Coast Guard medevacs man 35 miles east of Manasquan Inlet, NJ

U.S. Coast Guard video, courtesy Air Station Atlantic City

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, hoists an ailing man aboard a fishing vessel approximately 35 miles east of Manasquan Inlet, New Jersey, April 29, 2018. The fishing vessel’s captain notified the Coast Guard at about 5:45 p.m. that the man was suffering from a possible stroke and needed a medical evacuation. 

PHILADELPHIA — A Coast Guard aircrew medevaced a 36-year-old man suffering from a possible stroke aboard a fishing vessel approximately 35 miles east of Manasquan Inlet, New Jersey, Sunday evening.

The captain aboard the fishing vessel contacted watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay in Philadelphia at about 5:45 p.m. to request a medical evacuation.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, and the Coast Guard Cutter Sitkinak, homeported in Sandy Hook, New Jersey, launched to assist the ailing man. The helicopter aircrew hoisted the man aboard and brought him to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey.

“The crew of the fishing vessel did a great job notifying the Coast Guard immediately after the incident,” said Lt. Spencer Grinnell, the co-pilot on the case. “It was a challenging night hoist assisted by great coordination between Sector Delaware Bay and the Cutter Sitkinak.”

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LOCKHEED MARTIN OPENS NEW FACILITY TO SUPPORT F-35 PRODUCTION GROWTH

New manufacturing facility expected to bring new jobs to Pinellas Park

PINELLAS PARK, Fla., April 30, 2018/PRNewswire/ -- Elected officials and business community leaders joined Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today in the formal opening of a new manufacturing facility that will create more than 80 new jobs by mid-2019. These new jobs are in addition to the 30 Lockheed Martin jobs added late last year to support the increasing F-35 production rate. The facility is expected to be operational by mid-May.

"Keeping America safe and growing Florida's economy are intertwined," said U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist. "The Lockheed Martin Pinellas facility exemplifies that dynamic, a center of excellence for manufacturing in our own backyard. We're proud of the men and women who work here, producing key components for the most powerful fighter jet the world has ever seen. The F-35 protects U.S interests abroad while returning our pilots home safely."

Lockheed Martin currently employs approximately 270 people at the Pinellas Park operation. The new facility will assemble canopies and bulkheads for the F-35 Lightning II program. The expanded work is a result of the rapid growth of the F-35 production program. The facility, located in Pinellas County, adds 65,500 square feet of manufacturing and office space and is expected to begin delivering parts to the main F-35 production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, by mid-summer.  In 2018 alone, the Pinellas facility will deliver more than 200 F-35 components to support production and sustainment of the growing F-35 fleet.

"This is an exciting day for us in Pinellas Park," said André Trotter, program director and general manager of the Lockheed Martin Pinellas Park operation. "Continued growth and success of the F-35 program is vital to our national security. The hard-working men and women who produce critical components for the F-35 program are what make all of this possible." 

Across Florida, Lockheed Martin operations employ about 14,400 people. In addition to the new jobs in Pinellas Park, Lockheed Martin recently announced an additional 500 jobs by the end of 2019 in Orlando. Work on the F-35 in Florida includes 97 businesses employing nearly 22,500 direct and indirect jobs.

The F-35 provides economic stability to the U.S. and allied nations by creating jobs, commerce and security and contributing to the global trade balance. In 2017, the F-35 program had more than 1,500 suppliers in 46 states and Puerto Rico, employed more than 194,000 people (direct and indirect), and generated an economic impact of over $31 billion. As the program reaches full rate production, there will be an increase in jobs and economic impact.

With stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity and range, the F-35 is the most lethal, survivable and connected fighter aircraft ever built. More than a fighter jet, the F-35's ability to collect, analyze and share data is a powerful force multiplier that enhances all airborne, surface and ground-based assets in the battlespace and enables men and women in uniform to execute their mission and return home safe.

For additional information, visit our websites: www.lockheedmartin.com and www.f35.com.

