Tag: Systems (Page 13 of 15)

Collins Aerospace and L3 Harris to Support New C-130H Aircraft Cockpit Capabilities

August 30, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

1970s era aircraft to be updated with Flight 2 Avionics
Will support extension of life of the aircraft by 20 years
Provides pilots increased situational awareness and reduces workload

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Aug. 28, 2019) – Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), has been selected by L3Harris Technologies to play a key role in the U.S. Air Force’s C-130H Avionics Modernization Program Increment 2 (AMP INC 2) program. The fleet of 176 C-130H aircraft, operated by the Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserve, will be equipped with Collins Aerospace’s Flight2™ integration avionics system and will expand the company’s position as a global leader in C-130 modifications.

Once on contract, Collins Aerospace’s Flight2 avionics will replace over 100 analog instruments in the current cockpit with seven multifunctional displays (MFD), three control display units (CDU), and a new digital autopilot. These new systems will reduce workload, improve the pilots’ situational awareness, and improve the safety and reliability of the aircraft. The new displays also make it easier for the pilots to overlay flight plans, see nearby points-of-interest and view radar and threat information.

“Prior to our selection for the AMP INC 2 program, 190 C-130 aircraft have already been modified, or are on contract to be modified, with our proven Flight2™ avionics. Our history of successful installations played a big role in our selection,” said Dave Schreck, vice president and general manager for Military Avionics and Helicopters at Collins Aerospace. “These aircraft are important to national security, and by working with L3Harris, our integrated avionics system will support the extension of the life of the planes for another 20 years.”

The avionics contract adds to the suite of nose-to-tail solutions that Collins Aerospace provides for the C-130 aircraft. Other products include propellers, wheels, brakes, secure communications, Head-up Displays/Enhanced Vision Systems (HUD/EVS) and advanced cargo loading systems.

Alstom Delivers First Coradia Polyvalent Regional Train

August 28, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

27 August 2019 – Alstom has delivered the first five Coradia Polyvalent Léman Express trains for the cross-border CEVA[1] line to the SNCF Technicentre in Annemasse. Five trains will now be delivered each month until the end of November, with entry into commercial service scheduled for 15 December 2019. Since mid-August, Alstom’s teams have been supporting SNCF in training drivers for these new trains.

A total of 17 trains from Alstom’s Coradia Polyvalent range have been ordered[2] by SNCF, financed entirely by the region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, to run on the Léman Express, Europe’s largest cross-border rail network (45 stations, 230 km). The Coradia Polyvalent Léman Express trains contribute to providing a sustainable alternative to the car for the daily commutes of Greater Geneva’s residents, as well as a better service to the economic and tourist hubs of the entire region. Today, just 16% of the 550,000 daily cross-border trips are made on public transport.

The Coradia Polyvalent Léman Express trains belong to Alstom’s Coradia range, of which 348 trains have been sold to 9 French regions[3] as part of the contract awarded to Alstom by SNCF in October 2009. The fleet has already covered more than 50 million kilometres in commercial service.

The trains have been adapted to the specific characteristics of the Franco-Swiss cross-border CEVA line: configured in their suburban version, each 72-metre train can carry up to 204 seated passengers at speeds of up to 140 km/h, in accordance with Swiss certification. Designed to ensure cross-border connections with ERTMS technology[4], Coradia Polyvalent Léman Express trains can run on several types of network voltages[5].

To optimise the fluidity of passenger exchanges and reduce stopping time in stations, the Coradia Polyvalent Léman Express trains are equipped with a full low floor, seven doors on each side, all with bridge plates, and a large reception area on the platforms. Coradia Polyvalent is the first train to comply with the PRM-TSI standard^[6]. The interior offers increased comfort thanks to the seats equipped with individual reading lights and electrical sockets and the spaces dedicated to bicycles and luggage. Large windows and reduced noise levels also improve the quality of the journey.

The manufacturing of Coradia Polyvalent involves more than 4,000 jobs in France at Alstom and its suppliers. Six of Alstom’s 13 sites in France are involved in the project: Reichshoffen for the design and assembly, Ornans for the engines, Le Creusot for the bogies, Tarbes for the traction chains, Villeurbanne for the on-board computerised systems and signalling products, and Saint-Ouen for the design.

