Category: Military

AAR and Sumitomo Announce JV for Supply Chain Solutions for Japanese Defense

AAR and Sumitomo Corporation are launching a joint venture ― AAR Sumisho Aviation Services. This Chicago-area-based joint venture will distribute aircraft parts and offer aviation logistics management solutions to the Japanese defense market. Additionally, the partnership will distribute parts from OEMs based in Japan to the global aviation aftermarket.

AAR says the business initiative builds upon the parties’ successful, long-standing relationship, under which AAR has served as a stocking distributor for OEM factory-new parts to Japanese defense customers via Sumitomo Corporation since 2012.

“We look forward to partnering with AAR to serve our Japanese customers and make our services more accessible to customers around the world,” said Eiji Ishida, Sumitomo Corporation executive officer and GM of the Lease, Ship & Aerospace Business Division.

By combining AAR’s global network and expertise in aviation supply chain and parts distribution with Sumitomo’s logistics specialization and large footprint in the Japanese market, AAR Sumisho Aviation Services will be equipped to provide quality services to our Japanese defense customers, as well as play a key role in the export of parts from Japanese OEMs.

“This new venture with Sumitomo presents a tremendous opportunity to further expand our market reach and capabilities in Japan, a highly strategic market for us,” said John Holmes, AAR president and CEO. “Both of our companies have a proven track record within the international defense industry, and we look forward to joining forces to become a leading aircraft parts distributor and provider of services to the Japanese defense market and global aviation aftermarket.”

Rolls-Royce Offering Downloadable STEM Activities

Rolls-Royce is offering free ways to engage with tomorrow’s scientists and engineers. The company says they want to give every young person who shows an interest in STEM subjects the chance to explore those interests in an educational way that’s exciting and inspiring. They have produced a whole host of STEM-related activity packs for inquisitive young minds eager to learn more about cleaner sustainable aviation and have fun in the process.

The resources have been written for students from age 3 – 11. Each resource has been linked to the National Curriculum and is centered around flight, electricity, recycling and sustainable energy. As they are free; parents, carers, teachers, home educators, STEM ambassadors and curious kids have access to them all. These resources have been designed to utilize everyday classroom/home resources.

Under each heading – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math, there are a number of activities. Each activity has a set of lesson plans, and, where additional resources are required, these are also available; eg: presentations, results tables, images etc. “Our aim was to put ourselves into your shoes and take out any addition work, effectively a downloadable topic!” says Rolls-Royce.

Click here to access the resources.

 

Delta Digital Video Launches Model 7840R H.265 Rugged Video Encoder

Delta Digital Video announced the launch of a new addition to the line of rugged H.265 video encoders. The Model 7840R 4-Channel H.265 Video Encoder is a rugged, HD/SD video encoder extending support for multi-channel applications while maintaining the same size, weight, and power of their dual-channel unit, Model 7820R 2-Channel HD/SD H.265 Rugged Video Encoder.

The Model 7840R provides flexibility with simultaneous support for H.265 (HEVC) and H.264 (AVC), along with both HD/SD-SDI and composite video formats. It is built on an advanced, low-power multimedia architecture that provides the horsepower for the computationally intensive H.265 algorithm, providing bandwidth efficiency for multi-channel applications. This increased efficiency allows for more channels to be transmitted over a given bandwidth, better quality video for constrained bandwidth applications, or lower bandwidth operation to extend the limits of ISR and flight test operations.

Delta Digital Video’s Rugged Video Encoders are designed for harsh airborne, ground-mobile, and shipboard environments. Our highly reliable Rugged Video Encoders compress and multiplex sensor video, audio, and metadata for real-time, low latency transmission to remote ground stations and downstream processing, exploitation, and dissemination (PED) systems.

AAR Signs MOU with Korean Aerospace Engineering & Maintenance Services

AAR announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide consulting services for Korean Aerospace Engineering &  Maintenance Services (KAEMS).

The two companies will collaborate to define required capabilities and infrastructure for a new KAEMS facility in South Korea that will provide component maintenance for the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) F-16 fleet. The MOU includes training for KAEMS employees at AAR’s component repair facilities in Amsterdam and New York.

“As an independent maintenance, repair and overhaul provider, specifically for the F-16 platform, AAR is an ideal partner for KAEMS,” said Youn Ki Cho, KAEMS CEO. “Our advantages include a commercial model, skilled workforce and familiarity with the F-16 airframe overhaul.”

“AAR has extensive expertise in component maintenance and the F-16 in specific thanks to our global repair centers,” said Ken Hein, AAR’s SVP Group Operations. “Sharing this expertise with our partners at KAEMS will bring a critical readiness capability to South Korea in direct support of its frontline F-16s.”

