Northrop Grumman’s Firebird Capability Showcased at XPONENTIAL

Firebird Supplier Summit scheduled for summer 2019 in San Diego

SAN DIEGO – April 29, 2019 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) will be highlighting Firebird capabilities with potential suppliers and business partners at XPONENTIAL. Firebird is an ultra-flexible, proven airframe with autonomous mission capability. Available in manned, autonomous and optionally piloted configurations, Firebird is designed to provide ISR payload and cockpit flexibility through truly open architecture and plug-and-play payload integration. The system’s unique hardware- and software enable users to carry out a wide range of ISR missions for 30 plus hours at approximately 25,000 feet. 

Chappel will be speaking at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International’s XPONENTIAL trade show in Chicago on April 29 at 3 p.m. CST.

“At the heart of Firebird’s architecture are flexibility and rapid mission capability integration,” said Brian Chappel, vice president, autonomous systems, Northrop Grumman. “This architecture has been flown with over two dozen payloads, from electro-optic and infrared cameras to radar and signals and communications payloads, with demonstrations of up to five sensors operating simultaneously. By working with new hardware and software partners, we can bring even greater capabilities to Firebird thanks to the systems’ open architecture.”

Chappel will be speaking at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International’s XPONENTIAL trade show in Chicago on April 29 at 3 p.m. CST. His Trending Topics discussion will be held in room S402a and will focus on how flexibility is driving the future of autonomous systems.

Available in manned, autonomous and optionally piloted configurations, Firebird is designed to provide ISR payload and cockpit flexibility through truly open architecture and plug-and-play payload integration.

Firebird is equipped with wide band Line-of-Sight (LoS) and Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLoS) data links, onboard storage and accessible processing for rapid data exploitation to ensure timely completion of missions. The system’s unique design allows sensors to be changed rapidly as plug-and-play devices, reducing ‘first time’ payload integration time from months to days and enabling rapid field changes in less than an hour to increase operational availability and tailored mission suitability.

Coast Guard rescues two Canadians after mayday call

An MH-65 Dolphin aircrew, from Sector Field Office Port Angeles, hoists two stranded boaters off a beach near Tsusiat Falls, British Columbia, April 28, 2019.

The boaters were transferred from the Coast Guard to a Royal Canadian Navy aircrew at Neah Bay, Wash.

U.S. Coast Guard video by Sector Field Office Port Angeles.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Sector Field Office Port Angeles, Wash., transfers two patients to a Royal Canadian helicopter at Neah Bay, Wash., April 28, 2019.

The Coast Guard aircrew rescued two boaters from a beach near Tsusiat Falls, British Columbia after the boaters made a mayday call.

U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy Sector Field Office Port Angeles.

PORT ANGELES, Wash. — The Coast Guard rescued two people off a beach near Tsusiat Falls, British Columbia, after the boaters made a mayday call Sunday afternoon.

An MH-65 Dolphin aircrew from Sector Field Office Port Angeles hoisted the two people suffering symptoms related to hypothermia and transferred them to a Royal Canadian helicopter aircrew in Neah Bay, Wash.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound responded to a mayday call on VHF-FM channel 16​ at 2:20 p.m., and coordinated a response through the Royal Canadian Command Centre. The mayday call was made from Canadian waters, but the aircrew from Port Angeles was the closest asset that was able to conduct the rescue.

The Dolphin aircrew arrived on scene at 3:13 p.m., and conducted the hoist before transporting the boaters to Neah Bay where they rendezvoused with the Canadian aircrew.

The boaters reportedly were taking on water in surf conditions, but were able to safely get to shore.

​

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Leonardo firma un contrato por valor de 380 millones de euros con el Ministerio de Defensa de Polonia para helicópteros navales multirole

Swidnik, Polonia 26 de abril de 2019

- El contrato incluye cuatro AW101 y un paquete completo de apoyo logístico y capacitación; PZL-Świdnik, parte de la División de Helicópteros, será el contratista principal.

- Los helicópteros tendrán las misiones de combate de amenaza submarina, búsqueda y el rescate y la recuperación de personal, con entregas previstas hasta 2022.

