First Airbus Military A330 MRTT for UAE Air Force makes maiden flight
April 12, 2011
The first Airbus Military A330 MRTT for the United Arab Emirates Air Force has successfully completed its maiden flight following conversion of the aircraft in Madrid.
The crew reported that the aircraft, its systems and two Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines performed entirely satisfactorily during the 2hr 55min flight on 9th April.
As it features some different avionics, and is the first “receiver” to be powered by the Rolls- Royce Trent engine, the UAE A330 MRTT now enters the certification and qualification phase for these new elements.
The first of three ordered by the UAE AF, it will transfer to Abu Dhabi around the end of the year for the final phase of flight-testing leading to delivery in the second quarter of 2012.
Prior to this flight, six A330 MRTTs had already flown. Those include three for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), two for the UK Royal Air Force, and one for the Royal Saudi Air Force. Two of the aircraft are already technically complete and ready for delivery to the RAAF, pending finalisation of contractual discussion.
Eurocopter’s expanding presence in Latin America with its Helibras Brazilian affiliate is highlighted at the LAAD 2011 defense show
April 12, 2011
The EC725 Cougar helicopter is spotlighted, underscoring Brazil’s major acquisition of these rotary-wing aircraft and the key industrial role of Helibras in their production
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 12, 2011
The high-profile presence of Eurocopter at this week’s LAAD Defense & Security 2011 exhibition in Rio de Janeiro is focused on the growing importance of its Helibras affiliate in the manufacture, assembly, modernization and mission-outfitting of the company’s rotary-wing aircraft for Brazil and the Latin American marketplace.
Among the helicopters spotlighted on Helibras’ exhibit (#G-30, on the outdoor display area) is the twin-engine EC725 Cougar helicopter, which is being acquired by the Brazilian Armed Forces – and will be built in a new center of excellence created at its Itajubá facility in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. The Eurocopter parent company also is participating in the LAAD 2011 event, presenting an overview of its rotary-wing aircraft family on the stand of EADS (#F46 in Hall 4).
As the only Brazilian helicopter manufacturer, Helibras has the capability of producing a variety of aircraft in Eurocopter’s product line. It supplies over 50 percent of the country’s turbine-powered helicopters – having delivered more than 500 aircraft in its 33 years of operation to meet the requirements of governmental, military and civil customers.
“Helibras is on the way to becoming a cornerstone in Eurocopter’s global industrial base, with all the skills necessary for helicopter manufacturing, assembly, integration, upgrades and support,” said Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling. “Our presence in Brazil positions Eurocopter for future growth in the country and across Latin America, while also ensuring excellence in support and training for operators throughout the region.”
At Itajubá, Helibras is preparing for the assembly of EC725s, which the Brazilian government contracted in 2008 to acquire 50 helicopters for transport and civil security missions. Construction is underway on Helibras’ new EC725 production factory for completion in 2012 – doubling the company’s employment, bringing total staff to approximately 1,000.
The EC725 is Eurocopter’s latest member of the Super Puma/Cougar helicopter family. In addition to building this 11-metric-ton-class rotary-wing aircraft at Itajubá, Helibras is to become involved in such industrial activities as the manufacture of EC725 tailbooms and electrical harness, plus the assembly of gearboxes. Helibras also is working with Brazilian companies to develop a local supply chain, and it is supporting the acceleration of in-country technical and university courses for aeronautics and aerospace.
At this week’s LAAD 2011 defense and security show, Helibras also is exhibiting the AS550A2 Fennec, operated by the Brazilian Army Aviation Command – and which will be modernized by the company in a program that incorporates a tailored complement of armament, a new glass cockpit, an Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) with autopilot, and the installation of improved pilot seats for enhanced crash protection.
The single-engine, multi-purpose AS550/AS350 entered service with the Brazilian Army Aviation Command more than two decades ago, and Helibras’ upgrade program will ensure the continued operation of these helicopters for at least 25 additional years. As part of the LAAD 2011 exhibition, Helibras will be showing the AS350/AS550’s new instrument panel layout, which incorporates three large multifunction liquid crystal displays and is being developed by the company in cooperation with France’s Sagem and the Brazilian firm Aeroeletrônica.
Helibras has produced more than 400 AS350s for the South American market. The helicopter’s modernization also can be applied to the large inventory of AS350 Ecureuils operating throughout Brazil – which totals some 350 aircraft.
