Sikorsky HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopters Prepare For Flight Test

Fully assembled aircraft tracking to first fligh

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 27, 2019/PRNewswire/ -- Two fully assembled HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopters (CRH), built by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), are preparing for their maiden flights, which will occur before mid-year at the Sikorsky West Palm Beach site in Florida.

Both aircraft, which are being built for the U.S. Air Force, were transported late last year to West Palm Beach following final assembly at Sikorsky's facility in Stratford, Connecticut. The aircraft test readiness review was completed in October 2018. The CRH HH-60W flight test team is currently preparing both aircraft for flight by conducting final installation of instrumentation and ground run testing. This marks formal entry into the flight test program that culminates in Ready Assets Available (RAA), allowing the Air Force to declare Initial Operational Capability (IOC).

"Having these initial HH-60W helicopters in West Palm Beach for flight test is an exciting time for the Sikorsky team. It is the first step toward a low rate initial production decision later this year, which will allow Sikorsky to provide a constant production flow of aircraft to the warfighter," said Greg Hames, Sikorsky director, Combat Rescue Helicopter program. "This is the point in the program when Sikorsky begins providing new aircraft into the warfighters' hands, initiating transition to the vastly more capable and reliable HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter."  

The first of the two HH-60W aircraft will enter flight test with the new Tactical Mission Kit. The integration of sensors, radar, and multiple defense systems will bring added intelligence into the cockpit, enhancing pilots' situational awareness to complete missions, which is key to improving aircraft and isolated personnel survivability. Sikorsky's HH-60W team completed the System Configuration Test Readiness Review milestones for the Tactical Mission Kit last year.

The HH-60W hosts a new fuel system that nearly doubles the capacity of the internal tank on a UH-60M Black Hawk, giving the Air Force crew extended range and more capability to rescue those injured in the battle space. The CRH specification drives more capable defensive system, vulnerability reduction, weapons, cyber-security, environmental, and net-centric requirements than currently held by the HH-60G.

"Our team is working every day to build and deliver a superior quality helicopter to the U.S. Air Force for this critical mission," added Hames. "Both Sikorsky and the Air Force remain committed to achieving a low rate initial production decision this year and getting this much-needed aircraft to our air men and women out in the field." 

A total of nine aircraft will be built in Connecticutduring the Engineering Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of the program ― four EMD aircraft and five System Demonstration Test Articles. The Air Force program of record calls for 112 helicopters to replace its aging HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters.

Coast Guard assesses grounded vessel Don Quixote at Cape Kuliuk, Kodiak, Alaska

A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak HC-130 Hercules aircrew looks for potential pollution at the site of the grounded 76-foot landing craft Don Quixote at Cape Kuliuk, Kodiak Island, Alaska, Feb. 26, 2019.The two crew members aboard were unharmed in the grounding and able to make it to shore. U.S. Coast Guard video by Air Station Kodiak.

KODIAK, Alaska​ — The Coast Guard is working with contractors to mitigate the pollution threat posed by a vessel that ran aground near Cape Kuliuk on Kodiak Island, Tuesday.

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The 76-foot landing craft Don Quixote was intentionally grounded by its operator Tuesday, approximately two miles south of Cape Kuliuk, after it began taking on water with two people aboard.

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The​ vessel remains grounded Wednesday on a pebble beach with an estimated maximum potential of 2,000 gallons of fuel oil onboard.

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The Coast Guard has opened the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. Contractors for Global Diving and Salvage are scheduled to arrive on-scene Thursday to evaluate the vessel's seaworthiness and form a Coast Guard-approved plan to mitigate the pollution threat.

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"Our job is to ensure the potential for pollution in this situation is mitigated," said Lt. James Nunez, incident management division chief for Coast Guard Sector Anchorage. "Protecting the environment is our top priority."

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A Coast Guard overflight Wednesday morning confirmed minor sheening in the vicinity of the grounded vessel.

