Aerospace & Defense Roundup: Nov. 05

Germany Approves Order For 38 Eurofighters

Germany’s parliament has green lighted the purchase of 38 new-build Eurofighter Typhoons for the country’s air force. The €5.6 billion ($6.6 billion) Quadriga purchase will build a new batch of aircraft to enable the replacement of early-model Tranche 1 aircraft in service with the German air force. Credit: Gerard van der Schaaf

U.S. Army Launches Two-Year Air-Launched Effects Trades Study

The U.S. Army has released plans to launch a two-year science and technology program to study a wide range of options for a future family of Air-Launched Effect (ALE) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that will team up with the piloted Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) fleet. Credit: Sikorsky/Bell

Russia To Launch Two New Modules To ISS In 2021

NASAISS

Kaman Looks To Launch M&A Strategy Under New CEO

The new chief executive of Kaman, which recently downsized to focus on aerospace and defense, expects to pursue mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and to implement a new business operating system to squeeze higher margins out of the supplier’s operations. Credit: Kaman

Lithuania Inducts Air Defense System Into Service

Lithuania has inducted its first ground-based Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (Nasams) into service, becoming the first of the Baltic States to field such a capability. Credit: Jorgh

PESCO Opens Doors To Third Countries

Non-European Union countries such as the U.S. and UK are being allowed to participate in the EU’s PESCO defense cooperation initiative. The Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) framework urges member states to cooperate more closely on the development and purchase of defense capabilities. Credit: PESCO

A&D Testing Roll-Up Raptor Scientific Buys Sensor Concepts

Raptor Scientific, a new portfolio company by investment firm L Squared Capital Partners that is seeking to roll up aerospace and defense testing and measurement assets, has bought radar cross-section specialist Sensor Concepts, representatives said Nov. 5. Credit: Sensor Concepts

Talios Targeting Pod Enters Front-Line Service On French Rafales

The French Air Force has declared the new Talios targeting pod operational on its Dassault Rafales equipped with the F3R upgrade. The Thales-developed Talios—short for Targeting Long-Range Identification System—is a follow-on to the Damocles targeting pod, which it is replacing as the primary laser designator for the platform. Credit: Thales

Rocket Lab To Attempt First-Stage Recovery On Next Mission

Rocket Lab is moving closer to potential reuse of its Electron small satellite launch vehicle, with plans to attempt a parachute recovery of the first stage as part of its next mission, the company said on Nov. 5. The 16th Electron mission—a rideshare for five customers—is targeted to lift off between Nov. 15-29 from New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula. Credit: Rocket Lab

Triumph Group Eyes Aerostructures Divestiture Deal By March

Triumph Group will at least announce the sale of the rest of its aerostructure business before April 2021, if not close on the deal, the supplier’s chief executive asserted Nov. 5. Credit: Triumph Group

Tu-160M Strategic Bomber Flies With New Engines

The modernized Tupolev Tu-160M strategic bomber made its first flight with new NK-32 series 2 engines on Nov. 3, Russia’s United Aircraft Corp. (UAC) reported. The aircraft took off from the airfield of Kazan Aviation Plant and flew for 2 hr., 20 min. at the altitude of up to 6,000 m. Credit: UAC