Aerospace & Defense Roundup: Dec. 19

LeonardoAW139

Boeing Credit Ratings Bruised By MAX Halt, But Still Strong

Days after Boeing announced a production halt of the 737 MAX, the three major U.S. credit rating agencies have turned slightly negative on the manufacturer with new outlooks that stress growing demands on the company’s credit access and softening cash prospects.

Arianespace Launches Exoplanet Measurement Telescope

A Soyuz-2 launcher operated by Arianespace from Kourou, French Guiana, placed five satellites into orbit on Dec. 18, including one carrying a telescope for exoplanet characterization and another with the first Argos emergency beacon new-generation detection system.

Common Replacement Sought For E-4, E-6, C-32 Fleets

Although market research has started to replace the U.S. Air Force’s E-4B National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) fleet alone, the search continues for a single aircraft that could replace not only the NAOC but also U.S. Navy’s E-6B Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) fleet and the C-32A “Air Force Two” executive airlift fleet, the Air Force says.

Future Of Aerospace And Defense A Little Less Bright, Analysts Forecast

Days after Boeing announced a coming halt to production of its 737 MAX, the first forecasts to emerge from financial analysts covering aerospace and defense (A&D) still see good business prospects for the sector in 2020 but with several caveats, and with far cloudier horizons.

USAFGlobal Hawk

France Begins Armed Patrols With Reaper

France has begun armed reconnaissance missions in Central Africa with its General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper unmanned air systems following successful weapons trials in Niger.

DODPentagon