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The Coast Guard initially launched two MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews and a C-130 Hercules Aircraft crew from Air Station Kodiak in response to distress calls made from the Don Quixote. Crews delivered dewatering pumps to help with the flooding.

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The cause of the flooding has not yet been verified by the Coast Guard.

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-USCG-

Boeing Signs Deal for Up to 42 777X Airplanes with International Airlines Group

IAG's British Airways picks the 777X to modernize a major part of its long-haul fleet

777X builds on 777 and 787 Dreamliner technology; will be world's largest, most efficient twin-aisle jet

LONDON, Feb. 28, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and International Airlines Group, the parent company of British Airways, announced the airline has committed to purchasing up to 42 777X airplanes, including 18 orders and 24 options. The airline joins a group of leading carriers that have selected the new 777-9, which will debut next month as the largest and most efficient twin-engine passenger jet in the world.

The commitment, valued at up to $18.6 billion at list prices, will be reflected on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website once it is finalized.

"The new 777-9 is the world's most fuel efficient longhaul aircraft and will bring many benefits to British Airways' fleet. It's the ideal replacement for the 747 and its size and range will be an excellent fit for the airline's existing network," said Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive. "This aircraft will provide further cost efficiencies and environmental benefits with fuel cost per seat improvements of 30 per cent compared to the 747. It also provides an enhanced passenger experience."

British Airways has been modernizing its fleet – one of the largest in the airline industry – to more efficiently serve its extensive global route network. In recent years, the airline has introduced the super-efficient 787 Dreamliner family to replace its medium-sized widebody jets. The new 777-9 will replace British Airways' larger widebody airplanes, mainly the four-engine 747 jumbo jet.

In ordering the 777-9, British Airways extends a long-running relationship with the popular 777 family. The airline is one of the largest 777 operators with a fleet of nearly 60 of the long-range jet. The airline last year committed to four more 777-300ER (Extended Range) jets via operating lease.

The 777-9 is larger and has a slightly wider cabin than current 777s, which provides the ability to comfortably sit 400-425 passengers in a standard two-class cabin. Powered by 787 Dreamliner technologies, an all-new composite wing, and other enhancements, the 777-9 offers airlines 12 percent lower fuel consumption than competing airplanes. The 777-9 can also fly farther than its predecessors with a standard range of 7,600 nautical miles (14,075 kilometers).

The 777X will also debut a redesigned cabin that incorporates popular 787 features and new technologies. Recently unveiled online, the 777X interior offers larger windows, a wider cabin, new lighting, while providing passengers with a smoother ride, better cabin altitude, humidity, and sound quality.

"British Airways is one of the most iconic international carriers, now in its 100th year of connecting the world with its impressive route network. We are honored that British Airways has selected the 777X as part of its fleet for its next century. Together with the 787 Dreamliner, we are excited for the 777X to help British Airways build on its incredible legacy," said Kevin McAllister, president & CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 777-9, in particular, simply has no competitor in its class when it comes to efficiency and performance. It is the right-sized airplane for British Airways to efficiently serve long-range routes with heavy passenger demand." 

The selection by IAG and British Airways puts the 777X at 358 orders and commitments from eight customers. Production of the 777X began in 2017, with first flight planned for this year and first delivery expected in 2020.

Boeing introduces new unmanned system for global defense customers

Boeing Airpower Teaming System will provide multi-mission support for air control missions

Designed for in-country customization and growth of sovereign capabilities

Boeing’s first unmanned aircraft developed in Australia

MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 27, 2019 —Boeing [NYSE: BA] has introduced its newest unmanned platform, the Boeing Airpower Teaming System.

Designed for global defense customers by Boeing Australia, it is the company’s largest investment in a new unmanned aircraft program outside the United States.

The aircraft will complement and extend airborne missions through smart teaming with existing military aircraft.

