Category: Military

PPG Coatings Help AMDA Foundation Limited, Aviat Global Restoration Project

PPG announced that its aerospace business in Australia collaborated with AMDA Foundation Limited and Aviat Global to revitalize a piece of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) history – a Canberra Bomber aircraft (serial number A84-232).

Built at the Government Aircraft Factory (GAF) in Avalon in 1956, A84-232 served with the No. 2 RAAF Squadron as part of the 35th Tactical Fighter Squadron, U.S. 7th Air Force, from August 1967 to June 1971. From 1971 to 1972, the aircraft was one of six Canberra Bombers to be modified for aerial survey work, carrying on this role until it was retired from service in 1982. The aircraft was later issued back to the GAF for restoration and eventual display.

In June 1985, A84-232 was placed on display in the main entrance of the GAF factory at Avalon Airport, where it remained for the next 35 years. Since 2010, the aircraft has undergone a number of restorations and requires continuous upkeep to ensure that it is maintained to a presentable standard.

“The upcoming 2021 Australian International Airshow coincides with the 100th anniversary of RAAF,” said Mick Jennings, AMDA Foundation Limited head of aviation services. “Given the significance of this event, coupled with the important role that the Canberra Bomber played throughout RAAF’s history, we decided to complete a professional refurbishment of A84-232 with the help of companies like PPG, which supplies paints and coatings to Aviat Global.”

The six-month restoration project began in December 2019 within the very hangar where A84-232 was built in 1956. Jennings provided Aviat Global with the original drawings and colour references for the aircraft. PPG supplied a combined 120 litres of DESOPRIME HS CA7700 primer with “B” Activator and DESOTHANE HS CA8000 polyurethane topcoats in a color palette of extra dark sea grey, olive drab and black.

“The robust application properties of PPG’s CA7700 primer and CA8000 topcoat series made them the ideal products for the Canberra Bomber A84-232 repaint,” said Glen Brabant, Aviat Global MRO general manager. “PPG’s manufacturing capabilities in Australia and ability to accommodate special requests like this one are two of the many reasons why we chose to partner with the company on the restoration project.”

“Having the opportunity to partner with AMDA Foundation Limited, Aviat Global and others to restore this priceless piece of Australian history is truly an honour,” said Andrew Arena, PPG commercial account manager, Australia and New Zealand, aerospace. “We are thrilled that PPG’s aerospace coatings will protect and beautify A84-232 for years to come.”

 

Cortec’s EcoLine Cutting Fluid on Bearings

Bearings manufacturers who have experienced corrosion knows how critical proper protection is to avoid later delays and rejection. Oxidation can occur on smoothly polished bearings surfaces exposed to fluctuating humidity, temperatures and condensation during shipping and storage. Some bearings manufacturers may prefer to apply liquid rust preventatives even though papers and films are some of the most convenient protective options. However, conventional is not necessarily better.

Cortec Corporation has developed outstanding alternatives to traditional mineral-oil based rust preventatives (RPs). Among these sustainable alternatives is EcoLine Cutting Fluid, a biobased rust preventative concentrate that rivals traditional RPs in terms environmental impact, user safety, cleanliness, convenience, and even performance! EcoLine Cutting Fluid offers multi-metal protection to bearings in shipping and storage and is an excellent environmentally sound alternative to petroleum derived products. It has a wide dilution range for greater economy and flexibility. Unlike traditional rust preventative oils, an emulsion of EcoLine Cutting Fluid leaves a dry film that is virtually undetectable on the surface of the metal, helping to create a cleaner workplace and preventing material waste.

EcoLine Cutting Fluid proved its advantages for bearings protection when it was tested by a Montenegro manufacturer of bearings, bushings, and used in engines produced for two major car companies. The auto parts were made out of a special aluminum alloy that was corroding in transit during two to four months of export in seagoing containers. Although the manufacturer was applying traditional rust inhibiting oils, the high-tech engine components were still having problems with oxidation and pitting, which caused significant losses for the company in terms of delays and rusted parts.