WORLDWIDE S-92® HELICOPTER FLEET SURPASSES 500,000 HOURS

Las Vegas, Nevada - Serving customers around the world in missions as diverse as the countries flying it, the S-92® global helicopter fleet has surpassed 500,000 flight hours. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), celebrated the milestone at the 2013 Heli-Expo Industry Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“The S-92 helicopter was conceived as a commercial aircraft with the heart of a BLACK HAWK and designed to meet the needs of the North Sea offshore market, and today, the S-92 helicopter is a well established, versatile aircraft that has become known for its reliability, comfort and safety features,” said Mick Maurer, Sikorsky President.

More than 90% of all S-92 hours today are flown in the offshore configuration, with 54% being flown in harsh North Sea conditions. Designers mandated FAR/JAR safety margins, on-condition maintenance and revenue-producing operating costs for commercial customers.

“In the nine years that the S-92 helicopter has been steadily carving its place in the large helicopter market segment, it has grown from the ‘new kid on the block’ proving its potential to a super performer in a variety of missions,” said Carey Bond, President of Sikorsky Global Helicopters.

“Sikorsky is proud of this fleet hour achievement by our S-92 for many reasons – among them are the lives it has saved through search and rescue, the countries that entrust it with the transport of their heads of state, and the service to the offshore oil industry in getting workers to their jobs and home again. Five hundred thousand flight hours is a testament to the reliability of the S-92 aircraft and to the loyalty, trust and commitment of our customers; and for all of that, Sikorsky is both proud and appreciative.”

The S-92 helicopter was introduced in mockup form in 1992 with an unveiling at the Heli-Expo industry show that year in Las Vegas, Nevada. It ultimately made its first flight in 1998 at Sikorsky’s Development Flight Center in Florida. PHI Inc. became its first commercial operator when it purchased the S-92 helicopter in 2004 to perform the offshore oil transport mission.

Today, PHI continues to operate a strong fleet of 24 S-92 helicopters. Al Gonsoulin, PHI Chief Executive Officer, said, “The S-92 is the deepwater aircraft of choice in the Gulf of Mexico; its range, payload and, most importantly, its reliability have greatly supported the expansion of drilling and exploration to some of the farthest points in the Gulf and Alaska. It is a solid performer, day in and day out.”

CHC Helicopter’s S-92 helicopters, now numbering 37 in the company’s worldwide fleet, have logged more than 150,000 hours of flight time – since 2005 for offshore transportation to the oil-and-gas industry, and since 2007 for search-and-rescue missions. “Every day in places around the globe, CHC is taking customers further, enabling them to do more and bringing them home safely,” said William Amelio, CHC’s president and chief executive officer. “Sikorsky and its S-92s are important to fulfilling that purpose.”

Bristow Group’s global fleet includes 49 S-92 helicopters that operate in the North Sea, Canada, Brazil, U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Nigeria. Additionally, Bristow has 18 S-92 helicopters on order and options for 16 more. Bristow’s S-92 fleet has logged over 155,000 hours in its operations in the North Sea, U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Nigeria. William Chiles, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Bristow is the leading provider of helicopter services with an outstanding record in safety performance. We strive to provide operational excellence to our clients by providing the safest, most reliable and efficient service. The S-92 embodies these features as part of our global fleet.”

Sikorsky is marking the milestone by conducting celebrations with its customers. Events are planned in the coming months in the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea region, Brazil, and China. Sikorsky also is hosting an event at its booth at Heli-Expo on March 6 to recognize S-92 helicopter customers.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

Two H125s help rescue climber in Pakistan

Two H125Ms were used in the rescue of a distressed climber on Pakistan’s Nanga Parbat peak. Their transport of four members of a rescue team to within a day’s journey saved crucial time in getting Elisabeth Revol to safety.

January 2018, five members of Pakistan’s Army Aviation HA Squadron received orders from Headquarters Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA) to evacuate climber Tomek Mackiewicz, who was trapped at an elevation of about 7,400 metres on Nanga Parbat, Pakistan (in the Himalayan mountain range) and Elisabeth Revol, at about 6,500 metres.

The mission involved picking up four members of a rescue team who were attempting a winter summit of another peak, K2, and dropping them at Nanga Parbat base camp to extricate Ms. Revol, who was suffering from high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) and frost bite.

On 27 January 2018, the two helicopter crews flew to K2 base camp in marginal weather conditions with clouds 500 feet above the glacier, strong winds of over 35 to 40 knots, low clouds and low visibility. They landed their two H125s at K2 base camp at an elevation of 5,560 metres above sea level.