A model of the Boeing Airpower Teaming System was unveiled at the Australian International Airshow by the Australian Minister for Defence, the Hon. Christopher Pyne MP. As a research and development activity, the Australian Government and Boeing will produce a concept demonstrator called the Loyal Wingman – Advanced Development Program that will provide key learnings toward the production of the Boeing Airpower Teaming System.

“The Boeing Airpower Teaming System will provide a disruptive advantage for allied forces’ manned/unmanned missions,” said Kristin Robertson, vice president and general manager of Boeing Autonomous Systems. “With its ability to reconfigure quickly and perform different types of missions in tandem with other aircraft, our newest addition to Boeing’s portfolio will truly be a force multiplier as it protects and projects air power.”

The Boeing Airpower Teaming System will:
-- Provide fighter-like performance, measuring 38 feet long (11.7 metres) and able to fly more than 2,000 nautical miles
-- Integrate sensor packages onboard to support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and electronic warfare
-- Use artificial intelligence to fly independently or in support of manned aircraft while maintaining safe distance between other aircraft.

“This aircraft is a historic endeavor for Boeing. Not only is it developed outside the United States, it is also designed so that our global customers can integrate local content to meet their country-specific requirements,” said Marc Allen, president, Boeing International. “The Boeing Airpower Teaming System provides a transformational capability in terms of defense, and our customers – led by Australia – effectively become partners on the program with the ability to grow their own sovereign capabilities to support it, including a high-tech workforce.”

First flight is planned for 2020.

Boeing, Vietjet Announce Order for 100 737 MAX Airplanes

Signing ceremony witnessed by U.S. President Trump, Vietnamese President Trong

Deal includes 80 of the larger 737 MAX 10 model

HANOI, Vietnam, Feb. 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Vietjet [HOSE: VJC] confirmed that the innovative and growing Vietnamese carrier has purchased 100 additional 737 MAX airplanes, taking their MAX order book to 200 jets. During a signing ceremony today in Hanoi, United States President Donald Trump and Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong joined leaders of both companies to unveil the $12.7 billion order, according to list prices.

The deal includes 20 MAX 8s and 80 of the new, larger MAX 10 variant, which will have the lowest seat-mile costs for a single-aisle airplane and be the most profitable jet in its market segment. The order was previously unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website.

In ordering 80 MAX 10s, Vietjet becomes the largest Asian customer of the airplane type. The carrier plans to use the added capacity to meet growing demand across Vietnam, as well as to serve popular destinations throughout Asia.

"The deal for 200 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes today is an important move for us to keep up with our international flight network expansion plan with a higher capacity, thus offering our passengers with more exciting experiences when being able to fly to more new international destinations," said Madam Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo, President and CEO of Vietjet. "I believe that our fleet will have breakthroughs thanks to new-generation technologies, which helps improve flight quality and enhance operational reliability, while reducing operating costs in the future. Passengers will then have more opportunities to fly with reasonable fares. The contract signing ceremony, which is witnessed by the top leaders of Vietnam and the US on the occasion of the US-North Korea Summit in Hanoi, will mark a milestone in the two companies' growth path."

Vietjet placed its first order for 100 737 MAX airplanes in 2016, which set the mark for the largest commercial jet purchase in Vietnam'saviation sector at the time.

"We are pleased to expand our partnership with Vietjet and to support their impressive growth with new, advanced airplanes such as the 737 MAX. We are confident the MAX will help Vietjet grow more efficiently and provide great travel experiences for their passengers," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO Kevin McAllister. "The economic expansion in Hanoi and across Vietnam is impressive. Vietjet and the country's burgeoning aviation sector are clearly enablers, helping to stimulate travel within Vietnamand connecting Vietnam with the rest of Asia. We are proud to support this economic development, which in turn supports engineering and manufacturing jobs in the United States."

In addition to airplane purchases, Boeing will partner with Vietjet to enhance technical and engineering expertise, train pilots and technicians, and improve management capabilities at the airline and in Vietnam.