[1] Cornavin – Eaux-Vives – Annemasse line

[2] Option exercised in July 2015 for the sum of 160 million euros

[3] Including 10 additional Léman Express trains for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in July 2019 (approximately 70 million euros)

[4] European rail interoperability standard

[5] 25 kV, 1500 V and 15kV for Germany and Switzerland

[6] Technical specifications for interoperability relating to persons with reduced mobility

Collins Aerospace to Support F-35 and CH-47F Fleets for Royal Netherlands Air Force

August 19, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Craig Bries, vice president and general manager, Avionics Service and Support for Collins Aerospace and Lieutenant General J.D. Luyt, Commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, commemorated the collaboration at a signing ceremony earlier this year.

Collins Aerospace to establish first-of-its-kind F-35 pilot readiness center
Onsite field service engineers will reduce turnaround time for CH-47F fleet

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Aug. 19, 2019) – Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), will play an important role in maintaining the readiness of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) F-35 and CH-47F fleets by providing local field service engineers, test capabilities and the first F-35 global pilot readiness center. The company recently signed a multi-platform Letter of Intent with the RNLAF to provide support at both Soesterberg, and Woensdrecht Air Base, The Netherlands.

A highlight of the Letter of Intent is that it foresees a first-of-its-kind pilot readiness center that would provide on-location helmet fitting, flight simulators and altitude chamber training for F-35 pilots. In addition, Collins Aerospace intends to provide local field service engineers and test capabilities at the Woensdrecht Air Base to reduce turnaround time on CH-47Fs and maintain the RNLAF fleet’s readiness levels. Collins Aerospace has an unmatched level of expertise on both platforms as the original equipment manufacturer for the avionics suite of the CH-47F Chinook, and components in the F-35 Helmet and flight simulator.

“Collins Aerospace and the RNLAF are working toward a common goal of supporting the new F-35 pilot readiness center and maximizing the availability of CH-47F avionics,” said Craig Bries, vice president and general manager, Avionics Service and Support for Collins Aerospace. “Our legacy as an avionics leader makes us the perfect partner to help ensure these fleets are ready at a moment’s notice.”

Work to establish the pilot readiness center, and to place local support personnel, is slated to begin in early 2020.

Saab Signs Contract to provide Belgium with a Combat Training Centre

August 19, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Saab has signed a supply contract with the Belgian MoD for the deliveries of training systems to the Belgian Army. The order value is approximately SEK 160 million and deliveries will take place in 2021.

The contract includes providing a complete training centre with infantry simulators, anti-tank simulators, vehicle systems and communication systems for controlling, monitoring and collecting training data to enable detailed analysis of exercises. The support contract will be negotiated separately later on.

One of the requirements was interoperability with NATO, and with Saab’s training system Belgium will be capable of participating in multinational exercises.

“This means Belgium will share the same standards as members in the Interoperability User Community (IUC). They can therefore take part in multinational exercises together with, among others, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the UK and the US 7thArmy,” says Åsa Thegström, head of the business unit Training & Simulation within Saab’s business area Dynamics.

“The Belgian Army has used our training systems for the last four years and have clearly seen the benefits of realistic training. This order strengthens our position as one of the world’s leading suppliers of solutions for combat training,” says Henrik Vassallo, head of the country unit France & Benelux within Saab’s market area Europe.

The business unit Training & Simulation develops, manufactures and markets advanced military training equipment, such as laser simulator systems, instrumented training systems and target equipment. It also provides service and maintenance for delivered systems.

Textron Reviewing Strategic Alternatives for Kautex

August 5, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

PROVIDENCE, R.I.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) today announced that it is reviewing strategic alternatives for its Kautex business unit, which produces fuel systems and other functional components. Textron plans to consider a range of options, including a sale, tax-free spin-off or other transaction. Kautex operates over 30 plants in 14 countries and generated over $2.3 billion in revenue in 2018.

