Aerospace & Defense Roundup: Nov. 24

U.S. Air Force Formally Establishes ABMS Program Executive Office

The U.S. Air Force has created an “integrating” program executive office for the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) that will be nestled under the Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO), the service acquisition executive says. The aim is to have a team focused on budget-related trade-offs that are necessary in an era of stagnant defense budgets. Credit: U.S. Air Force

European Report Suggests Policies To Tackle Non-CO2 Climate Impacts

A report by European researchers confirms that non-CO2 climate impacts from aviation are at least as important as those from CO2 emissions and suggests possible mitigation measures but identifies the need for more research. Credit: DLR

Pilot Error Caused Fatal North Sea F-15 Crash, Safety Board Says

A U.S. Air Force F-15 pilot died last summer after losing spatial orientation during air-to-air exercises over the North Sea, an air force safety board has concluded. Air Force 1st Lt. Kenneth “Kage” Allen, 27, of the RAF Lakenheath-based 48th Fighter Wing, was killed when his F-15C Eagle crashed during aerial exercises on June 15. Credit: USAF

Biden Names Picks For National Security, Foreign Policy Teams

President-elect Joe Biden has announced members of his national security and foreign policy teams, including Tony Blinken, who he intends to nominate as secretary of state. Credit: White House

Lockheed Developing Training Site For Franco-German C-130J Unit

ockheed Martin is to develop a schoolhouse for aircrew and maintainers serving with a new Franco-German C-130J Hercules unit. The company plans to provide training devices, learning management systems and courseware for the facility at Evreux Air Base in France, where the joint unit will be based. Unit pilots will fly C-130Js and KC-130Js. Credit: Lockheed Martin

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Brazilian Air Force Developing Air-Launched Cruise Missile

Brazil is to develop an air-launched cruise missile for use from its new fleet of F-39 Gripen combat aircraft, becoming the first Latin American country to pursue such a capability. Credit: Avibras

Every Mission New Challenge, Three-Time ISS Astronaut Says

Though on his third voyage to the International Space Station, veteran Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Soichi Noguchi said each mission poses a challenge, with the adjustments well worth making to help inspire younger generations. Credit: NASA

TransDigm Buys Cobham For $1B, Plans To Sell Esterline Defense

TransDigm Group will buy Cobham Aero Connectivity (CAC) of Marlow, UK, a provider of highly engineered antennas and radios, for $965 million in cash. TransDigm will also move forward in divesting defense-related businesses that came with its acquisition last year of Esterline Technologies. Credit: Transdigm Group