The carrier also uses Boeing's digital solutions to optimize its operations, including flight planning & Tech Log Book.

Boeing and Bamboo Airways Announce Order for 10 787 Dreamliners

Deal marks a major widebody airplane purchase by the Vietnamese airline

Super-efficient, long-range 787-9 to enable Bamboo to launch new international routes

HANOI, Vietnam, Feb. 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Bamboo Airways today confirmed an order for 10 787-9 Dreamliners valued at $3 billion according to list prices. The order for the super-efficient and longest-range member of the Dreamliner family was unveiled during a signing ceremony in Hanoi, witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and General Secretary and President of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong.

"We are excited to be adding the new 787 Dreamliner to our growing fleet," said Mr. Trinh Van Quyet, Chairman of FLC Group and owner of Bamboo Airways. "Our long-term vision is to connect Vietnam with key markets in Asia, Europeand North America and the Dreamliner will enable us to launch these long-haul operations. The 787's superior operating economics and efficiency, as well as the passenger pleasing interior of the Dreamliner, will allow us to successfully grow our business while enabling us to better serve our customers."

This order was previously unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website.

Bamboo Airways, a startup airline founded in 2017, began commercial operations in January, offering flights linking the capital of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with cities in Vietnam. The airline plans on offering up to 40 domestic routes in 2019. Additionally, Bamboo is preparing to launch international service to Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan and Australia, before broadening service to other destinations in Asia, Europe, and North America.

"The 787 Dreamliner's unmatched efficiency, range and flexibility make it the perfect airplane for Bamboo Airways to achieve its long-range ambitions. We are excited to advance the partnership between Boeing and Bamboo Airways and we look forward to helping them connect Asiawith Europe, North America and beyond," said Kevin McAllister, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The 787 Dreamliner family allows airlines to fly long ranges while reducing fuel costs by more than 20 percent compared to previous widebody jets. The Dreamliner's superior efficiency and range have allowed airlines to open more than 210 new non-stops routes around the world since it entered service.

At 63 meters (206 feet), the 787-9 can fly 290 passengers, in a typical two-class configuration, up to 7,635 nautical miles (14,140 kilometers). The airplane is 6 meters longer than the original Dreamliner and is capable of carrying more passengers and flying farther.

The 787 Dreamliner is the fastest-selling widebody airplane in history with more than 1,400 orders from 75 customers since its launch. Nearly 800 Dreamliners have entered service around the world, helping airlines save 33 billion pounds of fuel.

Bamboo Airways is wholly-owned by the FLC Group, a Vietnamese multi-industry company, focusing on aviation, real estate, resorts, farming, and golf.

Leonardo and Northrop Grumman Australia Sign a Memorandum of Understanding for C-27J Through Life Support in New Zealand

Leonardo  and  Northrop  Grumman  Australia  have  signed  a  Memorandum  of  Understanding  (MOU)  to  partner on  C-27J  through  life  support  services  in  New  Zealand.    Under  the memorandum,  Leonardo,  manufacturer  of the  C-27J  Spartan  tactical  airlifter,  and  Northrop  Grumman  Australia  Pty  Limited,  a  leading  provider  of  regional aircraft  and  electronic  component  sustainment  services,  will  jointly  bid  the  incoming  Future  Air  Mobility Capability  (FAMC)  Program  of  the  Royal  New  Zealand  Air  Force  (RNZAF).  The  parties  will  use  their  existing relationship  to  offer  the  C-27J  to  New  Zealand  as a  replacement  for  the  aging  C-130H  fleet.   

