Airbus and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) signed a USD$3 billion deal to allocate more than three hundred helicopters to South Korea. This includes two types of helicopters: Light Civil Helicopter (LCH) and Light Armed Helicopter (LAH). The previous McDonnell Douglas 500MD Light Helicopters will be replaced once the Airbus fleets are completed. They plan to build around 214 LAHs and 100 LCHs over the course of twenty years, headed by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy. They chose Korean Aerospace Industries to head this program over Korean Air. Both the LAH and LCH will be based on the make and design of Airbus Helicopter’s H155 and EC-155B1. The civilian rotorcrafts are expected to be released in 2021, with the military helicopters following a year later.
Learn MoreThe close air support, low-flying, high-survivability A-10 Thunderbolt was deployed last year in 2014 for the air campaign against ISIS - Operation Inherent Resolve. The 30-millimeter Gatling cannon-equipped A-10s are primarily used in a ground attack role, specializing in tank and armory piercing operations. In March of 2015, the United States declared that the US Air Force will not be utilizing depleted uranium ammunition, formally denoted PGU-14 armor piercing incendiary ammunition. In a statement to the press, the USAF explained that PGU-14 is unnecessary against the Islamic State, as the jihadist group lacks a large tank or armored vehicle capability.
Learn MoreThe aerospace industry is taking a step forward towards sustainable and energy-efficient flight. Switzerland’s Solar Impulse 2 (Si2) marks one of the first solar panel operated aircraft. Based on the HB-SIA prototype, the Si2 spans 236 ft. and weighs 5,070 lbs. This light-weight frame was made possible by the 0.07 oz./sq. ft. carbon fiber and honeycomb material. The solar panels are composed on 17,248 monocrystalline silicon solar cells, which allows electricity to be stored in 1,395 lbs. of lithium-polymer batteries.
Learn MoreThe aluminum production giant Alcoa, Inc. has set its sights on a greater focus towards the aerospace industry. On March 9, 2015 Alcoa agreed to acquire the titanium supplier, RTI International Metals for USD$1.3 billion with the goal of generating greater profits in aerospace products. Approximately 80 percent of RTI’s business is in the defense and aerospace industry as titanium is currently the fastest growing metal used in aerospace production. Current customers of RTI include big names in the aircraft industry such as Boeing. With the deal in place, Alcoa looks to save approximately USD$100 million in 2019 and generate USD$1.2 billion in revenue.
Learn MoreDespite a decrease in single - and twin-engine light helicopter sales in 2014, there was still substantial developments made for many helicopter engines. With a multitude of helicopters entering service and coming into the pipeline, engine manufacturers keep developing and designing new power plants for service.
Learn MoreOn February 27, 2015, Lockheed Martin was awarded new contracts by the United States Navy to continue supporting Radiant Mercury. Valued at USD$90 million, the two contracts call for Lockheed Martin to support Radiant Mercury over the course of the next five years. Lockheed Martin has had a long history with Radiant Mercury since its development in 1992 and is currently deploying the fourth generation of the system.
Learn MoreGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and SENER signed a recent contract for the use of GA-ASI’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems. SENER, founded in 1956, is a Spanish engineering company specializing in the fields of aerospace engineering, infrastructures, transport, power, and marine. By “offering solutions and products that are technologically efficient and innovative,” SENER has been a leading provider for defense and security sectors in Spain. This contract marks an important joint effort between this flourishing Spanish company and United States’ GA-ASI, an affiliate of General Atomics.
Learn MoreAt the 2015 International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, NIMR Automotive announced a joint development with Raytheon to fit Talon laser-guided rockets (LGRs) onto sixteen NIMR armored vehicles. In 2013, the Armed Forces General Headquarters of the UAE (United Arab Emirates) allocated a contract to Tawazun to purchase the Talon rockets. One year later, Raytheon was awarded USD$117 million for the rockets.
Learn MoreThe Boeing Company is an American global designer and manufacturer of airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, and satellites. It also provides leasing and product support services to a multinational customer base. Boeing is among the largest global aircraft manufacturers, is the second-largest defense contractor in the world based on reported 2013 revenue, and is the largest exporter in the United States by dollar value.
Learn MoreWith advancement of the 702 satellite system, Boeing released the 702 Small Platform (720SP). Operating on 3-8 kilowatts of power, with a capability of reaching a maximum of 18 kilowatts, the 702SP uses all-electric propulsion to increase liftoff force and reduce launch mass. This all-electric technology was the first of its kind to be launched into space. Using five reflectors, the 702SP was made easier to operate than previous models. Furthermore, the satellite offers much flexibility to customers. Modifications include sensors, UHF, military Ka-band, navigation L-band, and many other changes. The 702SP currently accommodates the S-, X-, C-, Ku-, and Ka-band frequencies.
Learn MoreAccording to reports, Honeywell International has been holding strategic meetings with Mahindra Group in hopes of creating a partnership in the defense and civil aviation sectors.
Learn MoreTurbomeca has been selected by Airbus Helicopters to power their new X4 helicopters. Airbus originally planned for the PW210 engine to be used in the X4 helicopters. However, due to a comprehensive market assessment along with the need for an increase of engine power, the Turbomeca Arrano was selected. The Turbomeca Arrano 1,100 – 1,300 shaft horse power engines will provide up to 15% in fuel efficiency compared to other engines in the market. Commercially known as the TM800, the engine is designed to power four to six ton helicopters and fit the Arriel and Ardiden performance ranges.
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