Kautex, headquartered in Bonn, Germany, is a leading developer and manufacturer of blow-molded plastic fuel systems and advanced fuel systems for cars and light trucks, including pressurized fuel tanks for hybrid applications. The unit also develops and manufactures camera/sensor cleaning solutions for automobiles, selective catalytic reduction systems used to reduce emissions from diesel engines as well as produces cast iron engine camshafts, crankshafts and other engine components.

“Kautex is a leading Tier One supplier to global OEMs. It has a long history of product innovation, world-class operations and strong financial performance,” said Scott C. Donnelly, Textron Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We are exploring strategic alternatives to see how we can position Kautex to best serve its customers for ongoing success while simultaneously unlocking potential value for our shareholders.”

No decision has been made and there can be no assurance that the process will result in any transaction being announced or completed in the future. The Company has not set a definitive timetable for completion of its review of strategic alternatives and does not intend to make any further announcements related to its review unless and until its Board of Directors has approved a specific transaction or the Company otherwise determines that further disclosure is appropriate.

Textron has retained Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC as financial advisor to assist in its review.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information visit: www.textron.com

U.S. Navy Commissions Littoral Combat Ship USS Billings

August 4, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

KEY WEST, Fla., Aug. 3, 2019- The U.S. Navy commissioned USS Billings (LCS 15) – the nation’s eighth Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) – in Key West, Florida. This milestone places the ship, built by the Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) -led team into active service.

“Billings was designed to operate and adapt to a rapidly changing environment,” said Joe DePietro, vice president of Small Combatants and Ship Systems at Lockheed Martin. “She is equipped and ready for today’s threats and easily modifiable to meet the threats we may not even be aware of yet. Our team is confident Billings will be what the Navy needs when the fleet needs it.”

Unique among combat ships, LCS is designed to complete close-to-shore missions and is a growing and relevant part of the Navy’s fleet.

It is fast — capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots.
It is automated — with the most efficient staffing of any combat ship.
It is lethal — standard equipped with Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) and a Mark 110 gun, capable of firing 220 rounds per minute.
It is flexible — with 40 percent of the hull easily reconfigurable, integrating capabilities like the Longbow Hellfire Missiles, 30mm guns, and manned and unmanned vehicles targeted to meet today’s and tomorrow’s missions.

“Having now commanded two freedom class LCS variants, I would like to report that these ships are truly impressive and will fit well in the niche they have been designed for,” said LCS 15’s Commanding Officer, Commander Nathan Rowan. “They are fast, maneuverable, and their weapon systems are some of the most accurate I’ve witnessed on any platform of which I’ve previously served.”

There are seven ships in various stages of production and test at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Wisconsin, where the Freedom-variant LCS is built. The next Freedom-variant in the class is LCS 17, the future USS Indianapolis, which was delivered in late July.

“On behalf of the proud 2,000 men and women who transform flat steel into a fast, agile surface combatant,” said Jan Allman, CEO of Fincantieri Marinette Marine, “we are honored to support the U.S. Navy, and we congratulate the outstanding crew of the USS Billings.”

Multimedia assets are available here:

Social media video: https://vimeo.com/351803068
B-roll: https://vimeo.com/351805414
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/143371902@N04/albums/72157710070352016

For more information, visit www.lockheedmartin.com/lcs

Embraer Delivers 51 Total Jets in Second Quarter of 2019

August 1, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Embraer delivers 26 Commercial and 25 Executive Jets in 2Q19

São José dos Campos, Brazil, July 30, 2019 – Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) delivered a total of 51 jets in the second quarter of 2019 (2Q19), of which 26 were commercial aircraft and 25 were executive jets (19 light and 6 large). As of June 30th, the firm order backlog totaled USD 16.9 billion compared to USD 16.0 billion at the end of 1Q19. Embraer’s 2Q19 backlog increase is largely due to continued market demand, mainly for the new family of Praetor jets in Executive Aviation. See details below:

In the second quarter, Embraer received the Type Certificate for the E195-E2 from three regulatory authorities: ANAC, the Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil); the FAA (U.S. Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency). The E195-E2 is the largest of the three members of the E-Jets E2 family of Embraer commercial airplanes.