Leonardo,  together  with  Northrop  Grumman  Australia,  will  bring  a  whole-of-life  sustainment  approach  to  the C-27J,  and  a  roadmap  for  future  modernisation  and  upgrades  using  extensive  reach-back  and  sovereign capabilities.  The  versatility  of  the  C-27J,  combined  with  Northrop  Grumman  Australia’s  proven  track  record  and exemplary  performance  with  the  Royal  Australian  Air  Force  (RAAF)  Spartan  fleet,  will  allow  the  RNZAF  to seamlessly  perform  the  widest  range  of  airlift  missions,  along  with  humanitarian  aid  &  disaster  relief,  search  & rescue  and  VIP  transport,  in  the  harshest  environmental  scenarios. 

Maurizio  De  Mitri,  Marketing  and  Sales  Director  at  Leonardo  Aircraft,  said:  “with  this partnership  we  want  to make  Australia  our  hub  for  the  C-27J  in  the  region  to  provide  New  Zealand  with  true  excellence  not  only  in terms  of  product,  but  also  in  terms  of  services,  to  ensure  decades  of  efficient  transport  and  relief  operations. The  successful  experience  of  the  RAAF  fleet  is  a  testament  to  our  commitment  and  we  are  convinced  that  New Zealand  would receive  significant  advantages  by  becoming  the  next  Spartan  Customer.” 

“We  are  excited  to  be  able  to  take  our  combined  strengths  and  deep  knowledge  of  C-27J  and  deliver  highly optimised  services  and  support  to  regional  customers,”  says  Nic  Maan,  director  of  Northrop  Grumman Australia,  Technology  Services  sector.  “This  MoU  confirms  the  importance  of  the  establishment  of  this  strategic partnership  between  Northrop  Grumman  Australia  and  Leonardo,  as  it  brings  together  the  two organisations best  placed  to deliver  C-27J  operations  in  New  Zealand,”  Maan adds.   

The  Northrop  Grumman  Australia  team of more  than fifty personnel  at  RAAF Base  Richmond provides logistics, engineering,  modernisation  and  upgrade  capabilities  to  provide  forward-thinking  analytical  solutions  for  the  C27J  platform.  The  team  delivers  a  predictive,  holistic  and  continually  optimised  approach  to  provide  gamechanging  mission  readiness and  anticipate  necessary  modernisations and  enhancements to  the  fleet.   

The  Leonardo  C-27J  Spartan  has  been  designed  as  a  true  military  tactical/battlefield  airlifter  to  routinely operate  from  short  austere  airstrips.  The  Spartan  offers  unique  qualities,  not  found  in  aircraft  of  the  same  class or  derived  from  commercial  turboprops,  such  as:  ruggedness,  reliability,  outstanding  survivability  and maneuverability.  The  aircraft  has  the  capability  to  perform  autonomous  operations  from  remote  areas  and  is qualified  to  perform  short  take-offs  and  landings  on  any  type  of  unprepared  airstrips  (snow,  sand,  gravel  and grass).  The  C-27J  is  currently  in  operation  globally  with  various  military  services,  including  the  U.S.  Army,  U.S. Coast  Guard,  Italian  Air  Force  and  the  Royal  Australian  Air  Force.

Airbus mission-ready products take centre stage at Heli-Expo 2019

- Static display includes enhanced H145, law enforcement H125, private & business aviation ACH145, emergency medical services H160

- HCare customer support solutions that bring value to customers

- Innovation corner with high-speed Racer mock-up

Marignane – Airbus Helicopters is gearing up to showcase its mission-ready product and services line at this year’s Heli-Expo trade show, taking place from 5 -7 March at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. On static display at booth C305, show-goers will have a chance to visit the best-selling H145 and to discover its exciting new features, the H125 in a law enforcement configuration, and also to take a moment to experience the cabin display of the increasingly popular ACH145, equipped with an elegant Mercedes-Benz Style interior, part of the quality offerings across the Airbus Corporate Helicopters product range. The conceptual EMS mock-up of the H160 will also be making its U.S. debut for visitors to witness first-hand the exceptional work-space that the cabin provides for these critical, life-saving missions.