Included on Helibras’ LAAD 2011 exhibit stand as well will be a single-engine EC130 fitted with an aeromedical kit, along with a twin-engine HM-1 Pantera helicopter – the version of Eurocopter’s AS565 Panther in service with the Brazilian Army. Helibras has a contract to upgrade 34 HM-1 Panteras of the Brazilian Army Aviation, which will extend the current fleet’s operating lifetime by at least 25 years. The Pantera modernization includes new Turbomeca Arriel 2C2 CG engines with FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), a full glass cockpit, 4-axis autopilot, the Pro Line 21 radio suite for communications, navigation and surveillance, as well as a new Fenestron with asymmetric blades.
“With our very strong presence at the 2011 Latin America Aero & Defense show, Helibras is demonstrating how the company is pursuing its vision for the future,” explained CEO Eduardo Marson Ferreira.
Chile takes delivery of first anti-submarine warfare C295
April 1, 2011
First European aircraft with ASW capabilities since the 1960s
The Chilean Navy has taken delivery of the first Airbus Military C295 in its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) configuration. The handover took place after the aircraft was certified by INTA, the Spanish authority responsible for certification and military airworthiness.
Based on the Maritime Patrol (MPA) configuration of the aircraft, the C295 ASW is the first ASW type designed and certified in Europe, to enter service since the 1960s-vintage Bréguet Atlantic. It is a modern and risk-free choice to replace the veteran and ageing P-3 Orion or Bréguet Atlantic fleets.
The new model is the latest variant of the successful C295 family of multirole aircraft. Launched in 1996, it has been proved in many military roles and civic missions for the benefit of society. Transport logistics, medical evacuation or surveillance are just some of the roles already deployed by this aircraft in its MPA version.
The aircraft is equipped with two underwing hard points to carry weapons or other stores and boasts a comprehensive suite of sensors including a search radar, digital avionics that are compatible with night-vision goggles (NVG), automatic identification system, acoustic system, and a magnetic anomaly detector. The data from all these sensors are processed by the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS). This Airbus Military-developed mission system presents the data in an intuitive form to the four tactical operators via on board mission consoles as well as to the pilots.
This C295 ASW is part of a three aircraft order placed by the Chilean Navy in October 2007. The first one, a C295 MPA, was delivered in December 2009. The other two are both ASW versions and the second is being delivered over the next few months.
The Chilean Army, Navy, and Air Force already operate one C295 MPA, three CN235s, and 13 C212s – meaning they collectively operate members of the whole Airbus Military medium and light aircraft family.
To date, Airbus Military has sold 356 CN235 and C295 aircraft to 55 different operators.
Airbus Military demonstrates final A330 MRTT refuelling system
January 27, 2011
The Airbus Military A330 MRTT has successfully passed fuel to receiver aircraft using the Fuselage Refuelling Unit (FRU) for the first time – meaning that all of the aircraft´s refuelling systems have now been demonstrated.
In a three hour 10 min sortie from Getafe near Madrid on 21st January, the Future Strategic Transport Aircraft (FSTA) variant for the UK Royal Air Force conducted a series of “wet contacts” with two F-18 fighters of the Spanish Air Force.
Contacts were successfully performed with both fighters at an altitude of around 15,000ft and at speeds from 250kt to 325kt.
The FRU is a hose and drogue similar to those fitted under the wings, but with a higher rate of fuel transfer, and which is also developed and supplied by Cobham of the UK.
The full complement of refuelling systems which can equip the A330 MRTT, and which have now all been demonstrated, consists of: the FRU, the underwing hose-and-drogue, and the Airbus Military Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), plus the Universal Aerial Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) used to receive fuel from another tanker.
Head of Airbus Military Derivatives Antonio Caramazana said: “This demonstration of the last of the A330 MRTT´s refuelling systems clearly positions it as the most capable, flexible and proven transport/tanker available to the world´s air forces today. We now look forward to conducting the first contacts with Royal Air Force fighters in the coming months.”
EMBRAER WILL OVERHAUL 43 AMX FIGHTERS FOR THE FAB
January 17, 2011
Deal complements previous contract signed in 2003.
São José dos Campos, January 17, 2011 – Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force – FAB
(Comando da Aeronáutica – COMAER) have signed a contract to overhaul 43 AMX jet
fighters. This deal complements the previous contract to modernize AMX fighters signed in
2003.
“We’re very proud to support the Brazilian Air Force in keeping this strategic aircraft fully
operational,” explains Orlando José Ferreira Neto, Commercial Vice President, Embraer
Defense and Security. “With this new contract, we will be able to more adequately get the
aircraft prepared and ready for their subsequent modernization program, under an ongoing
contract, so as to ensure a more efficient and steady flow for the fighters’ overall updating
process and to expedite their return to operation.”
