Aerospace & Defense Roundup: Aug. 06

A Purdue University spinoff is to test an improved propellant for solid-fuel ramjet propulsion systems in hypersonic weapons under more than $1.1 million in contracts from the U.S. military. Adranos is developing a solid rocket fuel, called Alitech, that uses aluminum-lithium (Al-Li) powder instead of aluminum in the propellant mix, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing corrosive effects.

Boeing does not expect to issue more debt to raise funds at this time, the company’s chief financial officer said Aug. 5, but management will “keep all our options open” through the COVID-19 and 737 MAX crises “just due to the fact that it is dynamic.”

Bell has opened a facility here to support multiple company programs and business areas, including engineering, supply chain, professional manufacturing and corporate services. The company celebrated its grand opening with Bell employees and company leadership.

U.S. Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett officially swore in Gen. C.Q. Brown Aug. 6 as the 22nd Air Force chief of staff and the first African-American to hold the position.

France has taken delivery of the first of two Beechcraft King Air 350-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms. The two aircraft have been purchased as part of the French defense ministry’s Light Surveillance and Reconnaissance Aircraft (ALSR - Avion Léger de Surveillance et de Reconnaissance) requirement.

Mark Esper

During a three-day exercise, the U.S. Air Force assessed F-35 tactics and the viability of the fifth-generation fighter to provide access for friendly forces behind enemy lines in support of the B-2 and RQ-170.