“This year’s Heli-Expo will focus on how we constantly strive to provide customers with products adapted to their missions, however varied those may be, and the right services to allow them to focus solely on performing those missions successfully,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “We will also demonstrate how Airbus is working to prepare the future of flight, displaying a scale mock-up of the Racer high-speed demonstrator on our booth and providing updates on our Urban Air Mobility strategy,” he added.

HCare, Airbus’ global customer support and service offer, will be at the heart of the booth with experts on hand to show how customers can improve the availability of their aircraft, optimize their costs, advance flight safety, and improve the asset value of aircraft. Daily service demonstrations, particularly of new digital services, will be performed on the Airbus booth.

Airbus will also be conducting flight demonstrations with an H135 in a U.S. Navy paint scheme, as the company is offering a partnership with the U.S. Navy to deliver the versatile H135 as the best-value training solution for its rotary-wing fleet replacement. The IFR -certified H135, a market leader in the twin engine category, is a proven and low-risk modern airframe that will allow the U.S. Navy to enhance its training curriculum. With a fleet of 1,300+ aircraft, and a proven operational availability rate greater than 90%, it is also one of the most dependable aircraft on the market. 

Stay tuned for updates throughout the show by following us on Twitter: @AirbusHeli, @AirbusPress, Instagram @airbus_helicopters and Facebook. Showgoers can also download the Airbus HPress news app available for Android and Apple devices to keep up with all of the news during the show.

Airbus entrega el primer Eurofighter Trancha 1 actualizado al Ejército del Aire

Getafe, 25 Febrero 2019 – Airbus ha entregado al Ejército del Aire el primer Eurofighter monoplaza de la Trancha 1 (Tranche 1) actualizado. Los trabajos, llevados a cabo en las instalaciones de Airbus en Getafe, han consistido en la introducción de las modificaciones de hardware que soporten el Operational Flight Program 02 (OFP-02), desarrollado por el Centro Logístico de Armamento y Experimentación (CLAEX). Airbus ha diseñado modificaciones que incluyen la instalación de equipos de Tranche 2 y 3 como el Computer Symbol Generator, Digital Video and Voice Recorder, Laser Designator POD o Maintenance Data Panel.

Este primer Eurofighter, con número de serie SS003, junto con un segundo avión biplaza que ya está siendo actualizado, se utilizará en primera instancia como avión experimental del CLAEX para la calificación de este nuevo paquete de funcionalidades que se implantará en el resto de los 15 aviones de flota de Eurofighter Tranche 1 del Ejército del Aire. 

Coast Guard, partner agencies participate in Operation Patriot Sands

An Air Force C-17 Globemaster cargo airplane on the tarmac at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, Feb. 23, 2019. Operation Patriot Sands is an annual Air Force exercise in which agencies learn to properly prepare equipment, resources, and assets for tactical air mobility. Coast Guard Photo by Ensign Phillip Atkinson.

MIAMI—Coast Guard​ Maritime Safety and Security Team Miami, the​ Air Force, FBI, Miami Fire and Rescue and Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1 participated in the joint training exercise, Operation Patriot Sands, Saturday, at the Homestead Air Reserve Base.

Operation Patriot Sands is an annual Air Force exercise in which agencies learn to properly prepare equipment, resources, and assets for tactical air mobility. This includes the standardization of weighing, fueling, inspecting, and securing the load prior to take-off. During the exercise, the MSST worked with partner agencies to properly load a Coast Guard 29-foot Response Boat—Small into an Air Force C-17 Globemaster cargo airplane and fly with the asset onboard to conduct a load test.

“The training is an excellent example of how the Coast Guard, the Air Force, and supporting agencies remain mission ready, relevant, and responsive,” said​ Lt. Cmdr. Saladin Shelton, commanding officer of Coast Guard MSST Miami. "Conducting air lifts like this offers Coast Guard deployable specialized forces a high degree of speed, range, and flexibility to maximize response time in any given situation."

