Category: Military

FDH Aero Appoints Ken Aso to Chief Operating Officer

FDH Aero (FDH), a global supply chain solutions provider for aerospace and defense OEMs and aftermarket segments, recently announced the appointment of industry veteran Ken Aso as chief operating officer.

Prior to joining FDH, Aso served as partner and senior advisor at Oliver Wyman, where he supported many leading OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and distribution service providers in the global aerospace and defense market. Prior to Oliver Wyman, he served in various roles at Boeing Global Services including managing director of global services engineering, maintenance and mods product management and managing director of commercial spares category management. He also served as senior VP corporate strategy & customer development at StandardAero.  

“Operational leadership is critical for our strategic initiatives,” said Scott Tucker, president and CEO of FDH Aero. “Ken’s proven ability to combine his deep industry experience with his focus on execution will help us to advance our key initiatives further and faster.” 

Aso earned an MBA from The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. He also graduated from Walla Walla University with a BA in Business Administration. 

Keeping Mission-Critical Equipment Connected

Applications that offer limited space for hardware, for example in a military aircraft, pose unique challenges when it comes to finding the right connector solution. Applications like military and aerospace require smaller, more compact electrical connectors that are still capable of withstanding harsh environments. Here, Sean Fitall, European product manager at interconnect solutions supplier PEI-Genesis, explores how micro-miniature circular connectors can provide significant savings in both space and weight requirements while ensuring a reliable connection.

Future Market Insights predicts that the micro-miniature coaxial adaptor market will increase from $3.7 million USD in 2018 to $5.8 million by 2028. Likely drivers of this growth are the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the expectation that global air traffic will increase at a rate of 4.4 per cent per year over the next 20 years.

This is because microminiature connectors offer significant savings in both weight and space, owing to their small size and the level of performance equal to their larger, circular counterparts. In industries where extra ounces of equipment cuts payload capacity and uses more fuel, saving weight is important. In fact, Virgin Atlantic has estimated that losing a pound in weight from every plane in its fleet could save 53,000 litres of fuel a year, amounting to tens of thousands of US dollars in savings. 

With this in mind, let’s discuss how aircraft manufacturers can tackle the challenge of space and weight restrictions at no sacrifice to connector performance.

Meeting the needs of the application

For manufacturers of military and aerospace devices, all electrical components must be able to operate in demanding conditions. For example, tactical equipment in a military aircraft is regularly exposed to vibrational forces, which can interrupt connections, loosen fastenings or, in a worse case scenario, damage the internal contacts. It is crucial, therefore, that micro-miniature connectors comply to MIL-DTL-38999 specifications for vibration and shielding.

The Amphenol 2M series of micro-miniature connectors are fully compliant to MIL-DTL specifications, meaning they have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they remain sealed in harsh environments and rated for temperatures of -65 to 175 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, on average this series offers 71 per cent weight savings compared to the MIL-DTL-38999 standard and are 52 per cent smaller.

Saving space and weight doesn’t mean you sacrifice performance, however. Most micro-miniature connectors are manufactured with a higher contact density than most other connectors in the same class, ensuring a strong and reliable signal transmission in small spaces. This is ideal for mission-critical applications like airframes, avionics boxes, tactical equipment and headsets, where a whole operation relies on the efficient transmission of information.

Design flexibility is also important when choosing a military or aerospace connector, particularly when an accidental disconnect could be detrimental to operations. Some applications, like communications systems in a military ground vehicle, will require bayonet coupling for faster mating and disconnect. 

Therefore, choosing a connector that can be assembled with many coupling options, such as bayonet, threaded or breakaway, will offer this design flexibility. With this, customers are guaranteed a customised interconnect solution suitable for satellites, industrial equipment, military support technology, like hand-held radios, GPS devices and missile systems.

PEI-Genesis’ selection of connectors for the military and aerospace markets includes Amphenol’s MIL-DTL-38999 2M connectors and ITT Cannon MKJ series. This variety will ensure you get the best connectors to simplify your assembly process and improve the quality and reliability of your military and aerospace designs.