- Profumo: “Un importante paso adelante en el fortalecimiento de la larga colaboración con el Ministerio de Defensa y la industria polaca. Reafirmamos nuestro compromiso con un mayor crecimiento y nuevas oportunidades de colaboración en el país”.

- La presencia de Leonardo en Polonia garantiza una coordinación más sólida y efectiva en todas las áreas de negocios, para beneficio de todos los clientes y partes interesadas en el país.

Leonardo anunció ayer la firma de un contrato por un valor aproximado de 380 millones de euros (1,65 mil millones de zlotys) que permitirá un significativo fortalecimiento de las capacidades de los helicópteros de la Armada polaca. A través de PZL-Świdnik, parte de la División de Helicópteros y sede de su presencia industrial en Polonia, Leonardo proporcionará al Ministerio de Defensa del país cuatro helicópteros AW101 además de un paquete completo de apoyo logístico y servicios de capacitación.

PZL-Świdnik, que actuará como contratista principal y será responsable de la ejecución del contrato, ha sido elegido tras una minuciosa evaluación, demostrando su capacidad de cumplir con todos los requisitos del Ministerio de Defensa polaco. PZL-Świdnik entregará y apoyará las necesidades técnicas de los helicópteros navales multirole más sofisticados actualmente disponibles en el mercado, en servicio en varios de los países más importantes de la OTAN. La planta de Leonardo en Świdnik desempeña un importante papel en la producción de todos los AW101 encargados en todo el mundo.  

El AW101 se utilizará para diversas misiones, entre ellas ASW, SAR, CSAR, traslado y recuperación de personal, con entregas previstas para el año 2022. La firma de este contrato sigue el acuerdo de compensación recientemente anunciado por 90 millones de euros (400 millones de zlotys).

El contrato se firmó ayer en presencia del Primer Ministro, Mateusz Morawiecki, el Ministro de Defensa, Mariusz Błaszczak, y el Director Gerente de Leonardo, Alessandro Profumo, durante una ceremonia oficial en la planta de Świdnik.    

Alessandro Profumo, CEO de Leonardo: "Estamos orgullosos de esta nueva demostración de confianza en Leonardo por parte del Ministerio de Defensa polaco. Hoy vemos confirmado una vez más nuestro papel como socio clave en la defensa nacional, en el apoyo a la modernización de las Fuerzas Armadas y para un mayor crecimiento tecnológico e industrial en Polonia. Estamos comprometidos a fortalecer aún más nuestra presencia y nuestra contribución al país, uno de los mercados internos de Leonardo en el que existen nuevas oportunidades significativas de colaboración en el futuro ".

Gian Piero Cutillo, Jefe de la División de Helicópteros Leonardo: "El suministro del AW101 a Polonia, el mejor helicóptero naval del mundo, permitirá a su Armada cumplir con los estrictos requisitos para garantizar la seguridad nacional en el Mar Báltico y en otras Operaciones de la OTAN. También permitirá misiones de rescate en las condiciones más extremas y con niveles de eficacia sin precedentes, beneficiándose del liderazgo de Leonardo en el campo de los helicópteros navales. Además, la amplia colaboración industrial prevista por el acuerdo de compensación garantizará la seguridad y la autonomía de gestión en el uso de la flota".

Para consolidar aún más su presencia en Polonia y fomentar el desarrollo empresarial, Leonardo también ha establecido Leonardo Poland, con sede en Varsovia, con la tarea de presentar y promover toda su gama de tecnologías y productos. Leonardo Polonia apoyará las necesidades de sus clientes durante todo el ciclo de vida de los diferentes programas, desarrollará nuevas asociaciones con la industria polaca y garantizará una mayor proximidad. Marco Lupo actuará como presidente de la compañía en Polonia, con el objetivo de fortalecer las relaciones con los clientes y otras partes interesadas, consiguiendo que la importante presencia de Leonardo en el país sea aún más sólida.  

BELL TO DISPLAY COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT PORTFOLIO AT FERIA AEROESPACIAL DE MEXICO FAMEX

Mexico remains an important country for Bell.

"With more than 1,370 Bell aircraft currently operating in the region, Mexico remains an important country for Bell and we continue to expand our footprint in the region. Bell is proud to showcase a variety of our commercial platforms during FAMEX.”

