BELL-BOEING has $267m U.S. Navy contract for joint performance-based logistics support for U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 and Afsoc CV-22 aircraft. SAAB and EMBRAER opened Gripen Design and Development Network in São Paulo, Brazil, to serve as hub for Gripen NG technology development in Brazil.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified a new version of Airbus’ H135 twin-engine light helicopter kitted with the company’s self-developed Helionix avionics suite. It includes a four-axis autopilot and an updated cockpit layout with three large multifunction displays and touchscreen navigation and communication displays. Helionix was developed from the avionics system fitted to the company’s H225/EC225 heavy helicopter, although it was first installed into the H175 intermediate-heavy helicopter and the H145 light twin.
NORWAY’s parliament approved long-term plan for Norwegian armed forces, including completing F-35 acquisition, replacing the current submarine fleet and maritime patrol aircraft, as well as “significant investments” in modern air defense systems. LEONARDO-FINMECCANICA announced Nov. 22 that first AGUSTAWESTLAND AW101 Merlin Mk. 4 completed its first flight on Oct. 24 at company’s Yeovil facility.
The global autopilot systems market will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% through 2020, according to ReportsnReports.com. The narrow-body aircraft sector will dominate the market and grow at a CAGR of about 6%. During 2015, the global autopilot systems market was led by the Americas with a market share of more than 37%.
The company had originally planned to fly the prototype, 39-8, by the end of the year, but has elected to push the first flight into the second quarter of 2017.
Researchers using radar data from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have observed a subsurface ice deposit on the Red Planet that rivals the size of Lake Superior, the largest of the U.S. Great Lakes.
Spirit AeroSystems CEO and President Tom Gentile will not cop to a turnaround for the leading aerostructures provider, but the relatively new chief executive is happy to point out his Wichita company has entered a new moneymaking era.
India has announced plans to build nine more long-endurance UAVs following the successful flight of the Rustom-II, meant to boost the country’s homeland security.
The European Aviation Safety Agency has certified a new version of Airbus’ H135 twin-engine light helicopter kitted with the company’s self-developed Helionix avionics suite.
Australia is pushing for a multinational effort at improving the NH90 military helicopter, with a larger payload and better sensors under consideration.
UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE orbited next-generation Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) for NOAA Dec. 19 from Cape Canaveral, FL. In two weeks, satellite will be renamed GOES-16; due to become operational within a year. LOCKHEED MARTIN has $1.2b contract to upgrade 134 F-16s for Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), including installation of AESA radar, modern commercial-off-the-shelf avionic system, new center pedestal display and improved data bus.
During this short U.S. work week before the Thanksgiving holiday, Washington continues to buzz with post-election news and rumors as President-elect Donald Trump continues to assemble his team, including his recent choice of retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn to be his National Security Adviser. Meanwhile, on Tuesday China is expected to launch its fourth Tianlian 1 data relay satellite aboard a Long March 3C from Xichang.
The Canadian government is beginning negotiations with Boeing for 18 “interim” F/A-18 Super Hornets to bridge a widening airpower gap until a new fighter can be competitively selected to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) remaining 1980s-vintage CF-18s.
