Aerospace & Defense Roundup: Jun. 16

H55 To Begin Electric Propulsion Deliveries In 2022

The first application for H55’s electric propulsion system is the Bristell Energic flight trainer. Credit: H55/Anna PizzolanteStartup H55 has received funding support from the Swiss canton of Valais which will enable the Solar Impulse spinoff to begin delivery of electric propulsion systems for aircraft by early 2022.

Mechanical Failure Ruled Out In Cyclone Crash

CH-148 Credit: Gerry MetzlerOttawa is lifting the operational pause on its fleet of Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone naval helicopters after investigators ruled out mechanical failure as the cause of an April 29 crash in the Mediterranean Sea.

Inmarsat, Altitude Angel Develop ‘Pop Up’ Drone Traffic System

Credit: Altitude AngelSatellite communications provider Inmarsat and Altitude Angel announced a partnership to develop a “pop-up” traffic management system for small drones.

Kratos Bulks Up To Be Second Major Satellite Antenna Provider

Satellite antennas Credit: KratosKratos Defense & Security Solutions will acquire CPI ASC Signal Division from Communications & Power Industries (CPI) for $35 million in cash, in a deal that further guarantees the U.S. government at least two major providers of key satellite communications technology.

DODPentagon

U.S. GovernmentWhite House

Probert Leaves CAE As Wood Steps In To Lead Defense

Heidi Wood Credit: CAEHeidi Wood, an aerospace and defense analyst-turned-strategist, will temporarily take over pilot training and simulator provider CAE’s defense and security group after recent hire Todd Probert left for a job in the U.S. national security realm.

Japan Halts Aegis Ashore; Resumption Looks Unlikely

Locations of the two intended Japanese Aegis Ashore batteries. Credit: Colin Throm/AW&STDeployment of two planned Lockheed Martin Aegis Ashore anti-ballistic-missile batteries in Japan looks improbable, following a decision to indefinitely suspend the program because of potential danger to civilians.

COVID-19 Prompts UK RAF 146 Airlifter Aeromedical Role

The aeromedical capability for the RAF Mk.3-model 146s was developed in just two months. Credit: Tony OsborneBritain’s Royal Air Force has developed an in-house modification enabling an aeromedical capability for its BAE Systems’ 146 transport aircraft fleet. The capability has been added to the platform in just two months and at no additional cost using off-the-shelf equipment and in-house engineering, boosting the options available for airlifting patients as the UK battles against the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Sikorsky-Boeing SB-1 Defiant Shows Speed Chops, Exceeds 200 Kt.

The Sikorsky-Boeing SB-1 Defiant advanced rotorcraft demonstrator has reached 205 kt. in flight testing. Credit: Sikorsky-BoeingThe Sikorsky-Boeing team expects to reach its speed target for the SB-1 Defiant coaxial-rotor compound helicopter within the next few months after exceeding 200 kt. for the first time in flight testing at West Palm Beach, Florida.