(Nicholas Peffer, Managing Director, Latin America). 

"Con más de 1.370 aeronaves Bell operando actualmente en la región, Mexico sigue siendo un país importante para Bell y continuamos expandiendo nuestra  marca en la región. Bell se enorgullece en mostrar una variedad de nuestra plataforma comercial en FAMEX".

(Nicholas Peffer, Director de América Latina).

Coast Guard rescues 2 overdue near Big Coppitt Key

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Auxiliarist Jospeh Feldman (archive).

MIAMI — The Coast Guard rescued two overdue boaters near Big Coppitt Key, Tuesday.

Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders received notification of two teenagers on an overdue 16-foot skiff who were supposed to return to shore before sunset. The boat had no navigation lights or radio onboard. Watchstanders diverted a Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 helicopter crew to respond.​

The helicopter crew arrived on scene, located the two waving, hoisted them and took them to Key West International Airport with no reported injuries.​ The owner will make arrangements to go back out and retrieve the anchored vessel.

"It's important that people have all the right safety equipment, comms equipment, and a float plan when going out on the water," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Jeremy Weaver, command duty officer at Sector Key West. "Utilizing the proper tools in a search and rescue situation, particularly at night, can exponentially increase our chances of rescuing someone."

For more breaking news follow us on​ Twitter.

-USCG-

Coast Guard rescues four teenagers from the water near Cameron, Louisiana

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Dustin R. Williams (archive).

HOUSTON​ — The Coast Guard rescued four teenagers adrift on a surfboard near Cameron, Louisiana, Thursday.

Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders received a report from the Cameron Parish Sheriff's Office of four teenagers on a surfboard who were being swept out to sea approximately 500-yards from shore.​ A good Samaritan attempted to help but was unable to reach them.​ Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast.

Two Coast Guard Station Sabine boat crews and an Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew were launched.​ ​ An Air Station Corpus Christi C-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew was diverted and spotted the adrift teenagers once on scene.

The Station Sabine Response boat crews recovered all four teenagers and transferred them to Station Sabine where they were met by family members.

Weather conditions were reported as 15 mph winds with 1-foot seas.

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Leonardo: 380 mln EUR contract for maritime multirole helicopters with the Polish Ministry of National Defense

- Four AW101s and a comprehensive integrated logistics and training package to be supplied with PZL-Świdnik acting as prime contractor   

- With deliveries to be completed by 2022 the fleet will perform Anti-Submarine Warfare and combat search and rescue missions    

- Profumo: “A key step in our longstanding collaboration with the Polish MoD and industry that sees us committed to further growth and collaborations in Poland”   

- Leonardo Poland is established to enable a stronger, more effective  coordination in all areas of business for the benefit of Polish customers and stakeholders.  

Świdnik, 26 April, 2019 – Leonardo announced today that it has signed a contract valued at approximately 380 mln EUR (1.65 bn PLN) that will significantly enhance the Polish Navy’s helicopter capability. Through its fully owned Polish company and main industrial presence in the country, PZL-Świdnik, Leonardo will supply four AW101s and a comprehensive integrated logistics and training package to the Polish Ministry of National Defence (MoD).  

PZL-Świdnik, acting as the prime contractor and responsible for the entire contract execution, was selected in a multi-stage process, meeting all the requirements of the Polish MoD, and will deliver and support the most capable maritime multirole helicopter available on the market today. The helicopter is already in service in some of the most important NATO nations among others. The Świdnik facility plays a significant role in the production of all the AW101s ordered worldwide. 

With deliveries expected to be completed by 2022 the AW101 will perform a range of missions including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR). This contract signing for the AW101s and the relevant support package follows the Offset Agreement, valued at approx. 400 mln PLN (90 mln EUR) recently announced. 

The contract was signed today in the presence of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki, the Polish Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak and Leonardo CEO Alessandro Profumo, during a ceremony at Leonardo’s facility in Świdnik.  

