The Center for New American Security (CNAS) recently released a report entitled “Game Changers: Disruptive Technology and U.S. Defense Strategy.” That study considered additive manufacturing (3-D printers), autonomous vehicles, directed energy, cyber capabilities, human performance modification and other emerging technologies that the center believes need to be factored into U.S. security policy and planning.
The National Business Aviation Association annual convention, held last week in Las Vegas, is the largest industry event in the world, drawing more than 20,000 attendees. Manufacturers, suppliers and service companies typically use the show as a platform for news. A sampling follows. Additional coverage appears on pages 26-30.
USAF Maj. Gen. (ret.) Douglas Raaberg (see photo) has become the Northrop Grumman Corp.'s chief executive for the United Arab Emirates. He was director of the battle management command and control campaign within Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems Sector.
Bill Sweetman, in his Commander's Intent column “A Wimp-Out With Style” (AW&ST Oct. 14/21, p. 22), makes a good case for South Korea (or anybody else) buying F-15 or Eurofighter aircraft—if you are thinking about now. However, look 20 years ahead and who would bet them against what the F-35 will be like then? Chichester, England
The Mexican air force has a follow-on order for a second batch of six Beechcraft T-6C+ turboprop trainers to continue replacing its Pilatus PC-7s. An initial six aircraft ordered in January 2012 are to be delivered soon, pending export licenses. The T-6C+ has a glass cockpit and wing hardpoints for external stores and practice weapons.
Orbital Sciences Corp.'s Cygnus demonstration resupply capsule departed the International Space Station (ISS) and returned to Earth with 2,850 lb. of trash, concluding a 24-day stay that brings the Dulles, Va.-based company's participation in NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Systems (COTS) program close to its conclusion. Orbital plans to begin regular cargo deliveries to the ISS in December under the terms of a $1.9 billion, eight-flight Commercial Resupply Services contract signed with NASA in late 2008. The resupply ship carried out a delayed berthing on Sept.
Norwegian Air Shuttle is slowly lifting the veil on its global expansion plans, and the next steps are bold. Just months after beginning long-haul operations from its bases in Scandinavia to Bangkok and the U.S., the Oslo-based low-cost carrier (LCC) confirmed it will launch transatlantic services from London Gatwick Airport next summer. Norwegian was the first of the current generation of European LCCs to enter the long-haul market, and now will be the first to do so from a base outside its home market.
Digital imaging was more than just a replacement for photographic film. It enabled a revolution in how images are captured, stored, shared and manipulated. Night vision is beginning a similar metamorphosis, with digital devices emerging to replace the analog goggles now in use.
Jerome Bendell (see photo) has been appointed CEO of ThalesRaytheonSystems France in Massy. He succeeds Philippe Duhamel, who is now CEO of international joint venture ThalesRaytheonSystems. Bendell was director of naval communication systems for Thales and had been vice president-defense and security strategy for the Alcatel-Lucent Group.
The death Oct. 18 of Rep. C.W. “Bill” Young (R-Fla.) is hitting defense hawks in Congress at a particularly bad time, considering the recent shutdown, continuing resolution and ongoing sequestration threat. Widely respected as one of the staunchest advocates and friends of the military, Young was the chief defense appropriator in the House of Representatives where he served since 1970. “He will be greatly missed for his willingness to work across the aisle and his advocacy for veterans,” says politically opposed Rep.
In the wake of Lockheed Martin's protest, the U.S. Navy issued a stop-work order Oct. 23 on the contract it gave Raytheon earlier this month for its Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR). “We submitted a technically compliant solution at a very affordable price,” Lockheed spokesman Keith Little said last week. “We do not believe the merits of our offering were properly considered.” Lockheed was believed by many industry observers to be the incumbent as it is the Aegis combat system prime contractor.
Mark Hood (see photo) has become global market director for general aviation transparencies and succeeds Arthur C. Scott (see photo), who is now global market director for commercial transparencies, both at PPG Industries' Huntsville, Ala., facility. Scott follows James Romano, who is now business manager for the PPG Aerospace Los Angeles application support center.
The Indian air force (IAF) has completed the flight of its first upgraded Mirage 2000H at the Istres-Le Tube air base in France, according to manufacturer Dassault Aviation. Faced with a depleted tactical air capability and a delay in signing the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft deal, the IAF is pushing to expedite the upgrading of its Mirage 2000s. The first is likely to be delivered late next summer, says an IAF official.
In “Wide Opening” (AW&ST Oct. 14-21, p. 32), your secondary headline states: “JAL order for Airbus A350s breaks Boeing's hold on Japan.” While none of the Airbus countries—France, Germany, Britain and Spain—would lift a finger to defend Japan, that country has for seven decades been sheltered under the U.S. military umbrella, which costs us 4.9% of our GDP ($643 billion last year), allowing Japan to spend 1% of their GDP on their token military.
Skycatcher has caught a severe downburst with a dire outcome. Cessna's China-made light sport aircraft, which was launched by former CEO Jack Pelton to stimulate pilot starts, was never loved by Scott Ernest, his successor. And when asked about the future of the once-heralded two-seater, Ernest responded, “There is no future.” A follow-up question about the aircraft elicited the same response.
The U.S. NTSB says there were 59 aviation accidents, 10 of which were fatal, that it did not begin investigating during the 16-day partial government shutdown when 383 of its 405 employees were furloughed. At least two major investigations were impacted: A two-day hearing on the Asiana Airlines Boeing 777 crash in San Francisco was postponed to December from November; and additional testing of a Boeing 787 lithium-ion battery that was scheduled during the shutdown.
I believe reader Robert J. Stewart is incorrect in his letter “Old Becomes New” (AW&ST Oct. 7, p. 10), in which he credits Alexander Kartveli as the designer of the Fairchild Republic A-10. Pierre Sprey—working with Hans Rudel in the 1960s—was one of the early minds consulting on the A-10. Kartveli may have been assigned to supervise production of the aircraft, but he was not the designer. Flemington, N.J.
