SEPTEMBER 2019 news

Air Forces - Aerospace and Aviation Defense Industry


Airbus A400M performs first helicopter air-to-air dry contacts

The Airbus A400M new generation airlifter has successfully achieved its first helicopter air-to-air refueling contacts with an H225M. Over the course of 4 flights, operated in day conditions over the south of France, the A400M performed 51 dry contacts marking a decisive milestone towards its full capability as a tanker. These tests were performed under the coordination of the French “DGA Essais en vol” flight test centre.

India: DRDO successfully flight tests Astra air-to-air missile from Su-30 MKI

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from Su-30 MKI platform off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha. The trials were held from September 16-19, 2019. The trials were conducted by Indian Air Force (IAF) against Jet Banshee target aircraft simulating all possible threat scenarios.

Taiwan unveils new advanced jet trainer prototype

President Tsai Ing-wen unveiled the prototype of Taiwan’s advanced jet trainer in Taichung on September 24.

USA and Singapore renew Memorandum of Understanding regarding US Use of facilities in Singapore

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President of the United States of America Donald Trump signed the Protocol of Amendment to the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding ("1990 MOU") Regarding United States Use of Facilities in Singapore ("2019 AMOU") today. The 2019 AMOU renews the 1990 MOU by extending it for another 15 years.

Sikorsky tactical mission kit successfully being tested on US Air Force combat rescue helicopter

Recent flight tests of the Sikorsky HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter included testing of a new tactical mission kit, which provides premier situational awareness, mission management and simple sensor integration. The kit, developed by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), includes high-end mission processing for situational awareness, defensive systems, datalinks and onboard mission planning.

Science and Engineering Services LLC awarded contract for Afghan UH-60 helicopters maintenance

Science and Engineering Services LLC, Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded a $54,931,995 modification to Foreign Military Sales (Afghanistan) for maintenance on UH-60 helicopters.

Collins Aerospace broadens communication capabilities for US Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady

Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp., has been selected by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to upgrade its fleet of U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft with HF-9087D High Frequency (HF) radios. With a primary mission of reconnaissance, the U-2 will gain the ability to securely transfer Command and Control (C2) data in real-time over HF while still maintaining reliable, clear voice communications beyond line of sight.

Russia strengthens Humaymim, Tartus bases in Syria

In late September, it will be four years since the beginning of the Russian operation in Syria. The Russian military helped the government forces regain control over 90 percent of the national territory and built two strategically important military facilities.

Raytheon to support US Air Force’s BMEWS and PAVE PAWS Early Warning Radars

Raytheon  will be awarded a $494,921,934 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Solid State Modules Replacement for the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System and the Precision Acquisition Vehicle Entry Phased Array Warning System (PAVE PAWS) radars.

France receives first KC-130J Super Hercules aerial refueler

Lockheed Martin delivered the first of two KC-130J Super Hercules aerial refuelers to representatives from France’s Armée de l'Air's 62st Transport Wing at Orléans-Bricy Air Base.

Russian drones may be fitted with light version of Su-57 communication system

A simplified version of Russia’s combined system of communications, data exchange, navigation and identification (OSNOD), which is now undergoing trials as part of the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet, is now being developed for drones, the developer.

Northrop Grumman receives award for new and upgraded LITENING targeting pods

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation a $141 million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) task order for new LITENING advanced targeting pods and upgrades that will bring existing pods up to the current configuration.

Belgian Companies SABCA & Ilias Solutions partners to supply services and support for F-35 fighter program

Two Belgian Companies including SABCA and Ilias Solutions, have signed a partnership agreement with the American Company Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35 fighter aircraft, to be a supplier of services and support according to the agreement signed by the Belgian government to purchase 34 F-35A fighter aircraft.

U.S. Navy MQ-25A Stingray refueler UAV makes first test flight

The prototype for U.S. Navy’s first unmanned aerial refueler made its first test flight from an airfield in Illinois, Boeing announced on Thursday, as Sam LaGorne reports on USNI News.

Boeing awarded contract for Saudi Arabia F-15SA training program

Boeing has been awarded a $156,911,600 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity bilateral contract modification (P00020) to previously awarded contract FA3002-13-D-0012 for the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) F-15SA Original Equipment Manufacturer Training Program.

MBDA working on new SPEAR-EW electronic warfare weapon

SPEAR-EW is being developed by MBDA in partnership with Leonardo to complete a wide range of Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) missions, under a Technical Demonstration Programme (TDP) contract awarded by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S). SPEAR-EW will integrate a cutting-edge miniaturised EW payload from Leonardo, which will act as a stand-in jammer to greatly increase the survivability of RAF aircraft and suppress enemy air defences, acting as a significant force multiplier

Romanian Ministry of Interior orders 3 Airbus H135s for air medical services

Airbus Helicopters and the Romanian Ministry of Interior have signed a contract for the purchase of three H135 helicopters and associated support and services for air medical services and search and rescue (SAR) missions in the country, following a four-year framework agreement signed at the end of July 2019 that foresees the procurement of up to ten H135s.

MBDA and BDL agree to assemble missiles in India

MBDA has signed an agreement with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) of India for the final assembly, integration and test (FAIT) of Mistral and ASRAAM missiles in India.

Lockheed Martin continues Advanced EOTS development

Lockheed Martin has continued development of its Advanced Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), which offers crystal clear resolution, unmatched multi-spectral range and significant cost savings for the F-35 Lightning II.

BAE Systems and Marshall collaborate on next generation aerospace technology

BAE Systems and Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on advanced technologies for various next generation air platforms.

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