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.  

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.

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.

Northrop Grumman Selected to Provide Maintenance and Logistics Services to US Navy

HERNDON, Va. – April 9, 2019 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) was selected by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and the Naval Aviation Enterprise, as part of a $12.6 billion indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) multiple award contract, to compete to provide Contracted Maintenance, Modification, Aircrew and Related Services (CMMARS) to the U.S. Navy. This IDIQ contract will focus on improving readiness, increasing mission availability and providing the most relevant capabilities to today’s warfighters.

Northrop Grumman has been selected under NAVAIR's CMMARS IDIQ to support improving naval fleet readiness and ensure mission success.

Northrop Grumman brings decades of mission systems and aviation sustainment support expertise. Along with its heritage of providing and supporting U.S. Naval Aviation platforms as a trusted partner of the U.S. Navy, the company will improve fleet readiness and integrate modern capabilities to ensure mission success.

“CMMARS helps us solidify our partnership with the Navy as a trusted provider of aircraft capabilities, support, sustainment and modernization to ensure they have the tools needed to conduct combat operations around the globe,” said John Parker, vice president and general manager, global logistics and modernization, Northrop Grumman. “We look forward to expanding our support of the Naval Aviation Enterprise. For decades, the Navy has flown Northrop Grumman aircraft or aircraft in which we have been a major partner in, and we want to continue to provide the capabilities and support needed for decades to come.”

Kazakhstan Border Service places order for Airbus C295

Madrid, 21 March 2019 –The Border Service of the Republic of Kazakhstan has signed a firm order for one C295 medium transport aircraft. 

Through this new agreement, which includes training, spares and ground support equipment, the overall C295 fleet operating in Kazakhstan will increase to nine aircraft.

The new C295, in transport configuration, will play a vital role in border control activities and homeland security operations due to its demonstrated reliability and cost efficiency in operation at low temperatures.

With this new order, the Border Service of Kazakhstan becomes the 31st operator of the C295 and brings the total number of orders up to 13 aircraft in the CIS.

MD HELICOPTERS TO FEATURE TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY MD 530F AND A COMBAT-CONFIGURED MD 969 AT HAI HELI-EXPO 2019

TVA’S UTILITY MD 530F AND A MILITARIZED VARIANT OF THE MD 969, BOTH WITH ALL NEW, ALL GLASS COCKPITS, ARE REPRESENTATIVE OF MDHI’S COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS ADVANCEMENT IN BOTH FORM AND FUNCTION

Mesa, Ariz.

MD Helicopters’ booth, C1228, at the 2019 HAI Heli-Expo in Atlanta, Georgia, reflects the company’s commitment to manufacturing and delivering the most effective and efficient single-engine and light twin-engine helicopters available. At the 2019 HAI Heli-Expo, MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) will proudly display two of its most iconic helicopter models, the MD 530F and the MD 969, an upgraded variant of the proven MD 900/902 Explorer series. Each of these aircraft features an advanced all-glass cockpit, combining engineering and manufacturing excellence with next-generation technology and a design aesthetic that is both functional and beautiful.

“I am proud and honored to display these two beautiful aircraft at Heli-Expo,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer of MD Helicopters. “The proven and powerful MD 530F and the next generation MD 969 Combat Helicopter are emblematic  of the MD Helicopters brand, and exemplify my team’s commitment to delivering technologically advanced aircraft that are unmatched in design aesthetic and performance.”

 Feature Aircraft Displays

The cornerstones of MDHI’s HAI booth will be a new MD 530F, currently operated by Tennessee Valley Authority, and a combat-configured MD 969 Explorer.  Both aircraft feature advanced all-glass cockpits.

Tennessee Valley Authority MD 530F

This recently delivered MD 530F is the third F-Model to join the TVA fleet. Welcomed in September 2018, the MD 530F is used to support powerline utility, inspection, and construction operations throughout TVA’s multi-state service area.

“The multi-mission capability of the MD 530F is one of the hallmark features of this iconic airframe,” Tilton continues. “We are excited to feature this beautiful aircraft in our booth this year as a celebration of our valued Utilities operators worldwide.”

MD 969 Combat Helicopter

The MD 969 represents the next evolution of MDHI’s MD 900/902 series aircraft and is featured in the MDHI booth this year in a weaponized configuration, depicting the future assault and attack capabilities of this light twin-engine airframe. 