In the beginning of the 2Q19, Embraer signed a firm order for 10 E195-E2 jets with Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline. The contract includes purchase rights for a further 20 E195-E2s. With all purchase rights being exercised, the contract has a value of USD 2.12 billion.

During the 53rd International Paris Air Show, Embraer announced several sales contracts as follows. All values are based on Embraer’s current list prices.

United Airlines signed a contract for up to 39 E175s, comprising 20 firm aircraft and 19 options. The order has a value of USD 1.9 billion with all options being exercised. Binter, of Spain, confirmed the purchase rights for two additional E195-E2s from the original contract signed in 2018. The two new E195-E2s have a value of USD 141.8 million.

Embraer also announced KLM Cityhopper’s intention to purchase up to 35 E195-E2 jets, consisting of 15 firm orders with purchase rights for a further 20 aircraft of the same model. This intention to purchase, which still requires a Purchase Agreement, has a value of USD 2.48 billion.

Embraer announced during the Paris Air Show that it signed a contract with Japan’s Fuji Dream Airlines (FDA) for a firm order of two E175 jets. The order has a value of USD 97.2 million and was already included in Embraer’s 1Q19 backlog as “undisclosed.”

In the executive aviation segment, Embraer received the Type Certificate for the new Praetor 600 super-midsize business jet by the three main world regulatory agencies: ANAC, the FAA, and EASA. The first Praetor 600 was delivered in June to an undisclosed European customer.

Embraer Defense & Security and ELTA Systems Ltd (ELTA), a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), signed at the 53rd International Paris Air Show a Strategic Cooperation Agreement to introduce the P600 AEW (Airborne Early Warning). In this cooperation, Embraer is to provide the air platform, ground support, communications systems and aircraft integration while ELTA is to provide the AEW radar, SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) and other electronic systems and system integration.

Embraer Services & Support announced at the Paris Air Show a contract with Azul Linhas Áereas Brasileiras, S.A. for a long-term Flight Hour Pool Program agreement for the carrier’s brand new fleet of Embraer E195-E2 jets. The Company also announced pool maintenance and parts agreements with Helvetic Airways, from Switzerland, and Aurigny Air Services, from the Guernsey Island. During the MRO Americas event, in early April, Embraer also announced support contracts with Air Botswana, Binter, from Spain, and Mauritania Airlines.

BAE Wins $45 Million Extended Range Cannon Contract

July 16, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

The U.S. Army has awarded BAE Systems a $45 million contract for the Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) Increment 1 prototype with the purpose of increasing the range and rate of fire on current and future M109A7 self-propelled howitzers.

The development of ERCA is in collaboration with the Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Armaments Center.

This prototype phase will address capability gaps in the Army’s indirect fire systems and improve the rate and range of fire with the development of power distribution software and hardware integration solutions. ERCA will be integrated onto the M109A7 and will require the M109A7’s current 39-caliber turret to be replaced with a 58-caliber, 30-foot long gun barrel with the objective of creating firepower double the current range.

“ERCA is a significant technological step forward for the Army’s artillery portfolio,” said Scott Davis, vice president or programs, BAE Systems’ Combat Vehicles business. “We were selected based on our years of experience in the development of self-propelled howitzer systems. Long-range precision fire is a top priority for the Army, and we are pleased to be a partner in efforts to equip soldiers with the latest technology.”

The development program aims to provide the warfighter with extended range while maintaining the weight found in current systems to minimize performance impacts on the chassis. Under separate contracts, BAE Systems is also developing precision guidance kits with anti-jamming capabilities (PGK-AJ) that can operate in the challenging ERCA firing environment. PGK-AJ is compatible with existing and new long-range rounds for multiple firing platforms, including the M109 self-propelled howitzer.

BAE Systems is currently producing the M109A7 configuration for the Army in the low-rate initial production phase.