Northrop Grumman Australia Opens State of the Art Facility

Queensland Deputy Premier Hon. Steven Miles, officially opened Northrop Grumman Australia’s newly-modernized Brisbane Maintenance and Modification Center (BMMC), a facility for the sustainment of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) aviation capability. In attendance were key RAAF stakeholders and Kathy Warden, chair, chief executive officer and president, Northrop Grumman and Christine Zeitz, general manager, Asia Pacific region, Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman’s $20 million investment in the BMMC modernization project created 300 local jobs, and directly involved over 500 people. The facility conducts continuous through life support to key RAAF fleets and will engage an ongoing Northrop Grumman Australia workforce of around 100 employees, with the new infrastructure capacity now allowing for a significant expansion.

“Queensland has cemented itself as a powerhouse for Australia’s Defence industry and our capabilities are quickly growing. Two thirds of the Australian Army operates out of Queensland and this is just another feather in our cap,” said Deputy Premier Miles. “Northrop Grumman Australia’s facility here in Brisbane is just another great example of the close collaboration between Defence and Australian Industry, supporting an important ADF capability, as well as providing significant investment and generating good, skilled jobs for the Queensland workforce”.

“It’s been terrific to have the Deputy Premier open this strategically important facility, delivering sustainable support to the RAAF mission. Our sustainment and modernization program is a key element of our on-going commitment and investment to the State,” said Christine Zeitz. “Northrop Grumman’s growing sustainment work at the BMMC has enabled us to establish an apprenticeship program providing a pipeline of skilled Queensland engineers underpinning the company’s ability to deliver Advanced Technology programs in the coming years. A world class skilled local workforce with genuine and attractive career options, in partnership with the Queensland Government, is a critical driver of future joint mission success.”

The facility provides support and maintenance to the RAAF’s six KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, a versatile platform that is an operational refuelling tanker for a range of RAAF aircraft.

The Multi Role Tanker Transport has supported a range of ADF missions, including Operation OKRA in the fight against Daesh, Operation Afghan Assist and the Regional Presence deployment with allied partners.

It also supports the RAAF’s fleet of 10 C-27J Spartan transport aircraft, which have proved invaluable in the airlift of people, equipment and supplies in Australia and our near region. The Spartan provides a versatile and unique capability that is well matched to Australia’s strategic and humanitarian objectives in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia due to its ability to land on regional and unsealed airstrips.

Wencor Acquires Aero-Glen International

Wencor has acquired Aero-Glen International. “We are excited to welcome Aero-Glen International and their talented team of employees to Wencor. This acquisition is an excellent fit that accelerates our strategy to provide best-in-class distribution and value-added services to both the defense and commercial aerospace markets. It also enhances our aftermarket hardware offering, allowing us to provide our customers with more comprehensive options to meet their repair needs,” says Wencor chief executive officer, Shawn Trogdon.

“The addition of Aero-Glen rounds out our capability to offer creative and differentiated supply chain solutions, value-added services, and customized kitting solutions to both OEM and aftermarket customers in the defense marketplace. This acquisition aligns with our product line expansion strategy, providing additional premier authorized distributorships including Howmet, HPF, Lisi, and Monogram,” adds Wencor’s president of defense, Scott Herndon.

Aero-Glen International, based in Fort Worth, Texas and celebrating its 47th year servicing the aerospace market, is a full-line stocking distributor offering value-added services and kitting solutions that include aerospace fasteners, fittings, machined parts, and other specialized hardware. The company serves a diverse and global customer base, including domestic, international, commercial, and military customers.

Aero-Glen is the first company in the United States to successfully complete the Joint Surveillance Voluntary Assessment Program and effectively meet the stringent requirements of CMMC 2.0 Level 2 compliance.

“We are thrilled to be joining the Wencor team, who like us, shares a culture dedicated to providing customers with exceptional service and solutions at the highest levels of quality and reliability,” says
Tyson Kay, vice president and general manager of Aero-Glen International. “We are excited to join Wencor as we look to leverage their extensive in-house technical capabilities and overall scale to drive continued growth across our distribution and value-add services business.”