The original modernization contract focuses on an upgrade of the electronic systems of the
AMX jets, called the A-1 by the FAB. This new agreement deals with a structural overhaul
and the repair and substitution of other outdated equipment.
The maiden flight of the modernized single-seat prototype is planned for early 2012, when the
flight testing of the systems will begin. The first delivery is expected by the end of 2012.
The Brazilian Air Force began operations with the AMX 20 years ago. This new contract will
strengthen the long and productive relationship between Embraer and the FAB, by
contributing to improving Brazil’s defense system.
Bell Helicopter and Northrop Grumman Successfully Test Fire-X Unmanned Vertical System
December 16, 2010
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (December 15, 2010) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT) and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announce the successful test of Fire-X, a new vertical unmanned system.
Development and demonstration of Fire-X is funded by Northrop Grumman and Bell Helicopter. Both companies began work on this program in early 2010 and completed its first fully autonomous flight at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., less than a year after development began on the project.
“We are thrilled with the progress we have made on the Fire-X program,” said Dr Cathy Ferrie, Director of Bell Helicopter’s Xworx. “From initial concept, to flying a prototype was extremely quick due in large part to how well the Northrop Grumman-Bell Helicopter team worked together.”
To get to the first unmanned flight, the team followed a strict timeline to “power on” the vehicle in September at Bell’s Xworx facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Modifications were then accomplished to convert the Bell 407 helicopter into an unmanned vehicle.
Additional flight tests and reliability data gathering will be conducted next week along with a series of limited internal cargo demonstrations. Integration and flight of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) sensor payloads and cargo carrying capability demonstrations are planned next year.
“The expertise of Northrop Grumman in unmanned systems combined with Bell’s rotorcraft knowledge is what makes Fire-X so successful,” said George Spongberg, Northrop Grumman Fire-X program manager. “We’ve been able to share key insights throughout development – allowing a seamless transition of autonomous flight systems software to a new airframe.” The Fire-X system integrates the mature systems developed from the U.S. Navy’s MQ-8B Fire Scout program with the Bell 407 helicopter, a FAA-certified helicopter that’s been in commercial service since 1996.
The system is designed to carry ISR sensors and offer military users with a useful load of more than 3,200 pounds – for fuel, payloads and/or enhanced cargo hauling capabilities. Fire-X will be able to conduct ISR missions up to 16 hours long and various cargo missions in support of U.S. Marine Corps requirements.
“The first flight of the Fire-X demonstrator marks a milestone for the Bell – Northrop team,” said Charles Shepard, Manager, Technology Business Development for Bell Helicopter. “In a matter of a few months, we went from two separate flyable systems, to an integrated system that will be able to provide our customers with a flexible, low cost, rapidly adaptable unmanned rotorcraft for multi-cargo, multi-sensor and multi-use from a ship and from land.”
A piloted ferry flight to Yuma was completed Nov. 30 to position the aircraft for its first unmanned flight. The Fire-X demonstration aircraft will still retain the ability to be optionally piloted.
Brazilian Minister of Defence views first P-3 Orion modernised by Airbus Military
December 3, 2010
The first P-3 Orion aircraft modified by Airbus Military for the Brazilian Air Force was inspected today by Brazilian Minister of Defence, Nelson Jobim, during his official visit to Spain.
The aircraft is the first of a fleet of nine which will undergo a complete systems modernisation programme, including the installation of Airbus Military´s Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS).
As well as FITS, the aircraft will benefit from a powerful new suite of mission sensors, communications systems, and upgraded cockpit avionics. The engines are being updated and, depending on the condition of each individual aircraft, the structures are being renovated to permit many more years of effective operation.
The Brazilian Air Force will use the aircraft for maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and a range of civic missions including economic exclusion zone enforcement and search and rescue.
Indonesian Air Force to Fly Super Tucano
November 16, 2010
Embraer has won a competition held by the
Indonesian Ministry of Defense to supply
eight Super Tucano light attack turboprops
for the Indonesian Air Force.
The deal includes ground support stations
and an integrated logistics package, and
represents the debut of the Super Tucano in
Asia Pacific region.
Deliveries will begin in 2012.
The Super Tucano has been chosen to
replace a fleet of OV-10 Broncos, due to its
flexibility to perform a broad range of missions,
including light attack, surveillance, air-to-air
interception, and counter insurgence.