Anchored by an all-glass cockpit built on the Genesys Aerosystems’ next-generation Integrated Display Units (IDUs) along with a Macro-Blue tactical display for weapons and mission management, the up-to-8-seat  MD 969 Combat Helicopter is single-pilot IFR certified, and safely and effectively executes a broad range of military, paramilitary and utility missions including Fast Attack, Combat Search & Rescue, CASEVAC/MEDEVAC, Command & Control, and Personnel Transport.

“I remain inspired by the capability enhancements delivered by the Genesys Aerosystems Display Units,” commented Tilton. “We are excited about the advanced systems and improved capabilities this open architecture system delivers, and we look forward to expanding its use within both our MD 969 and MD 530G Attack Helicopter platforms.”

In addition to advanced avionics, the MD 969 Combat Helicopter also features a proprietary, MDHI-designed integrated composite weapons plank that allows for up to 6-station, fixed-forward weapons operation and unimpeded cabin access to support simultaneous forward fire, crew-served weapons, and personnel transport capabilities.

“MD Helicopters is proud of our diverse customer base and growing number of military and paramilitary operators worldwide,” continues Tilton. “The MD 969 Combat Helicopter will deliver a new level of multi-mission capabilities, and provide the foundation for worldwide future attack and reconnaissance airborne operations.”

Aftermarket and Customer Support Programs

At the 2019 show, MD Helicopters will also provide additional updates on its Aftermarket and Customer Support operations, including continued enhancements to its innovative MyMD.aero customer portal. Operators interested in learning more about MyMD.aero and other Customer Support programs can attend an interactive Information session at the MDHI Booth on Tuesday, March 5 at 1:30pm.  

"As always, I am incredibly proud of my team and our accomplishments,” Tilton concludes. “We remain united in purpose, focused on growth, and committed to delivering next generation aircraft to an ever-expanding family of global operators.”  

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.

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 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. 

U.S. Government Approves Release of Boeing EA-18G Growler to Finland

The U.S. Department of Defense has authorized the U.S. Navy and Boeing to offer the EA-18G Growler to Finland. Previously only the Royal Australian Air Force had been permitted to fly the Growler alongside the U.S. Navy. (Boeing photo)

ARLINGTON, Va., February 18, 2019 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Navy have received U.S. Department of Defense approval to offer the EA-18G Growler to Finland. Previously only Australia had been authorized to purchase the airborne electronic attack (AEA) aircraft.

Boeing and the Navy have offered the Growler and F/A-18 Super Hornet in a response to query issued by the Finnish Ministry of Defense as part of their HX fighter program procurement.

“All strike fighter aircraft rely on Growler escort to increase survivability during high-threat missions,” said Dan Gillian, Boeing vice president, F/A-18 and EA-18G programs. “The combination of the Super Hornet Block III and Growler would provide Finland with superior technological capability particularly suited to Finland’s HX mission requirements.”

An F/A-18 variant, the Growler is the world’s most advanced AEA platform and the only one in production today. It’s capable of disrupting, deceiving or denying a broad range of military electronic systems including radar and communication systems.

In addition to the U.S. Navy, the Growler is flown by the Royal Australian Air Force.

International Flight Training School: first two M-346 aircraft landed into the Italian Air Force’s 61st Wing Base

Rome,  15  February  2019  –  The  first  two  new  Leonardo’s  M-346  aircrafts,  part  of  the International Flight  Training  School  (IFTS)  project,  joined  the  other 18  Italian  Air  Force’s  M346s  at  61st  Wing’s  base  in  Galatina  (Lecce),  in  Southern  Italy.  The  new  airplanes  will  be used  to  meet  the  growing  demand  for  training  services  at  the  IFTS,  established  under  the Leonardo-Italian  Air  Force  Agreement  signed  in  July  2018  and  aimed  at  strengthening  the training  services  delivered  by  the  Air  Force.      

The  Leonardo-Italian  Air  Force  IFTS  Agreement  was  inspired  by  the  common  decision  of these  two  preeminent  national  entities  to  foster  synergies  to  the  benefit  of  the  Country: combining  the  capabilities  of  the  largest  Italian  industrial  player  in  the  aerospace,  defence and  security  sectors with  the  Air  Force’s  expertise  in  the  military  flight  training  domain.      

The  Galatina  Air  Base  will  play  a  key  role  leveraging  on  its  long  and  well-established operational  expertise.  The  reinforcement  of  the  61st  Wing  to  achieve  the  highest operational  capability  is  core  to  the  establishment  of  the  IFTS.  This  goal  will  be  achieved starting  from  2020  when  the  brand  new  integrated  training  system  arrives  in  Galatina.  This system  is  based  on  the  M-345  HET  –  High  Efficiency  Trainer  aircraft  (designated  T-345  by the  Air  Force)  which  will  progressively  replace  the  T-339A  (used  for  the  Phase  II  of training) and  the  T-339C (used  for the  Phase  III).   

