Aerospace & Defense Roundup: Jan. 05
January 06, 2021![](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2021-01/darpa_glide_breaker.jpg?itok=U6N-vK5k)
MDA Confirms New Schedule For RGPWS Solicitation
A draft solicitation for a new hypersonic missile interceptor will be released on Jan. 28 and the final version of the Request for Prototype Proposal (RPP) will come out in early April, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) confirmed on Jan. 5. Credit: DARPA
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British Wedgetail To Be Converted From Chinese BBJ
Credit: Boeing
E-7 Wedgetail
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Air Ambulance Operator Preorders VTOL CityHawk
U.S.-based emergency air transport provider Hatzolah Air has placed four preorders for an air ambulance version of the CityHawk vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) vehicle under development by Israel’s Urban Aeronautics. Credit: Urban Aeronautics
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Credit: EU
EU logo.
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Credit: USAF
F-35
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SpaceX Wins $150.4M Space Development Agency Contract
The U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded SpaceX $150.4 million to launch up to 28 satellites for the Pentagon’s tracking and transport layers. Credit: SpaceX
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UK Says Carrier Strike Capability Ready For Operations
The UK has declared its carrier strike capability operational, paving the way for the first operational cruise of new carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth in the spring. The UK defense ministry says the initial operating capability milestone includes both the air and naval elements of the Carrier Strike Group capability, including operation of the Lockheed Martin F-35B from the carrier. A land-based operational capability was declared at the beginning of 2019. Credit: Crown copyright
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Israel’s Elbit To Provide Hellenic Fast Jet Training
reece is turning to Israel’s Elbit to provide the country with a new fast jet pilot training system. The government-to-government deal—potentially worth $1.68 billion over 20 years—will see Elbit supply 10 Leonardo M-346 advanced jet trainers for the flight school as well as provide upgrades and maintenance for the Hellenic Air Force’s (HAF) fleet of Beechcraft T-6 Texan II turboprop trainers, the Israeli ministry of defense announced Jan. 5. Credit: Israel's Ministry of Defense
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Credit: USAF
MQ-9
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Lockheed Secures $4.9B For Three Next-Gen OPIR Satellites
The U.S. Space Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a $4.9 billion undefinitized contract modification to build three geosynchronous Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) satellites. Credit: Raytheon
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France’s Aid Plans For Suppliers Gain Traction
An investment fund formed last summer to support small and medium enterprises (SME) in the French aerospace sector has received an additional €100 million ($120 million) from the Credit Agricole banking group, thus bringing it closer to its goal of raising a total of €1 billion. Credit: Aries Alliance / Twitter
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South Korea Selects Town As UAM Test Site
South Korea is to establish an urban air mobility (UAM) test site in the southern coastal town of Goheung under a national plan to commercialize air taxi services by 2025. Credit: EHang
MDA confirms new schedule for RGPWS solicitation, SpaceX wins $150.4M Space Development Agency contract, UK says carrier strike capability ready for operations, Lockheed secures $4.9B for three next-gen OPIR satellites, and more. A roundup of aerospace, space and defense news powered by Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN). AWIN members can log in to read the full-length articles.