Each helicopter picked up two members of the rescue crew with their survival equipment, and flew them first to Skardu before attempting the flight to Nanga Parbat base camp. With sunset approaching, the helicopter crews ascertained that Ms. Revol’s survival was only possible if the rescue team were dropped that same day, above the base camp, at Camp 1 of Nanga Parbat.

Faced with bad weather and never having carried out a landing at Camp 1 (at 4,900 metres), the helicopter crew’s experience and skill came to bear at Nanga Parbat, where winds at Camp 1 were over 35 knots. The two helicopters landed -- one skid touching the rocky surface – and the crews dropped off the four members of the rescue team. The helicopter crews’ actions saved the rescue team one day of trekking from Nanga Parbat base camp to Camp 1.

The next morning, the helicopter crews returned to pick up the rescue team with Ms. Revol. A delay in the rescuers’ descent from Camp 1 caused the helicopter crew to land at base camp at 4,300 metres and to switch off the helicopters’ engines at -18° C to save time and resources. (Helicopters are usually not switched off at this altitude and at such low temperatures). When the rescue team neared the base camp, the helicopter crews started up again and Ms. Revol, along with her four rescuers, was brought back to safety.

*Because of the extremely adverse weather conditions and his location on the mountain, rescuers were unable to rescue Tomek Mackiewicz

Coast Guard assists boaters stranded on island in Chesapeake Bay

Photo: Petty Officer 2nd Class Kensuke Caldwell, U.S. Coast Guard District 5

A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, arrives to assist two boaters stranded on Adam Island in the Chesapeake Bay, April 29, 2018. The men intentionally grounded their vessel the previous evening when they became overwhelmed by foul weather conditions.

BALTIMORE — A Coast Guard aircrew safely recovered two men stranded on Adam Island in the Chesapeake Bay this morning.

The men intentionally ran their 17-foot vessel aground on the marshy, unpopulated island after becoming beset by foul weather Saturday night.

One of the boaters' fathers notified watchstanders in the Sector Maryland-National Capital Region’s command center at 9:45 a.m. today that the two men were still stranded and soaking wet on the island.

An already-airborne MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, diverted from a training flight to assist. The crew landed on Adam Island, recovered the two men and transported them to Salisbury Regional Airport in Salisbury, Maryland.

The boaters are scheduled to retrieve their vessel as soon as possible.

"Adverse weather conditions can suddenly emerge and impact anyone's underway voyage at any time," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Terrence Young, operations unit controller for the case. "That's why it's vital to continuously check weather forecasts in your area and prepare for the worst-case scenario by bringing appropriate safety gear and dressing for harsh conditions."

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Asia Pacific’s HEMS, VIP and military markets present opportunities for the H145

Asia Pacific is an active region for the rotorcraft industry, where both the civil and military markets are showing potential for 2018. Among the helicopters generating the greatest interest, the H145 is already at the centre of talks with HEMS, VIP and military operators.

The Asia Pacific region extends from India to New Zealand, covering an area of 16,000 km and comprising the Pacific’s smallest islands to the entire continent of Australia. The region represents 30 percent of the global civil and parapublic helicopter fleet and 25 percent of the global military helicopter fleet. Of the 4,000 helicopters in operation in the civil and parapublic market, Airbus leads Asia Pacific with 40 percent market share, and represents close to 10 percent of the 5,000 military helicopters in operation.

Both of these markets expect to experience steady growth over the next decades. “We believe that the overall market growth in Asia Pacific will be at least 4 percent per year over the next 20 years,” says Fabrice Rochereau, Vice President and Head of Sales for Airbus Helicopters Southeast Asia Pacific.

Multiple avenues for the H145 in the civil market

Among the region’s civil markets expected to see growth, the VIP segment, tourism, and helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) are currently showing the most promise.

For Rochereau, the H145 is the helicopter to fit the bill for these three markets. “The H145 is a great performer. It can land anywhere, even in small spaces,” he says. “And its low sound signature makes it a popular choice for operations in Asia’s largest cities.” Currently, 213 H145s are in service in Asia Pacific, with 127 operators.