For more breaking news follow us on​ Twitter.

-USCG-

Leonardo announces three AW139 helicopters for Victoria Police of Australia

- With these helicopters  Leonardo strengthens  the  AW139 presence  in  Australia,  being already the  leading  helicopter for EMS,  and  add  to  the  over  120  Leonardo  aircraft  in the  Country

- The AW139 is a  world-class leader  with nearly 1100 units ordered  and  more  than  900 in  service,  many of  them  for  government  and  public  service  tasks 

- The APAC  region will see the  strongest growth in  the public service  helicopter  market and  Leonardo  state  of  the  art  AW139,  AW169  and  AW189  are  the  ideal  models 

Melbourne, 26  February  2019  -  Leonardo  has  announced  today  the  choice  for  three  AW139 intermediate  twin  engine  helicopters  as  part  of  Victoria  Police  Air  Wing’s  fleet  modernization effort  to  provide  enhanced  airborne  capabilities.  The  helicopters  will  be  supplied  by  StarFlight Victoria  to  carry  out  a  range  of  law  enforcement,  patrol  and  surveillance,  and  maritime  search and  rescue  missions  from  the  Essendon  Airport  on  behalf  of  the  Victoria  Police  Air  Wing.  The AW139s  will  be  delivered  from  Leonardo’s  Vergiate  final  assembly  line  facility  in  Italy  in  late 2019  and  will  enter  service  in  2020  following  dedicated  mission  customization.  

Configured  for  policing  operations  across  the  State  of  Victoria,  the  new  aircraft  will  feature  a wide  range  of  tailored  equipment  including, among  others,  advanced  mission  console,  camera, wire  cutter  and  rescue  hoist.  This  latest  contract  marks  a  further  outstanding  success  for  the best-selling  AW139  in  Australia,  being  already  the  leading  model  for  Emergency  Medical Service  (EMS)  nationwide.  Nearly  120  civil,  public  utility  and  military  helicopters  of  various models  have  been  sold  by  Leonardo  in  the  country  to  date.   

The AW139 is part  of  the  Leonardo’s  Family  of  new generation helicopters  that also  includes  the AW169  and  AW189  models,  which  possess  the  same  high  performance  flight  characteristics and  safety  features  as  well  as  sharing  a  common  cockpit  layout,  design  philosophy  and maintenance/training  concept.  These  helicopters  are  ideal  for  law  enforcement,  EMS  and parapublic  missions  thanks  to  their  capability,  reliability  and  safety. 

Northrop Grumman Delivers 500th Center Fuselage for the F-35 Lightning II

An F-35 technician performs a skin assembly process with work instructions projected on the structure as one of the innovative solutions for high rate military aircraft production. A core structure of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft, the center fuselage is produced on Northrop Grumman's integrated assembly line at its Palmdale Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence.

PALMDALE, Calif. – Feb. 25, 2019 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has completed the 500th center fuselage for the F-35 Lightning II – ahead of schedule. 

“We deliver an F-35 center fuselage every 36 hours and I am very proud to say we have made all our deliveries since the inception of the program,” said Frank Carus, vice president and F-35 program manager, Northrop Grumman. “Our dedicated team works closely with the customer and suppliers to improve quality and affordability in support of the warfighter.”

Designated AU-18, the 500th F-35 center fuselage is for a conventional takeoff and landing variant for the Royal Australian Air Force. Northrop Grumman began production on the AU-18 center fuselage in June 2018 and completed work on Feb. 21. Northrop Grumman has been producing center fuselages for all three F-35 variants since May 2004.

“We have set the standard for the production of military aircraft,” said Kevin Mickey, sector vice president and general manager, military aircraft systems, Northrop Grumman. “Our teams and suppliers are constantly finding better, more affordable ways to deliver a superior product on-time, at-cost and, as with this center fuselage, ahead of schedule. When you couple this level of commitment with advanced manufacturing technologies, it’s just a win-win situation for us, our customer and the warfighter.”