VSE Aviation Acquires Precision Fuel Components

VSE Corporation a provider of aftermarket distribution and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for land, sea and air transportation assets for government and commercial markets, has acquired Precision Fuel Components, in an all-cash transaction. The company says the transaction is immediately accretive to their Aviation segment.

Founded in 2001, Washington-based Precision Fuel is a market-leading provider of MRO services for engine accessory and fuel systems supporting the business and general aviation market. Precision Fuel specializes in supporting small turbine rotorcraft fuel controls, governors, sensors, bleed valves, and fuel pumps, along with radial engine components and Bendix-Stromberg carburetors. Precision Fuel is a member of the Honeywell Authorized Warranty and Repair Station (AWARS) network.

VSE says the acquisition expands their specialty distribution and MRO capabilities in B&GA and rotorcraft market. By combining VSE Aviation’s existing part distribution and MRO services with Precision Fuel’s engine accessory and fuel system MRO services, VSE Aviation customers will have access to differentiating, full-service, on-demand repair and distribution solutions.

The move also accelerates VSE’s customer acquisition within B&GA market, building upon recent organic wins. This transaction provides VSE Aviation access to new rotorcraft and fixed wing operator customers and expands VSE’s MRO capabilities within new engine platforms. This acquisition will allow for significant cross-selling opportunities, positioning VSE Aviation to expand its market share within niche, B&GA market adjacencies.

“We are pleased to welcome the Precision Fuel team to the VSE Aviation family,” said John Cuomo, president and CEO of VSE Corporation. “This transaction represents an important strategic investment for our Aviation segment, one that expands our repair capabilities across a diverse base of global rotorcraft, fixed wing, and B&GA customers. Precision Fuel’s value-added, high-margin MRO solutions will complement our existing service capabilities, while positioning us to further enhance our unique value proposition.”

Satcom Direct Confirms Commercial Launch of the SD Plane Simple Antenna Series 

Satcom Direct’s Plane Simple antenna series has officially entered commercial service. Following what the company says was two years of development, rigorous testing and a thorough customer in-service evaluation, the first antenna in the series is now commercially available for aircraft owners and operators seeking reliable, global, customized connectivity solutions that are future-proofed for evolving connectivity needs.

The SD Plane Simple Ku-band tail-mount terminal is already revolutionizing business aviation connectivity with its purpose-built design developed to meet the sector’s specific needs. The terminal is powered by the multi-layered, high-throughput Intelsat FlexExec network, the first airtime service dedicated to business aviation. Customers are benefiting from greater flexibility, connectivity options that align with anticipated operational costs, and a compact terminal system that supports simplified dynamic upgrade paths. 

“We had an idea that we believed would change how aircraft owners and operators think about connectivity. Together with our partners, we are developing, building, testing, and proving the Plane Simple technology, a product line that helps our customers be prepared for now and the future,” said Jim Jensen, CEO and founder of Satcom Direct. “Prior to the Plane Simple offering, high-speed connectivity options were limited by capacity, restrictive pricing plans, invasive installation, and were incompatible with changing satellite markets. The Plane Simple antenna series resolves these needs, and we’re proud to make this advanced, innovative antenna technology available to new and existing customers.” 

The Satcom Direct flight department has test flown the Plane Simple Ku-band technology using its Gulfstream G550 to ensure the system exceeds customer expectations. More than 560 total hours of flight time have been logged to confirm the global commercial readiness of the system. “We are passionate about raising industry standards, and the Plane Simple Ku-band terminal, when married with SD’s FlightDeck Freedom, allows for real-time network monitoring to assure crew and passengers are supported by our world-leading customer service team. The mantra in our NOC is we ‘know before you know’, indicating that we are always one step ahead of the aircraft connectivity to ensure unbroken coverage globally.”

Confirming the success of the terminal’s flight trials, all those participating in the in-service evaluation have transitioned to customer status. David Utley of Executive Jet Management, which evaluated the system on its Bombardier Global 5000, added, “The tools and service provided by SD are impressive. We particularly welcome the opportunity to integrate third-party tools as it helps us operate more efficiently. These capabilities, combined with SD’s advice and recommendations on which tools to use and how to optimize them and troubleshoot in flight, empower me to maximize our connectivity. This consultative approach means I always know what is going on. That is important for a busy aircraft frequently flying around the globe.” 