MTU Maintenance Canada Becomes F138 Engine Depot for the U. S. Air Force 

MTU Maintenance Canada Ltd will support the United States Air Force’s (USAF) F138 engines and components with depot maintenance, repair and overhaul. The contract is currently valued at $225 million, awarded via the Canadian Commercial Corporation, and runs for ten years to February 2030.

The F138 is the military variant of the CF6-80C2 engine and powers the C-5M Super Galaxy – the largest aircraft in the USAF inventory with four of these engines. The CF6-80C2 program was recently introduced at MTU Maintenance Canada, with the first engine inducted in early 2020 and test cell correlation currently underway. “We are delighted to have been awarded such a prestigious contract right off the bat,” says Michael Schreyögg, Chief Program Officer, MTU Aero Engines. “This is one of the largest contracts in MTU Maintenance Canada’s history and we look forward to providing USAF with excellent technical support.”

“The CF6-80C2, and its military variant the F138, is a logical introduction into the MTU Maintenance Canada portfolio, as we have already serviced CF6-50 and KC-10 engines in the past,” adds Helmut Neuper, CEO and president, MTU Maintenance Canada. “We had a great track record of 100 percent on time delivery within the KC-10 program, a military derivative of the CF6-50 engine, and are delighted to have become prime contractor in this case.” The first F138 USAF delivery order is expected in April this year.

MTU Maintenance Canada is the North American member of the MTU Maintenance network of companies, the global leader in customized services for aero engines. Based in British Columbia (BC), the company operates a shop where it repairs and overhauls engines and accessories and performs engine tests. MTU’s Canadian affiliate holds licenses for work on the CF6, CFM56 and V2500 engine families. Alongside accessory repairs, the company also offers its customers so-called Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) management services which play an increasing role in MTU’s service offerings. Last year, the company committed to significantly increasing capacity and engine portfolio within North America.

DynCorp Awarded Contract to Support T-34/T-44/T-6 Aircraft

The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Florida has awarded DynCorp International (DI) a second task order on the Contracted Maintenance, Modification, Aircrew and Related Services (CMMARS) indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. This task order is a follow-on to the previous contract that DI held, providing maintenance support for T-34, T-44 and T-6 training aircraft. The contract has a one-year base period and six option periods, with a total value of $1.7 billion if all options are exercised. It will begin April 1 and if all options are exercised, including Extension of Service, it will conclude September 30, 2026.

DI will provide organizational, intermediate, depot-level maintenance and logistics services for T-34, T-44 and T-6 aircraft. These are light turboprop planes used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps for basic flight training. Their simple design and relatively forgiving flight characteristics allow pilots to learn fundamentals before advancing to more sophisticated aircraft. Support services provided by DI include labor, services, facilities, equipment, tools, related support equipment and direct and indirect material. Work will be performed at naval air stations in Corpus Christi, Texas; Whiting Field, Florida; Pensacola, Florida; and additional locations in the United States.

“The 34/44/6 is the cornerstone of Naval flight training. We are thrilled to be able to continue our service to the U.S. Navy on this critical program,” said Joe Ford, president of DynAviation. “We look forward to a continued strong relationship with our customer.”

Exact Metrology Set to Open New Center in Moline

Exact Metrology will be adding a new facility. With existing facilities in Brookfield, Wisconsin, Cincinnati, Ohio and an upcoming one in Texas, the company will have a center in Moline, Illinois.  The new location will open on March 1, 2020 and will be located at 4715th Street A.  The need for a new space arose from the increasing number of clients in the area.

This location will serve as a training, support, contract measurement and sales center. Training will be provided on software packages such as: PolyWorks, Geomagic and PC-DMIS.  The Polyworks software suite maximizes productivity, quality, and profit, while integrating 3D measurement technologies into an industrial manufacturing process.  Geomagic is a leading provider of 3D software that creates digital models of physical objects for industries like aerospace, archeology, medical, dental, tooling and foundry. Provided by Exact Metrology through Hexagon Metrology, PC-DMIS offers the most popular dimensional metrology software package.   Hardware classes will be offered for Romer, Leica Tracker, Superphaser, Leica RTC 360 and a CMM. Manufactured by Hexagon Metrology, the Romer portable measuring arms offer reliable 3D measurements. Leica Laser Trackers are ideal for measuring medium to large parts and providing a portable solution for large-scale inspection and assembly applications. The Superphaser line provides short, medium and long range models for use in reverse engineering, dimensional control, historical preservation, architecture and forensics. Leica RTC empowers users to document and capture environments in 3D, improving efficiency and productivity through fast, simple-to-use, accurate and portable hardware and software.  Lastly, Exact Metrology will also offer a complete range of portable Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) and custom classes for any measurement needed. Day classes and half day classes will be available.