The manufacturer decided to test EcoLine Cutting Fluid in their laboratory. Promising results prompted them to implement a pilot trial and eventually a full-scale plant-wide implementation. Not only did their EcoLine Cutting Fluid emulsion show extended protection in field testing of up to 12 months, but the rust preventative also created a layer less than 1 micron thick, thinner than the previous oil—which apparently did not satisfy tight tolerances—and compatible with robotic assembly. All these benefits came simply by substituting a more environmentally responsible rust preventative for an ineffective oil-based standby.

Kaman Announces $57 Million Joint Programmable Fuze Order

Kaman Corp. recently received an order under Option 15 of its Joint Programmable Fuze (“JPF”) contract with the U.S. Air Force (“USAF”). This order has an expected value of approximately $57.3 million for the procurement of JPFs for 25 foreign militaries.

“We have successfully completed our negotiations for Options 15 and 16 of our JPF contract with the U.S. Government. This order under Option 15 will add $57.3 million to backlog with deliveries expected to begin in 2021. The JPF continues to provide high levels of reliability and mission flexibility all while supporting a broad range of aircraft and munitions technologies. Over the last few years we have worked hard to increase our production capacity while maintaining our high level of quality and look forward to continuing to support U.S. Government requirements, while pursuing additional foreign opportunities,” stated Richard Barnhart, president, Kaman Aerospace Group.

Kaman has been the sole provider of the JPF to the USAF since 2002. In addition to the USAF, Kaman provides the JPF to forty other nations. The JPF allows the settings of a weapon to be programmed on wing in flight and is qualified for use on a number of weapons including general purpose bombs, and guided bombs that use JDAM or Paveway kits, on U.S. aircraft such as F-15, F-16, F-22, F-35, A-10, B-1, B-2, B-52 and the MQ-9 UAV as well as on international aircraft such as Mirage 3 and Gripen. Kaman produces the JPF at facilities in Orlando, Florida, and Middletown, Connecticut.

Boeing Nabs Order for Nine More MH-47G Block II Chinooks

Boeing recently received a “special” order from the U.S. Army: nine more MH-47G Block II Chinook helicopters for the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command.

With the first Block II delivery set for later this year, Boeing says the Army will soon be able to carry heavier loads compared to the original – and already formidable – Chinook.

Boeing’s H-47 Chinook Block II is powered by nnew technologies to lift more throughout the envelope – especially in high, hot operating conditions – all of which enable soldiers to meet tomorrow’s heavy-lift mission requirements, Boeing says. Block II not only improves readiness for the U.S. Army and Special Operations warfighters says the company, it also limits future sustainment costs and ensures that the Chinook fleet will be available to serve for decades to come.

Lufthansa Technik Hands Over First A350 to Germany’s Special Air Mission Wing

Lufthansa Technik handed over the first of three new Airbus
A350-900s to the German Armed Forces. During a small ceremony in
Hamburg, conducted according to current pandemic rules, Minister of
Defence Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer took a first look at the future
flagship of the Federal Ministry of Defence’s (BMVg) Special Air
Mission Wing. On the way to the final operational readiness of the
aircraft, the military certification for the 10+03 designation and
various test flights with the new wide-body aircraft will take place
in the coming weeks. Lufthansa Technik says this is the world’s first government aircraft of this type and thus also the world’s first Airbus A350 not to be used in commercial airline service.
“The exemplary procurement process is really something to be proud
of,” said Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer. “The decision to purchase the
new A350 fleet was made just 1.5 years ago. My thanks therefore go to
all those involved in industry and German Armed Forces, because
everyone really pulled together here. With its 25 percent lower fuel
consumption – compared to older, comparable types – the ultra-modern
A350 is future-oriented, and with the new fleet we are securing
global mobility as an important part of the Federal Government’s
ability to work”, the Federal Minister continued. “And with the
addition of two more brand-new A350s, the mobility expected of an
industrial nation like Germany is adequately ensured.”
“Today we are proud to present to the Federal Minister of Defence the
new flagship of the Federal Government’s Special Air Mission Wing,
the world’s very first Airbus A350 as a government aircraft,” said
Dr. Johannes Bussmann, chairman of the Executive Board of Lufthansa
Technik AG. “The 10+03 and its two subsequent sister aircraft are a
continuation of the successful tradition of supplying the German
Armed Forces and having them as one of our best and most important
customers.”
The factory-fresh aircraft, which was still on the civil register as
D-AGAF, arrived at Lufthansa Technik at the beginning of May. It is
equipped with a special transitional cabin for
political-parliamentary flight operations. The cabin comes with
office and conference areas, adjoined by a multifunctional lounge
area. The remaining space is available for delegations flying on the
aircraft. After sister aircraft 10+01 and 10+02, which are currently
under construction, will receive a fully-fledged government cabin
from Lufthansa Technik next year, the transitional cabin in the 10+03
will also be exchanged.
The effects of the global coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain
slightly delayed the planned delivery of the 10+03 to the German
Armed Forces. It will now take place in the coming weeks, during
which the aircraft will receive its military certification and be
prepared for a smooth entry-into-service at the Federal Ministry of
Defence’s Special Air Mission Wing, complete with crew training and
various test flights.