A core structure of the F-35 aircraft, the center fuselage is designed and produced on Northrop Grumman's integrated assembly line, a state-of-the-art facility supported by technologies exclusive to or pioneered by Northrop Grumman bringing together robotics, autonomous systems, virtual 3D and predictive automation to the forefront of center fuselage production.

Lockheed Martin is the industry lead for the F-35 program and Northrop Grumman plays a key role in the development, modernization, sustainment and production of the F-35. In addition to producing the center fuselage and wing skins for the aircraft, the company develops, produces and maintains several sensor systems, avionics, mission systems and mission-planning software, pilot and maintainer training systems courseware, electronic warfare simulation test capability, and low-observable technologies.

F-35 Lightning II

The F-35 Lightning II is a stealthy, supersonic, multirole fighter designed to meet the requirements of the United States and allied defense forces worldwide for an affordable next generation fighter. It will replace a wide range of aging fighter and strike aircraft currently in the inventories of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied defense forces.

Northrop Grumman is a principal member of the Lockheed Martin-led industry team, which is developing and producing three variants. The F-35A is the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, the F-35B is the short takeoff-vertical landing (STOVL) variant, and the F-35C is the carrier variant (CV).

Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus Spacecraft Successfully Concludes Mission to the International Space Station

Company’s 10th cargo supply mission featured expanded commercial capabilities for Cygnus spacecraft

Dulles, Va. – Feb. 25, 2019 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announced that the company successfully completed its 10th cargo supply mission to the International Space Station under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services (CRS-1) contract.

From Feb. 8, 2019 when Northrop Grumman’s “S.S. John Young” Cygnus spacecraft left the International Space Station after delivering approximately 7,400 pounds of cargo to astronauts on board. The spacecraft successfully completed its tenth cargo supply mission to the International Space Station on Feb. 25. (Credit: NASA)

During the mission, the “S.S. John Young” Cygnus met the needs of multiple customers throughout this flight to the International Space Station. The spacecraft removed more than 5,500 pounds (2,500 kilograms) of disposal cargo from the space station.

After departure, the extended mission included the deployment of three CubeSats via the NanoRacks External Cygnus Deployer at two different altitudes and two CubeSats from the Slingshot CubeSat Deployer System. Slingshot, a new commercial customer for Cygnus, is a flexible platform that can fly hosted payloads and CubeSats. The spacecraft also operated a commercial powered payload for another new customer, UbiquitiLink, Inc. These innovative uses of Cygnus beyond the primary mission demonstrate expanded commercial opportunities enabled by partnerships built through the space station.  

“It was a flawless mission for Cygnus that further demonstrated its ability to operate as an in-orbit science platform and launch pad for deployment of commercial CubeSats on extended missions,” said Frank DeMauro, vice president and general manager, space systems, Northrop Grumman. “Now, we turn our attention to the next launch this spring where Cygnus will fly on an extended duration mission to further demonstrate its abilities as in-orbit test platform. These capabilities will showcase Cygnus as an evolving space vehicle that can build on the positive impact of the space station to grow new commercial partnerships.”

The mission officially concluded on Feb. 25 at 4:05 a.m. EST when Cygnus performed a safe, destructive re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean east of New Zealand. The mission began Nov. 17, 2018, when Cygnus launched aboard a Northrop Grumman Antares™ rocket from NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Upon arrival at the orbiting laboratory, Cygnus delivered approximately 7,400 pounds (3,350 kilograms) of cargo, supplies and scientific experiments to the astronauts. It remained docked for 81 days at the orbiting laboratory before departing the space station on Feb. 8.

The next Cygnus launch, known as the NG-11 mission, is currently scheduled in mid-April. This will be the final mission under Northrop Grumman’s CRS-1 contract with NASA before starting the CRS-2 contract missions in the fall of 2019.