Contract services that will be offered include CMM measurement, custom programming, inspection and reverse engineering. Inspection is important because when a part is defined by millions of points, users can see subtle deviations, slight variations and fine details, thus ensuring that a part or mold meets certain specifications. 3D inspection is recommended for first article inspections, first-off inspections (sampling), in-process inspections, die tryouts, tool and die duplication and statistical sampling. Reverse engineering is not only used for product design but also for legacy part repair and re-manufacturing, product benchmarking, documentation and archival, site planning, defect/deterioration documentation, medical devices and custom-fit products.

“Exact Metrology can add support and service to our customers in western Illinois and Indiana. We hope to keep growing the customer base in this area,” says Joe Wright of Exact Metrology.

The Spanish Air Force Buys PC-21 Training System Including 24 Aircraft

The Spanish Air Force, Ejército del Aire, is the third European air force to opt for the Swiss-produced PC-21, as their Next Generation Trainer. Pilatus has committed to delivering a total of 24 PC-21s to Spain. The single-engine turboprop trainer aircraft will replace the Casa C-101 jet trainers used since 1980.

The Ministry of Defence was looking for a new, highly efficient training platform to provide advanced training for Spain’s future military pilots tasked with protecting future generations. After a long and thorough evaluation, Pilatus says they beat several  competitors to win the tender with the PC-21. The contract, which is worth more than 200 million euros, was signed recently with the Spanish Dirección General de Armamento y Material (DGAM). Comprising an integrated training system, the order includes simulators developed and produced by Pilatus, spare parts and logistics support in addition to the PC-21 aircraft.

“As a small Swiss aircraft manufacturer I’m delighted at our repeated success in winning through over large, international competitors,” says Oscar J. Schwenk, chairman of Pilatus. “This result is proof that, with our PC-21, we can deliver the very best training system in the world.”

Pilot Training Starts in 2021

The PC-21 will provide Spain with the most advanced training system currently on offer, and will also deliver a cost-effective, ecologically viable training platform. Experience with existing PC-21 customers has shown that the cost of training for a military pilot can be reduced by over 50 percent with the PC-21. These single-engine turboprop aircraft require much less fuel than any comparable jet trainer.

Chairman Schwenk commented further: “I’m delighted to see us win a new air force to add to our existing customer portfolio. We shall provide Ejército del Aire with the first-class customer service they are entitled to expect from Pilatus. Bienvenidos a Pilatus y muchas gracias por elegir el PC-21 – viva España!”

Lockheed Martin Offering Numerous Vocational Scholarships with March Deadline to Apply

Lockheed Martin has launched a new scholarship program that will award up to 150 scholarships.

Beginning in 2020, the company says it will be awarding up to $6,600 to as many as 150 recipients this year. The scholarship will fund degrees at accredited vocational-technical schools to prepare students for careers in technology and/or advanced manufacturing that does not require a bachelor’s or advanced degree.

The application opened January 15, 2020 and will close on March 12, 2020.

Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities (including membership in relevant trade organizations or associations), work experience, a statement of career and educational goals and objectives, unusual personal or family circumstances and a outside appraisal.

Selection of recipients is made by Scholarship America. In no instance does any officer or employee of Lockheed Martin play a part in the selection. All applicants agree to accept the decision as final.

Scholarship recipients can opt-in to be contacted by Lockheed Martin recruitment teams regarding possible internship opportunities. (Note: All interested candidates and scholars must apply through the Lockheed Martin careers site to be considered).

Fore more information please contact the Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship Program administrator at lockheedmartin@scholarshipamerica.org or 1-507-931-0465 and ask for the Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship Program.

Acroamatics Telemetry Systems Chosen to Support Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile

Acroamatics Telemetry Systems (Acroamatics), a Delta Information Systems Company, has been selected by Northrop Grumman to deliver multiple Model 3022AP Portable Multi-function Telemetry Processing Systems in support of the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) program production and test operations.

Northrop Grumman’s AARGM is a supersonic, medium-range, air-launched tactical missile compatible with U.S. and allied strike aircraft. AARGM provides the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, Italian Air Force, and the Royal Australian Airforce with the latest and most advanced weapon system to engage and destroy enemy air defenses and time-critical, mobile targets.

Acroamatics’ Model 3022AP is a real-time, portable Telemetry Data Processing and Simulation System (TDPSS) that features high-performance telemetry acquisition and data processing within a Linux or Windows 10 display and archive environment. This multi-function and modular processing system includes industry-leading RF Receivers, Bit Synchronizers, IRIG 106 Standard Decommutators/Simulators and IRIG Standard Time.

Acroamatics’ Telemetry Data Processing (TDP) striping language allows users to customize various aspects of the system, making the Model 3022AP a future-proof design. Whether the mission calls for a custom data processing function or a unique archive format, the TDP scripting language can be used with the decommutation or data processing modules to quickly support most of the end-use mission’s unique requirements. All of Acroamatics’ Telemetry Data Processing equipment, including the Model 3022AP, has been designed and tested to comply with cyber security standards and platform technologies as they evolve in today’s defense and aerospace engineering sector.