Satcom Direct Avionics, the SD manufacturing division, has developed the state-of-the-art hardware in partnership with QEST, a worldwide provider of innovative aeronautical antennas. The singular design of the first antenna consists of just two line replaceable units, the SD modem unit and tail-mount antenna. This minimizes installation times, reduces maintenance fees, and, located in the unpressurized part of the fuselage, frees up valuable cabin space.  

With the Plane Simple commercial service introduction on the Intelsat FlexExec network, operators only need to make one call to SD to source end-to-end connectivity acquisition and management. Supported by 24/7/365 customer service, the technology delivers inflight productivity, enhances leisure time, and improves operational management for more aircraft types than ever. Developed on an open-architecture platform, the system supports the integration of third-party suppliers to add further operational value. 

The system has already received Federal Aviation Administration STCs for Bombardier Global 5000, 6000, Express, Express XRS, Dassault F2000LX/LXS, Gulfstream GIV, GIV-X, G450, GV, GV-SP, G550 types with the European Aviation Safety Agency also confirming STCs for Bombardier Global 5000, 6000, Express, Express XRS and Dassault F2000LX/LXS models.

Field Aerospace Completes Turkish Air Force KC-135 Block 45 Aircraft Modification

Field Aerospace (Field) has completed the Turkish Air Force KC-135 Block 45 modification, under a contract through the KC-135 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program office. The program finished one year ahead of schedule.   

Turkey is the second largest operator of the KC-135 Stratotanker next to the USAF. The Block 45 modification removes the legacy autopilot system, Flight Director System, engine analog gages, and radio altimeter and installs a Dual Autopilot and Flight Director System, new radio altimeter system, and new engine display. This effort included modifications to seven Turkish Air Force KC-135 Block 45 Aircraft. This contract period of performance was from January 29, 2021, to January 28, 2024. Work was completed in December of 2022.

Field had previously completed the prototype Block 45 modification on two United States Air Force (USAF) KC-135 aircraft and installed the modification on the first 15 Block 45 Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) aircraft. 

“Our team applied lessons learned from our prior experience performing this modification on the USAF KC-135 fleet to the Turkish KC-135 Program, resulting in an efficient and well executed program.” stated Ed Williams, Field Aerospace program manager.  

John M. Holmes Named Chairman of the Board of Directors of AAR CORP.

AAR CORP. announced that John M. Holmes, president and chief executive officer of AAR has been named chairman of the board of directors following the retirement of David P. Storch, the company’s chairman for 18 years. Holmes will continue as president and chief executive officer of the company. 

Holmes joined AAR in 2001 as director of Mergers and Acquisitions. In 2003, Holmes moved into operations, becoming general manager of AAR’s Parts Supply business and progressively assuming responsibility of other businesses before being appointed as president and chief operating officer in 2017. In 2018, he was named president and chief executive officer of AAR, the third since the company’s founding in 1955.

Under Holmes’s leadership, AAR has achieved substantial growth in sales and profitability, while successfully navigating the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, the company says.  As chairman, Holmes will focus on strategies to drive continued growth.

Storch, the second of the company’s only three CEOs, has served as a member of the board since 1989 and as chairman of the board of AAR since 2005. He retired as chief executive officer in 2018. Under Storch’s leadership, the company grew to the leading independent provider of aviation services globally.