The  IFTS  will  have  Phase  IV  -  Lead  In  to  Fighter  Training  –  LIFT  -  at  the  core  of  its activities  before  pilots  move  to  fighters,  and  will  enable  it  to  also  meet  the  demand  for  pilot training  from  foreign  air  forces  while  foreseeing  a  possible  further  expansion  with  another base  in  Italy.     

The  Italian  Air  Force’s  modular  syllabus  has  already  proven  its  effectiveness  to  train students  to  the  requirements  of  many  air  forces.  Many  have  already  been  trained  at  the 61st  Wing  Air  Base  to  transition  to  4th  and  5th  generation  fighters.    

Operational  training,  carried  out  by  the  Italian  Air  Force  with  the  T-346A,  prepares  pilots  to transition  to  the  latest-generation  combat  aircraft  including  the  Eurofighter  and  the  F-35. The  Galatina  Air  Force  Base  is  also  equipped  with  LVC  (Live,  Virtual  and  Constructive Simulation)  technology  including  the  advanced  M-346  simulator,  enabling  trainees  on  the ground  to  interact  with  pilots  in  the  air,  flying  real  aircraft,  during  the  same  training missions.      

Northrop Grumman Receives $59M US Air Force Contract for Next-Generation Navigation System

Modular, open architecture systems enters engineering and manufacturing development phase – will help provide important data in GPS-denied environments

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – Feb. 11, 2019 – The U.S. Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) a $59 million contract for the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) /Inertial Navigation System (INS)-Modernization, or EGI-M, technology.

The E-2D is one of the lead platforms selected for EGI-M integration. U.S. Navy photo

The approval to proceed to the EMD phase follows the Department of Defense’s Milestone B approval in October 2018. During the EMD phase, Northrop Grumman will develop the critical hardware and software design for the EGI-M, build hardware for integration and qualification, generate safety and civil certification documentation, qualify the new EGI-M systems to rigorous military standards, and build production units for platform testing.

Based upon modular and truly open systems architecture, the EGI-M system will support the rapid insertion of new capabilities and adaptability based on unique platform requirements. Additionally, the modernized navigation system will incorporate new generation GPS receivers, which will be capable to securely and accurately transmit the new military signals for space (M-Code). The EGI-M will be integrated into multiple platforms across all of the services and exportable versions will be developed for international customers. The lead platforms for EGI-M are F-22 and E-2D.

“This EMD award brings us an important step closer to fielding a modernized navigation system that provides accurate positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) information, even when GPS is denied,” said Dean Ebert, vice president, navigation and positioning systems, Northrop Grumman. “Northrop Grumman is dedicated to ensuring the safety and mission success of our warfighters by providing a resilient assured PNT solution that will allow service members to fly, fight and win in any environment.”

EGI-M technology is designed for compatibility with current systems on legacy aircraft, allowing ease of integration and rapid adoption of new capabilities. EGI-M will also comply with the Federal Aviation Administration’s NextGen air traffic control requirements that aircraft flying at higher altitudes be equipped with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS‑B) Out by January 2020. ADS-B Out transmits information about an aircraft’s altitude, speed and location to ground stations and to other equipped aircraft in the vicinity.

Boeing Delivers First KC-46A Tanker to Altus Air Force Base

A Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tanker takes off from Boeing Field in Seattle on its way to Altus Air Force Base, Okla. The jet was the fifth overall delivered to the U.S. Air Force and the first that will be based at Altus, where the 56th Air Refueling Squadron is responsible for aircrew, maintenance and support training. (Boeing photo)

SEATTLE, Feb. 8, 2019 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] today delivered its fifth KC-46A Pegasus tanker to the U.S. Air Force, the first that will be based at Altus Air Force Base, Okla. The KC-46 departed Seattle’s Boeing Field for Altus, where the base’s 56th Air Refueling Squadron is responsible for Pegasus aircrew, maintenance and support training.

“We’re excited to see the Pegasus arrive in Oklahoma, a strong partner to Boeing and America’s military,” said Boeing Defense, Space & Security President and CEO Leanne Caret. “We look forward to continuing to deliver KC-46 tankers to Altus, McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas, and New Hampshire’s Pease Air National Guard Base, throughout this year.”