Alessandro Profumo, Leonardo CEO, said, “We are proud that the Polish MoD has confirmed its trust in Leonardo as one of its key partners to collaborate on national defence, to support the  modernization of the Armed Forces and  boost technological and industrial growth. We are committed to further reinforcing our presence and contribution to Poland, one of Leonardo’s home countries where we see significant collaboration opportunities in the future.”  

Gian Piero Cutillo, Leonardo Helicopters MD, added: “The supply of the best-in-class maritime AW101s will allow the Polish Navy to meet its rigorous requirements for the protection of national security in the Baltic Sea and for NATO operations. It will also enable life-saving missions in demanding conditions with second-to-none effectiveness, leveraging Leonardo’s leading role in the maritime helicopter field. Also, the broad scope of industrial collaboration under the Offset Agreement will guarantee secure and independent fleet management.”    

To further consolidate its presence and develop its business in Poland, Leonardo is establishing a new legal entity headquartered in Warsaw. Leonardo Poland will represent and promote the entire technological and product portfolio. It will support the customer during the programs’ life cycle to develop partnerships with Polish industry, ensuring closeness to the customer and local stakeholders. Marco Lupo has been appointed President of Leonardo Poland, with the objective of tightening relations with Polish customers and stakeholders and reinforcing the already well-established position of Leonardo in the country.  

Coast Guard to host multiple response agencies for Interagency Day

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Cory J. Mendenhall (archive).

SAN FRANCISCO — Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco is scheduled to host multiple state and local response agency aircrews and personnel, Thursday, for their annual Interagency Day.

Interagency Day is an interactive exchange that allows Bay Area first responders to share best practices, develop life-saving skills and foster partnerships.​ When an emergency occurs, agencies must work together to share information and resources to ensure the safety and security of millions of people throughout the Bay Area.

Participants are scheduled to display rescue equipment and vehicles, including multiple helicopters used by their respective agencies. Other scheduled events include helicopter hoist demonstrations, classroom scenarios and case study discussions.

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83-year-old hoisted by Coast Guard aircrew near Newport, Oregon

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Johanna Strickland (archive).

NEWPORT, Ore. --​ A Coast Guard aircrew hoisted an 83-year-old male in Newport, Monday evening, after receiving a request for assistance from a local fire rescue crew.

A Coast Guard Air Facility Newport crew aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter hoisted the individual and transported him to awaiting emergency medical service personnel at the air facility, who then transported him to the local hospital.

Coast Guard Sector North Bend Command Center watchstanders initially received the request for assistance at 7:31 p.m. from Lincoln County Dispatch, who reported that the man had been located in a wooded area a couple miles southeast of the air facility.

The man had been missing for a day and a half before he was found by Lincoln County Fire Rescue first responders, who placed the individual into a litter but were unable to climb the steep terrain.

Sector North Bend personnel dispatched the helicopter crew to assist the first responders. The aircrew arrived on scene and deployed a rescue swimmer, who helped prepare the individual to be hoisted.

The man’s condition is unknown at this time.

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Lockheed Martin Inaugurates F-16 Production Line In Greenville, South Carolina

F-16 Block 70 production to begin later this year

GREENVILLE, S.C., April 23, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) hosted a ceremony to celebrate its new F-16 production line in Greenville, South Carolina. F-16 tooling and equipment previously in Fort Worth, Texas, has since been installed in a newly-refurbished hangar in Greenville, where the company will begin manufacturing F-16 Block 70 aircraft later this year.

"This is an exciting time as we celebrate another important milestone for the F-16 ‒ the world's most successful, combat-proven 4th generation fighter," said Michele Evans, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "The future is bright, and it begins right here in Greenville, South Carolina ‒ the new home of F-16 production."

Demand continues to soar for new production F-16s and F-16V upgrades. Bahrain became the first F-16 Block 70 customer in June 2018, Slovakia signed Letter of Agreement in Dec. 2018 for 14 Block 70 aircraft, and Bulgaria and the U.S. Government are currently negotiating Bulgaria'splanned acquisition of new F-16 Block 70 aircraft. The U.S. State Department also recently approved the proposed sale of 25 new production F-16 Block 72 aircraft and F-16V upgrades for Morocco.