Rochereau expects the H145 to be a part of Airbus’ future VIP sales in the region thanks to its compact footprint and low sound levels – two qualities valued by private customers. On the other end of the spectrum, the region’s tourism market is witnessing a transformation to a middle-class demographic with the means and desire to book sightseeing flights. For excursions over water or into mountain ranges, the twin-engine H145’s manoevrability makes for exciting photo ops, all with the added performance it brings in high and hot conditions. Moreover, it is one of a handful of helicopters that meets sound restrictions for flights above the American Grand Canyon.

One of the H145’s largest civil markets for growth in Asia Pacific is HEMS. Well-developed in Australia and Thailand, HEMS is actively developing in other countries of the region. “The H135 and H145 are the world’s best-sellers for HEMS operations,” says Rochereau. “We have two H135s in operation in Malaysia, two H145s in Thailand, as well as 14 H135s and one H145/BK117 D-2 in Japan.” In 2017, Bangkok Helicopter Services became the first Asia Pacific operator to receive an EMS-configured H145.  In the same year, Japan’s Hiratagakuen became that country’s first owner of the H145/BK117 D-2 helicopter, to be deployed for EMS missions in the Nagasaki prefecture.

The numbers attest to the H145’s popularity. In 2017 alone, 76 H145s were ordered by customers globally.

Multi-purpose for the military

On the military side, the region’s defence budgets have traditionally been modest, but are growing. Many countries are seeking to supplement their militaries, while others must consider their fleet replacement requirements. In Thailand, five H145Ms and six H145s are already in use with the country’s navy and army, respectively.

Equipped with HForce, Airbus’ modular weapon system, the H145M offers a system as efficient as that of a combat helicopter such as a Tiger, but at a lower cost. “In Asia Pacific you have countries interested in having this kind of multi-role or armed scout helicopter,” says Rochereau. “The H145M is much more, because we offer a helicopter capable of using weapons but also of transporting forces, performing search and rescue, and carrying out military missions like casevac [casualty evacuation].”

In each country of the region, “there is interest or we are in an active campaign for the H145M,” says Rochereau.

WOW air’s first A330neo rolls out of paintshop

Iceland-based airline continues fleet modernisation

WOW air's first A330neo aircraft has rolled out of the paintshop in Toulouse. The low-fare airline based in Iceland will take delivery of the aircraft on lease from Avolon later in 2018, becoming the third operator of the type worldwide. WOW air is an all-Airbus operator with a fleet of 18 aircraft (15 A320 Family and three A330s). The Airbus fleet will increase to 24 aircraft by the end of 2018.

WOW air was founded in November 2011 and currently serves 36 destinations across Europe, North America and Asia. WOW air selected the A330neo for its low operating costs and excellent fuel efficiency. The aircraft will feature a twin-class cabin layout with 42 premium economy seats and 323 economy seats.

With over 1,700 orders, the A330 is the most popular widebody aircraft ever, having flown nearly one million annual flights. Today, close to 1,400 aircraft have been delivered to 118 customers worldwide on a wide range of routes, from domestic and regional flights to long-range intercontinental services. Offering the lowest operating costs in its category, and thanks to continuous investments in latest innovations, the new generation A330neo will be the most profitable and best performing aircraft in its size category.

SpaceDataHighway starts full Copernicus service

The Airbus-operated SpaceDataHighway has begun regularly relaying data from the Sentinel-2A satellite, after the successful end of the commissioning period. This marks the start of the SpaceDataHighway service using all four Copernicus Sentinel satellites and the beginning of a new era for space-based imagery users.

The first two sets of Earth-observing Copernicus Sentinels-1A and -1B and -2A and -2B are signed up to this service as SpaceDataHighway’s anchor customers under an agreement between the European Union and the European Space Agency (ESA) as owners of the Copernicus programme, and Airbus as the owner and commercial operator of SpaceDataHighway.

Since using the SpaceDataHighway, the Sentinel-1 constellation has increased the amount of data it produces by about 50%. The service is also able to bring operational added-value to Sentinel-1 users by greatly improving the data timeliness for observations outside Europe. This is an important asset for users, especially when it comes to the routine monitoring of remote areas in the domain of maritime applications or assessment of natural disasters and first line response for emergency.