AMADA WELD TECH Releases WM-200A Industry 4.0 Ready Networked Weld Monitor

AMADA WELD TECH, Inc. has released the IIoT ready WM-200A Networked Resistance Weld Monitor, which it says enhances resistance weld monitoring capability by simplifying data capture, storage, and analysis on a networked platform, paving the way to next generation artificial intelligence and machine learning features.
The WM-200A monitors all aspects of the resistance welding process, providing vital visual and statistical feedback during research and development as well as production environments. High-resolution data capture is critical for artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. It also provides immediate feedback to the weld station by monitoring key aspects of the process and sending good/no good information to the process controller instantaneously during production.
Whether connected to a standalone resistance welding station, or implemented in a fully automated system, the WM-200A enables users to collect large amounts of high-resolution process data to be used for manufacturing traceability, statistical data analysis, equipment efficiency and health. Data can be stored on an on premise or cloud based server and viewed or downloaded from a remote location using the remote graphic user interface.
The WM-200A monitored inputs include current, voltage, displacement, and force. The monitor features an intuitive user interface for easy programming and quick access to view waveform and numeric data. Configurable monitoring screens enable custom viewing. The WM-200A offers high resolution data capture (up to 200 kHz sample rate) and can simultaneously monitor eight different inputs and up to four distinct windowed process limits per primary channel.
The WM-200A communicates with direct I/O and TCP/IP communication protocols; optionally, configure with an EtherNet/IP field bus to allow automated systems to communicate easily over a single communications cable. Typically, WM-200A is connected to a large display on a personal computer for easy setup and viewing of waveforms and data via WM-Inspect software GUI. Stored data is accessible by third party software suites for analysis for SPC, OEE, and equipment health. The data is also available for current and future AI/ML software algorithms.

Military-Approved Portable Oil Analysis Lab Now Available For Commercial Sale

AMETEK Spectro Scientific has released a unique portable oil analysis laboratory that has delivered proven operational benefits for the U. S. Military.

Rugged, compact, and lightweight, the FieldLab series offers a comprehensive and detailed oil and particulate analysis that enables quick and effective maintenance decisions to be made. A highly reliable asset for customers operating mobile fleets, FieldLab dramatically shortens analysis turnaround times by providing rapid, accurate results within minutes. This immediately solves challenges where access to remote laboratories is expensive and results can take weeks to be returned, a problem that greatly reduces effectiveness.

Extensively trialed in the field by the U. S. military, FieldLab “M” series success resulted in multi-year supply contracts with the US Marine Corps for $8.7M, followed by a $39.9M contract to supply FieldLab 58MA to the US Air Force. FieldLab’s reliable and consistent performance for the U. S. Military enables Spectro Scientific to release the FieldLab “C” series for use in commercial applications.

The only fully portable, lab-quality oil and particulate analysis product available, it is a reliable tool for customers where access to laboratories is expensive and results typically take weeks to be returned – a problem that greatly reduces program effectiveness.

Building on a successful track record of usage by the U. S. Military, the FieldLab is now available for commercial sale to customers across a range of industries including power generation, commercial aviation, mobile service teams, heavy equipment, marine vessels, race teams and upstream oil and gas production.

FieldLab offers a swift and inexpensive method to gauge potential machine wear by determining the condition of the oil and the presence of metallic wear particles. By measuring oil condition via molecular and viscosity analysis, FieldLab enables customers to extend service life of lubricants used in their applications, optimize labor resources, and minimize disposal costs and environmental impact.

Samples can be collected from machines such as gas-powered turbines, generators, diesel engines, gearboxes, pumps and hydraulic systems and immediately tested onsite. The results are available within minutes, allowing potential customers to make near immediate time- and cost-saving decisions.

User-friendly with minimal set-up time and no routine calibration required, FieldLab produces easy-to-understand results and diagnostics within minutes in eight different languages. Comprehensive analysis is provided via an x-ray fluorescent system, Infrared grating spectrometer and kinematic viscometer. The unique mobile system is battery-operated for instant oil analysis using the touch-panel controller.  FieldLab integrates with Spectro Scientifc’s class-leading TruVu 360 expert system and data management software.

Robert Wopperer, senior director, business development, said: “We have already seen the success of FieldLab in military markets translate to our commercial customers, extending the service life of lubricants, optimizing labor resources, and minimizing disposal costs and decreasing environmental impact.”

Randi Price, product manager, said: “This one-of-a-kind ruggedized, portable laboratory will benefit those who have offshore, remote or mobile assets where routine access is limited. It also helps maintainers reduce time spent on equipment maintenance by providing fast and reliable results and ultimately increasing asset uptime.”