Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems have agreed on developing radio frequency countermeasures systems, also known as RFCM systems, for U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command AC/MC-130J turboprops. The development is scheduled to take place later in 2016 and the contracts represent the first phase of a multi-phase program to upgrade survivability of this aircraft.
Clean Sky Technology, Europe’s aerospace research venture has been working on a joint technology initiative to reduce air transport’s environmental footprint and recently took a huge leap in accomplishing one of its goals. This leap was seen in its completion, via Saab in Sweden, of a natural laminar flow wing section. With its innovative design this wing section is supposed to reduce air drag and if applied to the entire wing, could bring a 5-10 percent improvement in fuel consumption. As part of the Blade (Breakthrough Laminar Aircraft Demonstrator in Europe) flight demonstrator this wing section will soon arrive at Spain’s Aernnova plant for assembly. It will eventually be installed on an Airbus A340-300 aircraft for testing purposes
Montreal, Canada-based Bombardier announced that it has delivered a pair of specialized Challenger 605 business jets to the Hong Kong Government Flying Service. The Hong Kong Government Flying Service is tasked with search and rescue (SAR), air ambulance, firefighting, and police missions. The Government Flying Service plans to replace its aging search and rescue fleet used for long-range missions with the new Challenger 605 jets.
The Czech Army has successfully tested the new generation Saab RBS 70 NG missile. Defense and security company Saab recently performed live-fire demonstrations at the Boletice Military Training Area near Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic.
Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation has recently completed the maiden flight for their new Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ), the first passenger plane developed in Japan since the NAMC YS-11 in 1962. This marks a vital step towards the country’s desires of competing internationally as an aircraft manufacturer.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, an American aircraft manufacturer, has recently announced the successful completion of the VH-92A Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program’s Preliminary Design Review (PDR) in Stratford, Connecticut. The company also revealed their acceptance for a second S-92A aircraft for the program, as well as their successful completion of performance testing of mission communications system (MCS) components. “Completing these three milestones on or ahead of schedule is a fantastic accomplishment,” said the Sikorsky program director of the VH-92A, Spencer Elani. “We are committed to executing this program on-time and within budget. These achievements keep this program moving forward.