The SpaceDataHighway is the world’s first “optical fibre in the sky” based on cutting-edge laser technology. It will be a unique system of satellites permanently fixed over a network of ground stations, with the first - EDRS-A - already in space. Each day, it can relay up to 40 terabytes of data acquired by observation satellites, UAVs and manned aircraft, at a rate of 1.8 Gbit/s.

The relay satellites are designed to lock on to low-orbiting satellites via laser and collect their data as they travel thousands of kilometres below, scanning Earth. SpaceDataHighway then immediately sends the collected data down to Europe from its higher position hovering in geostationary orbit, acting as a go-between. This process allows the lower satellites to continuously downlink the information they are gathering, instead of having to store it until they travel over their own ground station. That way, they can send down more data, more quickly.

The SpaceDataHighway is a public–private partnership between ESA and Airbus, with the laser terminals developed by Tesat-Spacecom and the DLR German Space Administration. EDRS-A, the first SpaceDataHighway relay satellite launched in January 2016, offers coverage from the American East Coast to India. A second satellite will be launched in 2018. It will double the system’s capacity and extend the coverage and redundancy of the system. Airbus is willing to expand the SpaceDataHighway with a third node, ERDS-D, to be positioned over the Asia-Pacific region.

Coast Guard medevacs 5 injured boaters

Photo: US Coast Guard, MH-65 Dolphin helicopter

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard medevaced five injured boaters 23 nautical miles southeast of Venice, Louisiana, Sunday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a Mayday call on VHF-FM Channel 16 at 12:03 a.m. from a boater stating they had struck a decommissioned rig and multiple persons on board had suffered injuries.

Watchstanders directed the launch of a Response Boat – Medium boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Venice and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans.

The Air Station New Orleans aircrew hoisted two patients, one suffering a broken leg and the other suffering a broken arm and possible collapsed lung. The aircrew transferred the patients to University Medical Center New Orleans in unknown condition.

The Station Venice boatcrew medevaced three patients with minor injuries and transferred them to waiting emergency medical services at Station Venice. The patients were reported to be in stable condition.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

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Coast Guard rescues kayaker near Bulls Bay

A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Facility Charleston takes a photo with Robert Horan, 52, after rescucing him Sunday, April 29, 2018, near Bulls Bay, Soth Carolina. oran stated his kayak capsized and he sustained a shoulder injury preventing him from returning to shore safely.

Photo: U.S. Coast Guard District 7 PADET Jacksonville

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Coast Guard rescued a kayaker Sunday after his kayak capsized near Bulls Bay.

Rescued was Robert Horan, 52, from Mount Pleasant.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Charleston received a call from Horan's wife at 11:00 p.m. stating he had not returned from kayaking.

A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Facility Charleston and a Station Charleston 45-foot Response Boat – Medium crew launched at 12:45 a.m.

The Dolphin crew located Horan at 1:58 a.m., hoisted and transported him to Air Facility Charleston where awaiting EMS transported him to Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital. No injuries were reported.

Horan stated his kayak capsized and he sustained a shoulder injury preventing him from returning to shore safely.

-USCG-

Boeing Announces Global Distribution Agreement for GE Aviation T700 Engines

Agreement supports longevity of prolific turboshaft engine powering global operations

Aviall, a Boeing Company, will market and distribute parts to support the GE Aviation T700 engine which powers some of the world’s most prolific rotorcraft.

CHICAGO, April, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA], through its subsidiary Aviall, today announced it signed a multi-year parts distribution agreement with GE Aviation to support the T700 engine. Under this agreement, Aviall will market and distribute components needed to support the maintenance, repair and overhaul of the GE T700 engine models that power civil and international military helicopters for customers in more than 30 countries.

"GE and Aviall share a strong, strategic relationship, having already signed spares distribution agreements serving our J85, F110, CF6, CFM and CF34 engines," said Cristina Seda-Hoelle, General Manager of GE Aviation's Military Customer Services. "We look forward to working with Aviall to provide the best possible customer experience and further build upon the T700's four-decade legacy."

Since entering production in 1978, the T700 has powered a variety of civilian, commercial and military applications that support transport, medical evacuation, air rescue, marine patrol and defense missions around the world.

