Aerospace & Defense Roundup: Sep. 03

Boeing Delivers First Block II Chinook To SOCOM

As a budget debate continues over the overall Chinook helicopter program’s fate, Boeing delivered the first MH-47G modified to the Block II performance standard to U.S. Special Operations Command on Sept. 1. “This delivery marks a major step for the Chinook program,” said Andy Builta, vice president and H-47 program manager. Credit: U.S. Army/Staff Sgt. Reed Knutson

AFWERX Seeks Female Aircrew Relief System

The U.S. Air Force has released a series of challenges, including one worth up to $1.5 million that is looking for a system to help female aircrew relieve themselves while flying. AFWERX is seeking help from academia, industry, research labs, and startups for what is calling the Sky High Relief Challenge, with proposals due Sept. 15. Credit: U.S. Air Force

SpaceX Adds 60 Satellites To Starlink Constellation

SpaceX launched its second Falcon 9 rocket this week, sending a batch of 60 Starlink satellites into orbit on Sept. 3 as the company looks toward public beta rollout of high-speed internet service this year. The 229-ft, two-stage rocket lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A at 8:46 a.m. EDT. Credit: SpaceX webcast

General Dynamics Partners With C-UAS Supplier Dedrone

Under the strategic partnership arrangement, General Dynamics also has made an equity investment in San Francisco-based Dedrone, and will exclusively supply Dedrone’s counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) technology to its global military, civil and industry customers. Credit: Dedrone

U.S. Navy Moves Up Fix For F-35B Hover Thrust

The U.S. Navy has moved up plans to fix a known thrust deficiency that affects Lockheed Martin F-35Bs in hover on hot days, engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney said Sept. 3. A thrust deficiency study will be awarded to P&W to identify a solution to the hover thrust issue. Credit: USMC

Vega Launches 53 Satellites In Rideshare Mission

Arianespace’s Vega rocket returned to flight Sept. 3 from Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, with a rideshare mission carrying 53 satellites. Arianespace has long focused on large satellites. Now, in a bid to exploit growing demand for small satellites, it is to supplement Vega’s Small Spacecraft Mission Service (SSMS) with the so-called Multiple Launch Service on its upcoming Ariane 6. Credit: ESA/CNES/Arianespace/Optique video du CSG – J.M. Guillon