Aerospace & Defense Roundup: June 22

EP Systems Targets Certification In 2022 For Propulsion Batteries

For a five-year-old startup, EP Systems has already accumulated unrivaled experience in designing energy storage systems for electric aircraft. Drawing on that expertise for its first commercial product, the company plans to begin delivering EPiC modular batteries to aircraft developers this year so they can start integration testing while the startup completes FAA certification, planned for 2022. Credit: EP Systems

ESA, European Commission Sign 2021-27 Financial Agreement

The European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission (EC) on June 22 signed a long-sought financial framework partnership agreement (FFPA) for 2021-27, formalizing a relationship they intend to make tighter. Credit: Thales Alenia Space

UK Formally Orders First Export Version Of MH-47

The Foreign Military Sale (FMS) marks the first export variant of the Special Operations Command’s MH-47G aircraft. All 14 aircraft should be delivered to the UK by July 2026, according to the DOD announcement.

UK Flies First Operational Missions From Queen Elizabeth Carrier

The UK has launched its first operational sorties from its new carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, flying missions over Iraq and Syria in support of the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State militant group. Credit: Dave Jenkins

NASA Turns To Tide To Help Clean Astronaut Clothing

Proctor and Gamble is working with NASA to develop a space version of its Tide detergent to clean the clothing and fabrics of astronauts assigned to future missions to the Moon and Mars that could double as a more environmentally friendly cleanser for use on Earth. Credit: NASA

Malaysian, Indonesian Procurement Plans Inch Forward

Malaysia and Indonesia are moving ahead with long-awaited aircraft procurement plans, issuing a tender for a light combat aircraft and approving loans for new aerial refueling tankers. Credit: Leonardo

HX50 Helo Sales Surpass Targets, Hill Helicopters Says

UK helicopter startup Hill Helicopters says it has presold more than 200 of its HX50 turbine light helicopters as the company moves toward a first flight in 2022. Credit: Hill Helicopters

MH-139 Delay Caused By 'Funny Air Disturbances'

An aerodynamic problem is the major source of the one-year production delay for the Boeing/Leonardo MH-139 Gray Wolf helicopter, a U.S. Air Force official said June 22. Credit: MH-139: Boeing

China Plans To Launch Xuntian Space Telescope In 2024

China plans to put a space telescope into orbit that can be serviced by the new Tiangong space station, with launch of the Xuntian observatory planned for 2024. Also known as the China Space Station Telescope, Xuntian is in the second of three development stages, with a qualification model and testing slated to be completed by 2022. Credit: China National Space Administration