"This is a great day for Greenville and South Carolina," said U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. "We have the best workforce in the country and now we are going to build the most advanced F-16 ever right here in the Palmetto State."

"South Carolina's workforce is second to none, and the fact that Lockheed Martin continues to invest and put its faith in South Carolinians to build the newest F-16s in Greenville speaks volumes about our state and the company," said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. "Every person who calls South Carolina home should be proud that the F-16 is made right here in the Palmetto state."

More than 400 new jobs will be created to support the F-16 production line in Greenville. F-16 production also supports hundreds of U.S.-based Lockheed Martin engineering, procurement, sustainment and customer support jobs and thousands of U.S. supplier jobs. A significant portion of F-16 production occurs in the supply chain, which currently includes more than 400 U.S. suppliers in 41 states.

To date, 4,588 F-16s have been produced, and there are approximately 3,000 operational F-16s are in service today in 25 countries.

Airbus Helicopters se adjudica la prolongación del contrato para soporte de los Tiger ARH del ejército australiano

Brisbane, Airbus ha recibido una prórroga del contrato TLS (Tiger through-life support) del helicóptero armado de reconocimiento (ARH, Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter) del ejército australiano a través del Departamento de Defensa del país.

El director general de Airbus Australia Pacific, Andrew Mathewson, dijo que esta extensión del contrato TLS durante cinco años refleja la posición actual del helicóptero Tiger en Australia.

"Airbus mantiene el compromiso de garantizar el éxito en la operatividad de la flota australiana del Tiger ARH, hemos trabajado estrechamente con el ejército australiano y nuestros socios de la industria para mejorar el rendimiento de la flota durante muchos años".

La extensión TLS, que cubre el programa ARH hasta el 2025, incluye:

• Mantenimiento más extenso de las aeronaves y sus componentes.
• Mantenimiento operacional de los helicópteros destinados a entrenamiento.
• Capacitación de técnicos y aeronaves, incluido el mantenimiento de los dispositivos y programas de capacitación.
• Servicios de diseño, incluyendo la incorporación de diseño OEM.
• Desarrollo y pruebas de sistemas y software.
• Soporte completo de recambios, incluido MRO, compras, almacenamiento y distribución.
• Publicaciones técnicas, política de mantenimiento y gestión de flotas.

"Estoy orgulloso de que más de 200 efectivos a tiempo completo permanecerán en Australia para llevar a cabo este importante trabajo de apoyo al Ejército en todo el país", incluyó: "Además, nuestras capacidades de ingeniería en Airbus continúan expandiéndose gracias a este contrato, con el software específico y las modificaciones que se están desarrollando en suelo australiano".

Mathewson también añadió que habrá un ciclo de mejora continua, a medida que Airbus continúe aprendiendo de la amplia experiencia operacional obtenida con los helicópteros Tiger en otros países.

“Este es un tipo de aeronave que prestará servicio en todo el mundo hasta la década de 2040. Seguiremos esforzándonos en ofrecer la mejor capacidad del helicóptero de reconocimiento armado en Australia mientras forme parte de su flota".

El helicóptero de ataque Tiger ARH es un activo clave para el ejército australiano. Hoy en día su flota, que cuenta con un total de 22 aparatos, ha volado más de 30.000 horas desplegados en misiones de vigilancia diurnas y nocturnas (incluso durante misiones de apoyo contra incendios).

A nivel mundial se han entregado 181 Tigres en Australia, Francia, Alemania y España, con los que han acumulado más de 115.000 horas de vuelo hasta la fecha.

Desplegado por primera vez por el ejército francés en Afganistán en 2009, el Tigre continúa demostrando su papel esencial en teatros hostiles de operaciones como un helicóptero de ataque altamente versátil, bajo rastro sonoro y excelente maniobrabilidad.

China’s Airbus H135 final assembly line starts operations

Qingdao – Airbus Helicopters has expanded its industrial footprint and partnership with China with the opening of the H135 final assembly line in Qingdao. The factory is the first helicopter FAL built by a foreign manufacturer in China, as well as the first H135 FAL outside of Europe.

The opening of this FAL follows a cooperation agreement signed between Airbus Helicopters and China in 2016 for the purchase of 100 H135s destined for the Chinese market. Ninety-five of these 100 helicopters will be assembled on this FAL from 2019 onwards.