"We appreciate the confidence that GE Aviation has placed in us to provide global support to the T700 engine – the engine that is relied upon for so many critical missions," said Eric Strafel, Aviall President and CEO. "We believe this agreement is a testament to our enduring relationship with GE Aviation and our ability to provide value through increased material availability through our 40 international locations and an unwavering commitment to mission preparedness."

Aviall's worldwide distribution network will provide localized support for customers relying on the T700 engine for fleet readiness. As an established global aerospace and defense distributor, Aviall has a long-standing history of connecting customers with strategically-positioned product solutions, designed to meet current and future needs.

Aviall

Aviall operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, supporting both commercial and defense business units within Boeing. Aviall is a leading solutions provider of aftermarket supply chain management services for the aerospace and defense industries. For more information, visit www.aviall.com.

Space Exploration Masters competition is highlighted at the ILA Berlin air show

Contest participants are challenged to identify sustainable concepts for space travel and off-world habitation

For Airbus’ robust presence at this week’s ILA Berlin air show, the strong tie-in to its space-related activities extends to new horizons with a focus on planetary exploration and the creation of life-sustaining environments far from planet Earth.

In partnership with industry-leading companies Air Liquide and Merck KGaA, Airbus is a sponsor of the Space Exploration Masters – a contest to identify technological and business concepts for space travel and logistics, including orbital or planetary fueling capabilities, as well as farming to provide food, water and air purification at remote destinations. Just as on Earth, resource sustainability is the key to long-term survival in space, with sustainable energy storage and recovery processes being crucial to enable long journeys and human habitats upon arrival.

Space-exploration-masters-contest

Space Exploration Masters contest participants are to be judged on a mixture of their proposal’s level of innovation and viability, taking into account technological feasibility and risks.

Prizes include travel to the awards ceremony at the Space for Inspiration conference at Bilbao, Spain (in October 2018), the ability to receive technology and business support in fine-tuning the proposal pitches, and the opportunity to present the winning idea to venture capitalists at the Moon Economic Forum in Luxembourg (November 2018).

Coast Guard medevacs 71-year-old cruise ship passenger off NJ coast

Video: U.S. Coast Guard District 5, Air Station Atlantic City

A Coast Guard aircrew medevacs an ailing man from a cruise ship about 51 miles east of Ocean City, New Jersey, Friday, April 27, 2018. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew launched from Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, hoisted the 71-year-old man and brought him to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A Coast Guard aircrew medevaced a 71-year-old man suffering from possible kidney failure aboard a cruise ship approximately 51 miles east of Ocean City, New Jersey, Friday evening.

The captain aboard the cruise ship Anthem of the Seas contacted watchstanders at the Fifth District Command Center in Portsmouth at 6:20 p.m. to request a medical evacuation.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, launched to assist the ailing man. The helicopter aircrew hoisted the man aboard and brought him to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City.

“It is imperative to alert the Coast Guard to these emergencies as soon as possible,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Reaves, operations unit controller at the command center. “In this case, the timely notification allowed our crews to reach the man and deliver him to higher medical care quickly and efficiently.”

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Future air power

Making manned and unmanned platforms smarter

By connecting a range of manned and unmanned platforms, the Future Combat Air System can help secure European sovereignty and technological leadership in the military aviation sector.

In the past, combat pilots had to do a lot of things by themselves. But times are changing: future air power will be based on a network of intelligent, connected platforms, delivering highly accurate, real-time information.

Airbus and Dassault Aviation have joined forces with the intention of developing and producing Europe’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS). The forward-looking solution will aim to secure European sovereignty and technological leadership in the military aviation sector for the coming decades.

FCAS explained

The FCAS concept comprises a system of systems to connects manned and unmanned air platforms, including a next-generation fighter aircraft, Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the existing fleet of aircraft such as the A400M and Eurofighter, future cruise missiles, and combat drones flying in swarms. Each component is made smarter by connecting them via satellite constellations and cyber-secured networks. The new fighter aircraft would be at the heart of FCAS, able to control unmanned platforms to autonomously carry out multiple tasks .

Ready for future threats

The global environment is increasingly unpredictable, as are challenges to security. Nations must be able to respond at home, abroad and online against a variety of threats. With FCAS, France and Germany are leading the way by jointly developing the next generation of capabilities.