Development work on ERCA Self Propelled Howitzer will take place at the Army’s Picatinny Arsenal and BAE Systems’ facilities in York, Pennsylvania; Sterling Heights, Michigan and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

MDHI Features MD 530F at APSCON 2019

July 15, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announces its participation in the 2019 Airborne Public Safety Aviation Convention (APSCON), July 17-19, 2019 at the CHI Health Center, Omaha, NE. The MDHI display will feature a company-owned MD 530F configured with the type-certified Block 1 all-glass cockpit, newly designed side mounts, and critical vision mission equipment from Trakka Systems. The MD 530F on display is one of two MDHI research and development assets dedicated to ensuring technological and performance improvements for the iconic 369FF airframe.

“Continuous improvements, innovation, and service to airborne law enforcement and public safety operations have been at the core of MD Helicopters’ business for more than 50 years,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer for MD Helicopters, Inc. “Through investment in product design and internal research, development and testing, we are able to deliver next generation capabilities that improve performance, reduce pilot workload, and ensure that reliability, affordability and optimal operational readiness remain hallmarks of the MDHI brand for the next 50 years and beyond.”

Current MDHI customers and interested operators who visit the MDHI booth at the 2019 Airborne Public Safety Aviation Convention (APSCON), will be able to learn more about the following offerings:

Certified Glass Cockpits

MDHI has type-certified for production, and as a type-design option, advanced, all-glass cockpits for the MD 530F and the MD 600N. Certification efforts are ongoing for the company’s other single-engine models. The Block 1 glass cockpit for the MD 530F single-engine helicopter features:

Howell Instruments Electronic Engine Instruments and Crew Alert System (EICAS)
Garmin G500[H] TXi Electronic Flight Instruments (EFIS) with Touchscreen GDU 700P PFD/MFD
Garmin GTN 650 Touchscreen NAV/COM/GPS
Optional L-3 ESI 500 Electronic Standby Instrument

Advanced Mission Equipment Installation

In order to accommodate installation of the widest range of mission critical vision technologies, MD Helicopters designed and is currently certifying innovative new side mounts that will allow effortless integration of critical EO/IR and searchlight equipment. The mounts are purpose-built to support law enforcement-preferred left-hand command configurations for vision solutions.

On display at the MDHI booth, #1001, are EO/IR and Searchlight solutions from TRAKKA Systems.

TrakkaBeam® TLX
TC-300 high performance multi-sensor surveillance system

Aftermarket & Customer Support Programs

The MD Helicopters Aftermarket and Customer Support teams continue to focus on innovation and responsiveness. Both the easy-to-use MyMD.aero customer portal and the Aftermarket Center of Excellence (ACE) have played integral roles in ensuring optimal operational readiness for the global fleet of MDHI-brand helicopters.

Demo Flights

MDHI has limited availability for demo flights while in Omaha. Interested organizations with current acquisition plans can request a demo flight either prior to show open (July 14 or 15), or immediately following the close of APSCON 2019 (July 19 or 20). Request should be submitted through your MDHI Business Development Director.

“We have great respect for our law enforcement operators, the job they do and the sacrifices they make each and every day, and it is for them that we remain focused on manufacturing the best helicopters with the most advanced, most affordable, most capable systems available.”

Elbit Eyes Acquisition Opportunities from Raytheon-UTC Deal

June 19, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

PARIS, June 19 (Reuters) – Israel-based Elbit Systems on Wednesday said it would keep an eye out for possible acquisitions if the proposed merger of U.S. aerospace companies Raytheon Co and United Technologies Corp triggers certain divestments.

“We could have several opportunities coming from that kind of merger,” Ran Kril, executive vice president for International Marketing & Business Development, told Reuters at the Paris Airshow.

Kril said Elbit was committed to expanding in the United States, and would keep a close eye on any possible divestments ordered by U.S. authorities reviewing the proposed merger.

He said Elbit expected to wrap up the purchase of the night vision business of Harris Corp in the autumn. Antitrust authorities had ordered the sale of that business as a condition for approving Harris’s merger with L3 Technologies.

“We’ve decided to grow in America and after the Harris acquisition, we will always find opportunities to expand our portfolio and our presence in the U.S.,” Kril said.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal, editing by Deepa Babington)

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