The 56th ARS was activated August 2016 in preparation for the new tanker’s arrival. Three additional KC-46A aircraft will be delivered to Altus in the coming weeks.

“The ‘Mighty 97th’ is looking forward to accepting and integrating the KC-46 into our mission,” Col. Eric Carney, Commander of the 97th Air Mobility Wing at Altus Air Force Base, said. “The 97th AMW has and will continue to produce combat-capable pilots, loadmasters, and boom operators for the KC-135, C-17, and KC-46 and we remain committed to innovating how we train them to be a part of a joint force to win our nation’s wars.”

During extensive flight testing to date, six KC-46 aircraft have completed more than 3,800 flight hours and offloaded more than four million pounds of fuel to A-10, AV-8B, B-52, C-17, KC-10, KC-135, KC-46, F-15E, F-16 and F/A-18 aircraft.

The first four multi-role KC-46 tankers were delivered in January to McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kan. Boeing is currently on contract for 52 of an expected 179 tankers for the Air Force.

The KC-46, derived from Boeing’s commercial 767 airframe, is built in the company’s Everett, Wash., facility. Boeing received its initial contract in 2011 to design and develop the Air Force’s newest tanker aircraft.

Northrop Grumman Begins Delivery of AQS-24C Mine Hunting System Upgrades

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Feb. 6, 2019 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has successfully completed the development of the AQS-24C and delivered the first two systems to the U.S. Navy. The AQS-24C upgrade adds an in-stride volume search capability to the AQS-24B.

3 MH-53E helicopters and personnel after the successful AQS-24C trials held in Panama City, Florida. Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy.

The AQS-24C builds on the AQS-24B that was introduced to the fleet in 2017, which has continued to excel in naval operations from both the MH-53E helicopter and the mine hunting unit unmanned surface vehicle (MHU USV) platforms. The newly developed AQS-24C systems recently completed shipboard contractor testing and government helicopter testing on the MH-53E platform. Achieving this development milestone has resulted in the start of production to meet the fleet generated requirement for increased mine hunting capability.

“The AQS-24C is a cost effective upgrade to an existing system, providing long range volume search mine hunting while minimizing development costs and providing great value to the U.S. Navy customer,” said Alan Lytle, vice president, undersea systems, Northrop Grumman. “This new capability will keep sailors out of harm’s way and shorten the mine clearance timeline.”

Northrop Grumman is concurrently executing a separate contract for integration of the AQS-24 onto the U.S. Navy’s MHU USV, which will be evaluated for operational use from U.S. Navy surface platforms.

Leonardo signs deal worth around €180M to upgrade NATO’s electronic warfare training equipment

- Leonardo will  deliver a range of  new equipment to NATO  JEWCS, the Alliance agency which  supports armed forces training to face  hostile electro-magnetic conditions

- Equipment will  cover air, land and  maritime domains and also  includes a capability for training  crews to defend against anti-ship missiles   

- Leonardo’s  range of contracts  in support of NATO signal  a leadership position in a number  of areas. This leadership position is driving  sustainable growth, as laid out in the Company’s 2018-2022  Industrial Plan

Rome,  4 February  2019 - Leonardo  has signed  a contract worth  approximately €180M  to provide new electronic  warfare training equipment for  the NATO Joint Electronic Warfare  Core Staff (JEWCS). Leonardo was selected  in an international competition and will incorporate  technology from partners Cobham and Elettronica. The contract  was placed by the UK Ministry of Defence as the host nation  for NATO JEWCS, which is based at the Royal Naval Air Station  (RNAS) in Yeovilton. Equipment will be delivered in tranches over the  next 4 years from Leonardo’s Electronic Warfare (EW) centre of excellence in  Luton, UK.

NATO  JEWCS is  the Alliance  agency responsible  for the high-tech world  of electronic warfare. When  NATO forces go on operations,  they can expect the enemy to try  and disrupt their radars, GPS and communications.  Therefore, to train realistically, it is important  that NATO Forces experience these effects and practice  how to counter them. Part of NATO JEWCS’s remit is to improve  armed forces training by simulating the effects of an enemy’s latest  electronic warfare equipment during exercises, creating a ‘hostile environment’  in which to train. To deliver the service, NATO JEWCS deploys high-tech EW equipment  at training sites around Europe, allowing armed forces to practice their skills in areas  such as electronic surveillance and electronic countermeasures while facing true-to-life attempts  to disrupt their activity.