SAKOR Technologies Provides New Dynamometer System to General Atomics

SAKOR Technologies recently provided a dynamometer test system to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for use in testing starters/alternators for military remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) of the Predator class and larger. The system features a 58 horsepower (Hp) AccuDyne AC 4 quadrant motoring dynamometer and other subsystems configured for starter/generator testing and is automated by SAKOR’s DynoLAB test automation controller.

The SAKOR test system will be used by General Atomics for testing the motor that starts the RPA turbines. Once under turbine power, this motor then turns into a generator that produces electricity for flight controls and sensor suite onboard the RPA.

The AccuDyne four-quadrant dynamometer is capable of full bi-directional braking or driving the device under test. It can also provide full rated torque at stall (zero RPM). The dynamometer has been configured with 58 Hp bi-directional motoring and absorbing; line-regenerative power absorption; and a maximum speed of 12,600 rpm. The system is equipped with a heavy-duty test bench; vertical rack enclosure; and a four-phase power analyzer configured to measure the DC input and three-phase AC voltage, current and power output from the DUT motor controller (inverter). SAKOR also provided on-site installation supervision, commissioning, and training services.

The system is automated by SAKOR’s DynoLAB test automation controller, a powerful system that enables test engineers and/or technicians to design and implement complex test procedures without the need to learn a programming language. Operators can quickly configure and run tests using the easy to use, menu driven interface.

“We are proud to be involved with the effort to provide our military with the most advanced equipment in the world,” said Randal Beattie, president of SAKOR. “RPAs are at the forefront of modern technology and this test equipment will help ensure it remains state of the art far into the future.”

AAR’s Component Repair facility in Amsterdam ranked No. 1 “Outstanding Source of Repair” by NATO Support and Procurement Agency

AAR has been named “Outstanding Source of Repair” and ranked No. 1 among all Component Source of Repair (SOR) facilities for 2019 by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) and the International Aerospace Management Company (IAMCO). Both organizations manage maintenance work for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). AAR has received this prestigious recognition four times since 2005.

AAR Aircraft Component Services in Amsterdam was cited for its “superior product quality, timely delivery, quality assurance services and component support” on the NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) fleet.

“I am extremely pleased to inform you that AAR Aircraft Component Services has been recommended and selected to be the best SOR of the year 2019 out of 17 companies. This outstanding achievement is the result of a team effort and allows us to congratulate you all for this remarkable performance,” said Bernard Masuy, IAMCO branch manager Components.

“NSPA congratulates AAR Aircraft Component Services to be recommended and selected to be the best SOR of the year 2019. The fact, that AAR achieved this award already for the fourth time since 2005 shows the high professionalism and engagement of this outstanding company. We are very proud to have the team of AAR on board of our AWACS family,” said Norbert Schneider, NSPA LW program manager.

“We strive for excellence every day and having our component and repair services repeatedly recognized by NATO validates our efforts and inspires our team toward continuous improvement,” said Andre op‘t Hof, AAR Aircraft Component Services – Amsterdam, director of Commercial Operations.

