid.
The crew reported that the aircraft, its systems and two Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines performed entirely satisfactorily during the 2hr 55min flight on 9th April.
As it features some different avionics, and is the first “receiver” to be powered by the Rolls- Royce Trent engine, the UAE A330 MRTT now enters the certification and qualification phase for these new elements.
The first of three ordered by the UAE AF, it will transfer to Abu Dhabi around the end of the year for the final phase of flight-testing leading to delivery in the second quarter of 2012.
Prior to this flight, six A330 MRTTs had already flown. Those include three for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), two for the UK Royal Air Force, and one for the Royal Saudi Air Force. Two of the aircraft are already technically complete and ready for delivery to the RAAF, pending finalisation of contractual discussion.
Eurocopter’s expanding presence in Latin America with its Helibras Brazilian affiliate is highlighted at the LAAD 2011 defense show
April 12, 2011
The EC725 Cougar helicopter is spotlighted, underscoring Brazil’s major acquisition of these rotary-wing aircraft and the key industrial role of Helibras in their production
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 12, 2011
The high-profile presence of Eurocopter at this week’s LAAD Defense & Security 2011 exhibition in Rio de Janeiro is focused on the growing importance of its Helibras affiliate in the manufacture, assembly, modernization and mission-outfitting of the company’s rotary-wing aircraft for Brazil and the Latin American marketplace.
Among the helicopters spotlighted on Helibras’ exhibit (#G-30, on the outdoor display area) is the twin-engine EC725 Cougar helicopter, which is being acquired by the Brazilian Armed Forces – and will be built in a new center of excellence created at its Itajubá facility in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. The Eurocopter parent company also is participating in the LAAD 2011 event, presenting an overview of its rotary-wing aircraft family on the stand of EADS (#F46 in Hall 4).
As the only Brazilian helicopter manufacturer, Helibras has the capability of producing a variety of aircraft in Eurocopter’s product line. It supplies over 50 percent of the country’s turbine-powered helicopters – having delivered more than 500 aircraft in its 33 years of operation to meet the requirements of governmental, military and civil customers.
“Helibras is on the way to becoming a cornerstone in Eurocopter’s global industrial base, with all the skills necessary for helicopter manufacturing, assembly, integration, upgrades and support,” said Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling. “Our presence in Brazil positions Eurocopter for future growth in the country and across Latin America, while also ensuring excellence in support and training for operators throughout the region.”
At Itajubá, Helibras is preparing for the assembly of EC725s, which the Brazilian government contracted in 2008 to acquire 50 helicopters for transport and civil security missions. Construction is underway on Helibras’ new EC725 production factory for completion in 2012 – doubling the company’s employment, bringing total staff to approximately 1,000.
The EC725 is Eurocopter’s latest member of the Super Puma/Cougar helicopter family. In addition to building this 11-metric-ton-class rotary-wing aircraft at Itajubá, Helibras is to become involved in such industrial activities as the manufacture of EC725 tailbooms and electrical harness, plus the assembly of gearboxes. Helibras also is working with Brazilian companies to develop a local supply chain, and it is supporting the acceleration of in-country technical and university courses for aeronautics and aerospace.
At this week’s LAAD 2011 defense and security show, Helibras also is exhibiting the AS550A2 Fennec, operated by the Brazilian Army Aviation Command – and which will be modernized by the company in a program that incorporates a tailored complement of armament, a new glass cockpit, an Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) with autopilot, and the installation of improved pilot seats for enhanced crash protection.
The single-engine, multi-purpose AS550/AS350 entered service with the Brazilian Army Aviation Command more than two decades ago, and Helibras’ upgrade program will ensure the continued operation of these helicopters for at least 25 additional years. As part of the LAAD 2011 exhibition, Helibras will be showing the AS350/AS550’s new instrument panel layout, which incorporates three large multifunction liquid crystal displays and is being developed by the company in cooperation with France’s Sagem and the Brazilian firm Aeroeletrônica.
Helibras has produced more than 400 AS350s for the South American market. The helicopter’s modernization also can be applied to the large inventory of AS350 Ecureuils operating throughout Brazil – which totals some 350 aircraft.
Included on Helibras’ LAAD 2011 exhibit stand as well will be a single-engine EC130 fitted with an aeromedical kit, along with a twin-engine HM-1 Pantera helicopter – the version of Eurocopter’s AS565 Panther in service with the Brazilian Army. Helibras has a contract to upgrade 34 HM-1 Panteras of the Brazilian Army Aviation, which will extend the current fleet’s operating lifetime by at least 25 years. The Pantera modernization includes new Turbomeca Arriel 2C2 CG engines with FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), a full glass cockpit, 4-axis autopilot, the Pro Line 21 radio suite for communications, navigation and surveillance, as well as a new Fenestron with asymmetric blades.
“With our very strong presence at the 2011 Latin America Aero & Defense show, Helibras is demonstrating how the company is pursuing its vision for the future,” explained CEO Eduardo Marson Ferreira.
Chile takes delivery of first anti-submarine warfare C295
April 1, 2011
First European aircraft with ASW capabilities since the 1960s
The Chilean Navy has taken delivery of the first Airbus Military C295 in its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) configuration. The handover took place after the aircraft was certified by INTA, the Spanish authority responsible for certification and military airworthiness.
Based on the Maritime Patrol (MPA) configuration of the aircraft, the C295 ASW is the first ASW type designed and certified in Europe, to enter service since the 1960s-vintage Bréguet Atlantic. It is a modern and risk-free choice to replace the veteran and ageing P-3 Orion or Bréguet Atlantic fleets.
The new model is the latest variant of the successful C295 family of multirole aircraft. Launched in 1996, it has been proved in many military roles and civic missions for the benefit of society. Transport logistics, medical evacuation or surveillance are just some of the roles already deployed by this aircraft in its MPA version.
The aircraft is equipped with two underwing hard points to carry weapons or other stores and boasts a comprehensive suite of sensors including a search radar, digital avionics that are compatible with night-vision goggles (NVG), automatic identification system, acoustic system, and a magnetic anomaly detector. The data from all these sensors are processed by the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS). This Airbus Military-developed mission system presents the data in an intuitive form to the four tactical operators via on board mission consoles as well as to the pilots.
This C295 ASW is part of a three aircraft order placed by the Chilean Navy in October 2007. The first one, a C295 MPA, was delivered in December 2009. The other two are both ASW versions and the second is being delivered over the next few months.
The Chilean Army, Navy, and Air Force already operate one C295 MPA, three CN235s, and 13 C212s – meaning they collectively operate members of the whole Airbus Military medium and light aircraft family.
To date, Airbus Military has sold 356 CN235 and C295 aircraft to 55 different operators.
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