Aerospace & Defense Roundup: May 6

U.S. Senators’ Move To Block Basing Of USAF F-35s In UK Sparks Worry

Concerns that U.S. senators are writing amendments that could prevent the basing of U.S. Air Force F-35s in Britain because of the UK’s planned use of Chinese technology in its future 5G communications network have triggered alarm among British lawmakers.

Bell V-280

New JPO Study Moves F-35 Engine Upgrade Proposal Forward

The Lockheed Martin F-35 is a step closer to receiving a major engine upgrade as part of the Block 4 follow-on modernization program. The F-35 Joint Program Office JPO plans to award a contract to Pratt & Whitney in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 to conduct a study.

Space Force Plans Launch Of X-37B On May 16

The U.S. Space Force plans to launch the X-37B orbital test vehicle outfitted for three missions May 16 from Cape Canaveral.

Chinese Mars, Chang’e 5 Missions Confirmed For 2020

China has confirmed plans to send a spacecraft to Mars and the Chang’e 5 mission to the Moon by the end of 2020. Both will be launched by Long March 5 rockets. They will be the second and third missions for the launcher type this year, following the lofting of an experimental manned spacecraft and cargo return capsule to low orbit in the first flight of a new version, Long March 5B, on May 5.

Greece To Lease Israeli UAVs For Border Mission

Greece is to lease Israeli Heron medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned air systems to patrol the country’s maritime borders. Two maritime Herons equipped with search radar, electro-optical cameras and beyond-line-of-sight communications systems will be operated by the Hellenic Armed Forces for three years under a bilateral defense agreement signed on May 4. The accord gives Athens the option to purchase the equipment at the end of the lease. The value of the lease and delivery dates have not been disclosed.

India COVID-19 Closures May Delay Apache Deliveries To U.S. Army

The U.S. Army is checking in daily with Boeing to evaluate how facility closures in India related to the spread of the novel coronavirus may delay delivery of Apache attack helicopters.

Leidos Upbeat On Acquired L3Harris Assets For Touchless Passenger Screening

Eyeing a new era of airport security that promotes touchless screening and healthier travel, U.S. government services giant Leidos has closed its roughly $1 billion acquisition of L3Harris Technologies’ Security Detection and Automation businesses and Leidos leaders see growth potential in a post-coronavirus world.

Delays Likely For Russian Lunar Lander Program

The first Russian robotic lunar lander of the post-Soviet era is nowhere ready for flight, industry insiders say, despite official promises to launch a mission next year.

SpaceX Starship Prototype Passes Static Fire

A week after winning a $135 million NASA contract to support work on its fully reusable, deep-space transportation system, SpaceX conducted a successful static test fire of a full-size, second-stage Starship prototype.

Companies Named To Develop Drone Remote ID Service Requirements

The FAA has named eight companies that will assist the agency in establishing technology requirements for suppliers of remote identification services for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Germany’s Super Hornet Choice Sparks Nuclear Participation Debate

Germany’s selection of the F/A-18 Super Hornet as a replacement for the Panavia Tornado has triggered a public debate over the country’s role in NATO’s nuclear deterrence plans.

Spirit Aero Reels, But Will Go Ahead With Asco, Bombardier Acquisitions

Leaders of aerostructures supplier Spirit AeroSystems already are envisioning a dramatically different company as COVID-19 upends commercial air travel, company executives said May 6 as they revealed a reversal of quarterly fortunes.

Russian Aerospace Industry Faces Two COVID-19 Deaths

The Russian aerospace industry lost two top managers to COVID-19 this week. Evgeny Mikrin, chief designer and first deputy CEO of Energia Corp., died May 5 at the age of 65. He worked at Energia, which is Russia’s leading designer of manned space systems, since 1981. Mikrin led development of new modules for the International Space Station and future reusable manned spacecraft, the company said.

U.S. Army Seeks Feedback On Schedule Options For FLRAA

The U.S. Army is seeking industry feedback on two schedule options for the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), including one timeline with a slight acceleration for the delivery of the first prototype.