Boeing Helps B-52 Move Into the Digital Age with Last CONECT Kit for the B-52 is Delivered to the U.S. Air Force

Versatility has made the B-52 the backbone of the U.S. Air Force’s bombers force, and modernization efforts are keeping the aircraft relevant decades after first flight.

Key to those efforts is the Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT) upgrade, a communications modification that offers the aircraft 21st-century situational awareness along with mission flexibility. Boeing teams recently delivered the final kit in the CONECT upgrade, completing a project that launched in 2010.

“The scale of this project is just incredible,” said Scot Oathout, Bombers program director, noting that each CONECT kit has more than 12,000 individual parts.

“Throughout the project, our Boeing team designed the kits that are sent to the U.S. Air Force for installation,” Oathout said. “This process is a great example of the ways we partner with the Air Force to seamlessly modernize the bombers program.”

The upgrade acts as a framework that allows aircrew to receive intelligence, data and voice messages from multiple sources. The digital links and internet connectivity enable in-flight information sharing. All of these elements work together to improve combat capability and sustain the nation’s long-range strike force.

“This modification is a massive leap forward for the technology behind the B-52,” said Steven Dunn, B-52 CONECT program manager, and “will act as the foundation for future upgrades. We’re not just adding new capabilities, we’re ensuring the viability of the B-52 in the digital age.”

With an upgraded communications system, the B-52 will remain a critical contributor to the U.S. National Security Strategy. Other modifications, including a re-engine program and radar modernization, will ensure the B-52 can continue to serve for decades.

“We’re moving into the digital world with the CONECT upgrade,” Dunn said. “But I can’t wait see what happens next for the B-52. This is a jet with a legacy.”

Avionics Digital Smart Meter

OTEK’s model APM was specifically designed to replace the “needle” meter standard in many aircraft. The APM model conforms to military and commercial 1″ diameter standards with a depth of 2.15″. Additionally, the model conforms to respective Mil-Standards of 461D, 704F, 130K, 810F, and 889B2 as well as being RTCA-160F compliant.

The APM can be loop powered, eliminating the need for an external power supply and expensive wiring. The <100mW loop power adds a burden under 5 VDC max to the loop and has an operating range of 3-36mADC. The APM features 4-20mA or a VDC signal input, 0-5VRMS/VDC for intensity control, and 5-48VDC power input. The 4 digit (9.9.9.9) display comes in standard red, green or blue. The display can also be NVG3 compliant (green display only).

The APM is conducive for an altitude up to 50,000’ and weather conditions from -20°C to 70°C. The accuracy and linearity of the APM is +0.05%. It weighs 1.5 oz and its display consists of 0.25” high efficiency LED’s. The APM also adheres to a Cyber Security Exempt status, as it was designed without any digital assets. As with all OTEK products, the APM carries our exclusive lifetime warranty. For more information visit http://www.otekcorp.com or contact us at 520-748-7900 or sales@otekcorp.com.

Jergens, Inc. Receives AS9100:2016 Rev D Single Site Certification, Expanding its Engineering and Design Capabilities

Jergens, Inc. announced that it has received a new certification that will expand the company’s engineering and design capabilities in the aerospace, space and defense sectors.  The certification is designated for Jergens Specialty Fastener products, including quick release pins, threaded inserts, spring plungers, spring loaded devices, handwheels, and adjustable handles and knobs.

The AS9100:2016 Certification is an invaluable component to the design and manufacturing of specialty fasteners, lifting solutions, and workholding solutions. The new certification will further enable Jergens Inc. to customize and design components offering rigid quality standards and mil-specs, with tight tolerances and high precision.

“This certification is a game changer for Jergens and separates us from our competitors in terms of efficiency and service response time,” said Matt Schron, general manager for Jergens, Inc.  “Our many customers in the aerospace sector, both military and commercial, are seeking our heavily engineered expanded design services, customer solutions and standard and special configuration all while maintaining our shorter lead times. This certification will allow us to better serve our clients with premium products more quickly.”