GE Aviation’s adaptive cycle engine core test exceeded target temperatures by more than 130 degrees Fahrenheit, demonstrating the highest combination of compressor and turbine temperatures ever recorded in aviation history. Based on the successful core test’s proof of the durability of the hardware, the first full adaptive cycle engine test is scheduled for the fourth
Spirit AeroSystems celebrated completion of the first forward fuselage section, Section 41, destined for integration into the Boeing KC-46A tanker. In a rollout ceremony, Boeing and U.S. Air Force representatives joined Spirit leadership and employees to mark the occasion. In June 2011, Spirit was announced as a supplier on the KC-46 program. Spirit is responsible
Alenia Aermacchi delivered the first ATR72-600 TMUA (Turkish Maritime Utility Aircraft) to the Turkish Navy, the first of a total order of eight ATR72s, which consist of two TMUAs and six ATR72-600 TMPA (Turkish Maritime Patrol Aircraft) maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. Compared to the ATR72-600 basic platform, the two ATR72 TMUA, modified at
AgustaWestland released that the first five AW101 Merlin HM Mk 2 helicopters have been delivered to the Royal Navy’s 824 Naval Air Squadron based at RNAS Culdrose in Southwest England. The delivery of these aircraft, which have been upgraded as part of a £750m AgustaWestland and Lockheed Martin led contract, marks a significant programme milestone
Northrop Grumman delivered the center fuselage for Italy’s first F-35 Lightning II to the newly commissioned Final Assembly and Check Out (FACO) facility at Italy’s Cameri Air Base July 12. This on-time delivery to Lockheed Martin enables the first assembly of an F-35 aircraft at the FACO facility and increases international participation on the F-35
The Minister for Defence Materiel for the Commonwealth of Australia has awarded BAE Systems a £90m contract for the upgrade of their Mk127 Hawk fleet. Known as Project AIR5438, the upgrade to the Australian Hawk fleet will deliver an enhanced training capability and also encompass the supply of three Full Mission Simulators, RAAF aircrew/groundcrew training
Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated (EAC) was awarded option period extensions with Special Operations Command Africa (“SOCAFRICA”). The option awards were made to Evergreen Helicopters (“EHI”), a recently acquired, wholly owned subsidiary of Erickson, to provide a fleet of fixed and rotary wing aircraft for personnel and cargo transport for the Department of Defense in Central Africa.
Spirit AeroSystems has received a $60m contract from Sikorsky Aircraft to supply the major structural cockpit and cabin components of four additional CH-53K heavy lift helicopters. Designated System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTA), the four production-representative aircraft will be used by the U.S. Marine Corps to evaluate the helicopter’s mission capabilities in service operating conditions. SDTA
Boeing workers in Everett loaded the first wing spar for the first U.S. Air Force KC-46A aerial refueling tanker, starting production of that aircraft and achieving another milestone toward delivering 179 tankers during the next 14 years. The KC-46A is based on the commercial 767-200ER, a proven airframe in service as an airliner, freighter and
Lockheed Martin received an aircraft maintenance and logistics contract with an initial funding value of $5m from the U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., to provide field and sustainment-level maintenance for U.S. Army helicopters. Under the contract, Lockheed Martin will lead the Army’s Regional Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Central Operations at Fort Campbell, Ky., home