Israel Rafalovich
EADS and Airbus welcome A400M agreement with customer nations
November 5, 2010
EADS and Airbus welcome the conclusion of negotiations with OCCAR and the seven A400M launch customer nations. The agreement, finalised today in Toulouse in the presence of the French Defence Minister Hervé Morin, the national armament directors and other representatives from all customer nations, is the long awaited further detailing of the principle agreement reached in March 2010.
While the overall economics of the March agreement remain unchanged (for details see the EADS press release from 5 March 2010 – attached), the government payments are now more back-loaded than previously expected. Negotiations on the export levy facility (ELF) scheme are expected to be finalized before the end of the year.
“The A400M flight test programme is making excellent progress and demonstrates the soundness of the product. We are very proud of the achievements so far and are now moving towards the series production by the end of the year”, said Domingo Ureña, Managing Director of Airbus Military.
Lockheed Martin Submits Proposal for Cargo UAS Services Request
October 26, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ — Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Kaman Aerospace Corporation, a subsidiary of Kaman Corporation (Nasdaq: KAMN), have formally offered the K-MAX® unmanned helicopter in response to a U.S. Naval Air Systems Command request for a cargo unmanned aircraft system.
Earlier this year, the unmanned K-MAX system successfully demonstrated its ability to resupply troops in a simulated environment similar to forward operating bases in Afghanistan. Under a contract with the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, Lockheed Martin and Kaman successfully flew the unmanned K-MAX at Dugway Proving Ground in Utah, meeting or exceeding the requirements that were set.
“The aircraft offers significantly reduced operational and logistics costs compared to transporting cargo by convoy or manned helicopter,” said Dan Spoor, Lockheed Martin Aviation Systems vice president. “We’ve paired Lockheed Martin’s mission management system with the proven rugged K-MAX airframe to give Marines the lift and reliability they need in theater. More importantly, it keeps them out of harm’s way.”
During the Dugway flights, the unmanned K-MAX demonstrated its ability to hover at 12,000 feet with a 1,500-pound sling load, deliver 3,000 pounds of cargo well within the six-hour required timeframe in two 150 nm round-trip flights, fly remotely controlled, perform a precision load delivery by a ground-based operator in either day or night conditions and upload a new mission plan to the aircraft’s mission management system during flight.
The team also showcased the unmanned K-MAX helicopter’s four-hook carousel, which enables multi-load deliveries in a single flight. The aircraft flew to three pre-programmed delivery coordinates loaded up with 3,450 pounds of cargo, and released a sling load autonomously at each location. At the Marine’s request, the fourth load delivery was performed under manual control by the ground operator.
This demonstrated capability exceeds all of the performance requirements detailed in the request. Lockheed Martin has teamed with Kaman to offer a proven solution.
Kaman has also performed a cargo airdrop demonstration in partnership with the U.S. Army’s Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center this past April.
“Airdropping cargo as an option to placing a sling load on the ground can enhance an unmanned aircraft’s survivability while delivering critical supplies in combat environments,” said Terry Fogarty, Kaman Unmanned Systems general manager.
The manned version of the K-MAX has accumulated more than 255,000 flight hours in the commercial logging and firefighting industry. Recently, the aircraft moved 2.5 million pounds of boulders in just over 40 hours at 10,000 feet altitude. Kaman designed the K-MAX helicopter to deliver sling loads up to 6,000 pounds at sea level, and 4,300 pounds at 15,000 feet. Lockheed Martin’s mission management and control systems give the K-MAX helicopter unparalleled flight autonomy in remote environments and over large distances. The team has flown the K-MAX nearly 400 hours in unmanned mode since joining forces in 2007.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 133,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s 2009 sales from continuing operations were $44.0 billion.
Kaman Helicopters is a division of Kaman Aerospace Corporation, a subsidiary of Kaman Corporation (Nasdaq: KAMN). Founded in 1945 by aviation pioneer Charles H. Kaman, and headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut conducts business in the aerospace and industrial distribution markets. The company produces and/or markets widely used proprietary aircraft bearings and components; complex metallic and composite aerostructures for commercial, military and general aviation fixed and rotary wing aircraft; safing and arming solutions for missile and bomb systems for the U.S. and allied militaries; subcontract helicopter work; and support for the company’s SH-2G Super Seasprite maritime helicopters and K-MAX medium-to-heavy lift helicopters. The company is also a leading distributor of industrial parts, and operates more than 200 customer service centers and five distribution centers across North America.
COMO LO VE EDUARDO - Chile
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Me escribe un sacerdote
Mantengo correspondencia electrónica con un sacerdote amigo, el cual no sólo se dedica a los problemas de Dios, sino también a observar la vida cotiadana, el... Read more » |
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