Main components including the main fuselage, main gearbox kits and rear fuselage will be shipped to Qingdao from Donauwörth, Germany and Albacete, Spain respectively.

The 6,500sqm Qingdao plant is composed of four working stations, a paint booth, ground and flight test areas, and a delivery centre. The site will employ around 40 people, 23 of whom received on-the-job training in Donauwörth.

The first aircraft roll-out from Qingdao is expected to take place in the second half of 2019. Operations will start with an annual capacity of 18 helicopters, which could be doubled to accommodate future growth.

“Beginning to manufacture H135s in Qingdao marks the start of a new chapter of Sino-European collaboration, as we become the first foreign helicopter manufacturer to open a manufacturing facility in China,” said Marie-Agnes Veve, General Manager of Airbus Helicopters China. “This achievement is a testament to our continued commitment to the Chinese helicopter industry and the strong spirit of cooperation that exists between us and our Chinese partners.”

The H135 is one of the most popular light twin-engine helicopters in China, mainly operating in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), search and rescue, law enforcement, firefighting and tourism. To date, around 1,300 helicopters from the H135 family are in operation around the globe, having achieved more than 5 million flight hours.

Present in China for more than 50 years, Airbus Helicopters holds the leading position in China’s civil helicopter market with around 300 helicopters flying across the country serving 83 customers. Given the rapid development of the HEMS, public services and offshore wind industries in the China, a potential demand for 600 light twin-engine helicopters is expected over the next two decades.

Coast Guard suspends search for person in the water

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard Brahm (archive).

NEW ORLEANS— The Coast Guard suspended its search for a person in the water near Panama City Beach, Florida, Sunday.

The Coast Guard and partner agencies searched approximately 1,281 square-nautical miles for over 27 hours but were unable to locate the missing man.

“The Coast Guard searched diligently with our partner agencies to locate the missing man,” said Cmdr. Matthew Derrenbacher, a search and rescue mission coordinator at Coast Guard Sector Mobile. “We saturated the search area with assets and personnel but, unfortunately, were unable to locate him. The decision to suspend a search is never easy and our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the missing man during this difficult time.”

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile received a report at approximately 7:17 p.m. Friday of a person in the water at Panama City Beach struggling to return to shore.

The missing person was described as a 20-year-old white male with long black hair wearing black shorts.

Involved in the search were:​

• A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Panama City.
• An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans.
• The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Marlin.
• An HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane crew from Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile.
• Panama City Police Department.
• Shore units and two helicopter crews from Bay County Sheriff's Office.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nick Ameen (archive).

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Coast Guard searching for 63-year-old mariner near Norfolk, Va.​

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald Hodges (archive)

NORFOLK, Va. — The Coast Guard is searching for 63-year-old Paul Youngk, who was last seen on his sailing vessel Grafin which had grounded off of Fort Norfolk on the Elizabeth River, Sunday morning.

Mr. Youngk was reportedly aboard the Grafin when it began taking on water and eventually submerged below the water early Sunday morning.

Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads launched a 29-foot Response Boat-Small from Coast Guard Station Portsmouth and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City to assist.

Also searching is Virginia Marine Resources Commission, Norfolk Police Department, Norfolk Fire Department, Hampton Police Department, and Chesapeake Fire Department.

Mr. Youngk was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black jacket, and a green shirt.

Anyone with additional information regarding this case may contact the Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads command center on VHF-FM channel 16, or at 757-638-6638.

​

-USCG-

Coast Guard rescues 3 people

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans rescues three people from a disabled vessel in Seven Dollar Bay, Louisiana, April 19, 2019. The helicopter crew arrived on scene, hoisted the three people and transferred them to University Medical Center New Orleans in stable condition. (U.S. Coast Guard video courtesy of Air Station New Orleans/Released)

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard rescued three people from a disabled boat south of Hopedale, Louisiana, Saturday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a report at 6:15 p.m. on Friday of a disabled 18-foot recreational boat with three people aboard in Seven Dollar Bay.

Sector watchstanders directed the launch of an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans to rescue the people.