Roadmap for development

The roadmap is a work in progress. Some technologies will mature earlier and be brought into the current aircraft (Eurofighter and Rafale), some will be tested on prototypes and demonstrators, and implemented when fully mature in the final system. The next generation of fighter aircraft are expected to enter service between 2035 and 2040.  

Boeing KC-46 Tanker Program Completes FAA Certification Flight Testing

The KC-46 tanker refuels an F/A-18 aircraft on its centerline drogue system during Supplemental Type Certificate testing. The program recently completed all STC flight tests, which moves it one step closer to first delivery to the U.S. Air Force. (Boeing photo)

EVERETT, Wash., April 26, 2018 – Boeing’s [NYSE: BA] KC-46 tanker program has now completed all required Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) flight tests following a successful refueling/communications flight with a C-17 Globemaster III.

The STC encompasses the military systems installed on the 767-2C aircraft to make it a tanker, and is one of two required FAA airworthiness certifications. Boeing will now submit the resulting data and reports to the FAA for review in advance of the STC award.

“This is a huge milestone for the program and moves us closer to first KC-46 delivery,” said Mike Gibbons, Boeing KC-46A tanker vice president and program manager. “We’ve got the best of Boeing working together to ensure the Air Force is getting a game-changing tanker with unmatched capabilities.”

As part of STC testing, the combined Boeing/Air Force team had to validate both the boom and drogue systems for aerial refueling with multiple receiver aircraft. They also demonstrated the KC-46 can take on fuel from KC-135, KC-10 and other KC-46 tankers, conducted night and day lighting tests and tested the aircraft defensive systems and avionics.

"While the majority of our testing was conducted out of Boeing Field in Seattle, we connected with assets out of Nellis and Edwards Air Force Bases and also travelled to Naval Air Station Patuxent River for centerline drogue system testing,” said Jeanette Croppi, KC-46 test program manager. “This was truly a great team effort.”

Boeing previously received its Amended Type Certificate from the FAA for its core 767-2C configuration in December 2017. The 767-2C is a modified version of the company’s commercial 767 with revised structure, wiring and plumbing.

The program has six aircraft that have supported various segments of ATC and STC testing. Overall they have completed 2,900 flight hours as well as more than 2,500 “contacts” during refueling flights with F-16, F/A-18, AV-8B, C-17, A-10, KC-10 and KC-46 aircraft.

The KC-46, derived from Boeing’s commercial 767 airframe, is built in the company’s Everett, Wash., facility. Boeing is currently on contract for the first 34 of an expected 179 tankers for the U.S. Air Force.

The KC-46A is a multirole tanker that can refuel all allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures and can carry passengers, cargo and patients.

Coast Guard assists disabled vessel in Stephens Passage, Alaska

Photos: Petty Officer 3rd Class Lauren Dean

A Coast Guard Station Juneau 45-foot Response Boat–Medium crew assists the disabled 28-foot bar tender MINI B in Stephens Passage, near Holkham Bay, approximately 38 miles from downtown Juneau, Alaska, April 25, 2018. Vessel tows are a common part of operations for small boat station members across the Coast Guard. 

KODIAK, Alaska – A Coast Guard Station Juneau 45-foot Response Boat–Medium crew assisted the disabled 28-foot bar tender MINI B in Stephens Passage, near Holkham Bay, approximately 38 miles from downtown Juneau, Alaska, Wednesday.

The Station Juneau boatcrew arrived on scene, placed the MINI B in tow, and safely transported the vessel and master to Harris Harbor in Juneau.

Coast Guard Sector Juneau command center watchstanders received notification from the MINI B master at approximately 6:30 a.m., on VHF-FM Channel 16 reporting the vessel was disabled and adrift in the vicinity of Holkham Bay. Sector Juneau launched a Station Juneau RB-M boatcrew to assist the MINI B.

“Even though the person aboard did not seem to be in immediate distress, it is always our job as men and women of the Coast Guard to respond as quickly and safely as we can, ” said Scott Cichoracki, a Coast Guard Sector Juneau watchstander. “Alaska is known to have rapidly changing weather patterns, and this very easily could have escalated into a dangerous situation had we not been able to respond and assist quickly.”

The weather on scene was 17-mph winds, 2-foot seas, and seven miles visibility.

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