In  delivering  this support,  it is important  that the EW effects  being simulated are state  of the art, keeping pace with  opposing forces’ latest tech developments.  Leonardo is Europe’s leading provider of electronic  warfare technology and training and will be providing  representative equipment across three domains: air, land and maritime.  In the air, highly capable and flexible podbased EW systems will be supplied  for deployment on aircraft, alongside a NATO Anti-Ship Missile Defence Evaluation  Facility (NASMDEF). NASMDEF comprises a set of pods that can be installed on aircraft  to simulate anti-ship missiles. They allow forces to train in the use of ‘soft-kill countermeasures’  which are used to protect ships from incoming threats. Cobham will be Leonardo’s principle sub-contractor  for these elements. For land and maritime applications, fully ruggedised shelters and vehicles will be provided,  equipped with modular and flexible EW simulators, stimulators and jamming equipment. Elettronica will act as Leonardo’s  principal subcontractor for these elements.

Leonardo’s  electronic warfare  expertise includes designing  and manufacturing protective and  ISR (Intelligence Surveillance and Recconaisance)  equipment for UK and allied aircraft such as the Eurofighter  Typhoon and AW159 helicopters, delivering specialist EW training  at its Academy in Lincoln and investing in the development of the  latest generation of countermeasures such as the anti-IED ‘Guardian’ system  for troops on the ground and the ‘BriteCloud’ decoy for fighter jet pilots.

This  contract  to upgrade  electronic warfare  equipment is just the  latest example of Leonardo’s  ongoing provision of security technology  and expertise to NATO. Leonardo is the Alliance’s  cyber security mission partner, working with the NATO  Communications and Information Agency to protect more than  70,000 Alliance users around the world from cyber-attacks. The  Company has also provided a significant amount of equipment and support  for the NATO Air Command and Control System (ACCS). In October 2018, Leonardo  received the NATO Science and Technology Organization’s (STO) Scientific Achievement  Award for its contributions to the development of a promising new approach to modelling,  simulation and training. Leonardo has also provided over 50 air defence radars to multiple Alliance  member countries under the NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP) and has delivered its ‘Guardian’  counter-IED (improvised explosive device) systems to protect NATO vehicles operating in Afghanistan.

Lockheed Martin And Royal Netherlands Air Force Celebrate Rollout Of The First Dutch Operational F-35

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 30, 2019/PRNewswire/ -- Dutch and American officials celebrated the roll out of the first operational F-35A Lightning II for the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) at Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) in Fort Worth, Texas, commemorating a transformational leap in capability for the future of the Netherlands' national defense.

"Receiving this F-35 at Leeuwarden Air Base later this year is going to be a huge driver for change for our Air Force and will have tremendous impact on the relevance of our Air Force as part of the coalition," said Lt. Gen. Dennis Luyt, Commander, RNLAF. "We want to be among the best air forces of the world, and the platform of F-35 allows us to do that." 

Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Marillyn Hewson; State Secretary, the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs Mona Keijzer; and Special Envoy F-35, the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs Maxime Verhagen.

"From the very beginning of the F-35 program, the Netherlands has been a key partner in developing, testing, improving, and maintaining this remarkable aircraft," said Hewson. "Dutch suppliers have provided high-volume production, structural-design support, and advanced technologies, and Dutch aircraft and personnel continue to support ongoing testing and operations for the worldwide F-35 fleet. As we look to the future, the Netherlands will serve as a sustainment hub in the European region for maintenance, repair, overhaul, and upgrade projects."

Following the ceremony, the aircraft is scheduled to ferry to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, where F-35A pilot training takes place. The aircraft is the first operational F-35 and the third Netherlands jet delivered to date. The first two Dutch F-35s were delivered in 2013 and are at Edwards AFB, California, supporting operational testing. The RNLAF plans to acquire 37 F-35As.

F-35 Program Economic Impact in the Netherlands

Dutch industry, including 25 suppliers to date, have benefitted from the F-35 program with contracts awarded for high technology work. As estimated by the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs, the F-35 program has already generated more than $1 billion USD in contracts for Netherlands industry, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs for the Netherlands over the life of the program.

To date, more than 360 F-35s have been delivered and are now operating from 16 bases worldwide. Ten nations are flying the F-35, seven countries have F-35s operating from a base on their home soil, five services have declared Initial Operating Capability, and two services have announced their F-35s have been used in combat operations.

With stealth technology, supersonic speed, advanced sensors, weapons capacity and increased range, the F-35 is the most advanced, survivable and connected aircraft in the world. 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 enabling men and women in uniform to execute their mission and return home safely.