The helicopter crew arrived on scene, hoisted the three people and transferred them to University Medical Center New Orleans in stable condition.

“The three people were able to call for help because they had a working VHF radio aboard their vessel,” said Lt. Cmdr. Brian Ward, an aircraft commander from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans. “If you’re going out on the water, be prepared. Boating safety equipment, including a VHF-radio, could potentially save your life.”

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Giles (archive).

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Northrop Grumman Infrared Countermeasures System for the KC-135 Achieves Milestone C

Pod-based LAIRCM G3 system provides portable protection for the KC-135

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. – April 17, 2019 – The Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) pod for the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft has achieved Milestone C. This critical milestone, awarded by the Department of Defense Milestone Decision Authority, marks the end of the development and testing phase and enables the beginning of production and deployment.

Northrop Grumman’s laser-based LAIRCM infrared countermeasure packages advanced missile warning sensors, a pointer/tracker and processor into a pod that can be transferred between KC-135 aircraft for survivability. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force)

The Generation 3 podded LAIRCM system, known previously as Guardian™, is an infrared countermeasure system that detects, tracks and jams incoming missiles. It incorporates advanced missile warning sensors, a compact laser pointer/tracker and a processor in a single pod that can be readily transferred between aircraft to meet rapidly changing mission requirements. This mature system leverages Northrop Grumman’s decades-long countermeasures experience and requires no aircrew intervention. KC-135 aircrews can focus on their critical refueling, aeromedical evacuation and cargo missions while gaining the full survivability benefit the LAIRCM system provides.

To achieve Milestone C, Northrop Grumman worked closely with the KC-135 Program Office, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command to thoroughly test LAIRCM for KC-135 in the laboratory and the field.

“In this changing threat environment, the LAIRCM Generation 3 pod is ready to provide much-needed protection to KC-135 aircrews as they carry out their critical support missions,” said Bob Gough, vice president, land and avionics C4ISR, Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman's infrared countermeasure systems have been installed on more than 1,800 large and small fixed wing, rotary wing and tilt-rotor platforms of more than 80 types.

US Air Force, Northrop Grumman Celebrate 60 Years with the T-38 Talon Aircraft

By Leticia Ebb

On April 10, 1959 at Edwards Air Force Base, Lew Nelson took to the skies for the very first time in a Northrop Grumman built T-38 Talon. Serving critical missions for six decades, the venerable T-38 has consistently performed and has assisted in flight training exercises for 80,000 pilots. And, with various modernizations, the aircraft has maintained low operating costs, is maintenance-friendly and has a great safety record.

One of the safest supersonic airplanes ever built, the twin-engine, high-altitude, jet trainer can fly at a maximum speed of 858 mph and can climb from sea-level to 33,600 feet in 60 seconds. Out of the 1187 aircraft produced between 1959 and 1972, half are still in use today.

The T38 have been used for over half a century, mainly by the U.S. Air Force, for specialized undergraduate pilot training. In addition, Air Combat Command uses the jet as companion training for their B-2, TR-1 and F-22 pilots. The U.S. Navy and NASA also use the T-38 for flight test and research missions.

Earlier this month, Northrop Grumman celebrated the 60th anniversary of the T-38 Talon’s first flight with the U.S. Air Force at an event hosted by Air Education and Training Command at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.

Major General Patrick Doherty 19th Air Force Commander stated, “This aircraft [here] will always be remembered in our Air Force and in our nation as being one of excellence that has produced the number one Air Force in the world.”

John Parker, vice president and general manager, global logistics and modernization, Northrop Grumman attended the event and discussed the contributions of the T-38 program to the aviation industry.

“Northrop Grumman is proud to be a member of the T-38 sustainment community,” said Parker. “Over the past several decades, the sustainment community has conducted numerous engineering and logistics analyses, combatted parts obsolescence and ensured that spare parts were available to maintain flight operations. Two weeks ago, the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center awarded Northrop Grumman a $22 million contract for T-38 and F-5 for the system’s sustainment and engineering. We look forward to continuing the system modernization and upgrades for this agile aircraft so it stays mission ready for years to come.”

To view a video from the event, click here.