BAE Systems (OTC: BAESY) has received a $184 million contract option from the U.S. Marine Corps for more Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACV) under full-rate production. The order demonstrates the Marine Corps’ confidence in a program that is on track to deliver this critical capability to the Marines. This contract award will cover production, fielding, and support costs for the ACV personnel carrier (ACV-P) variant. BAE Systems was awarded the first full-rate production contract option in December for the first 36 vehicles. This option on that contract increases the total number of vehicles under full-rate production to 72, for a total value of $366 million.
The ACV is a highly mobile, survivable, and adaptable platform for conducting rapid ship-to-shore operations and brings enhanced combat power to the battlefield. BAE Systems is under contract to deliver two variants to the Marine Corps under the ACV Family of Vehicles program: the ACV-P and the ACV command variant (ACV-C). A 30mm cannon (ACV-30) is currently under contract for design and development and a recovery variant (ACV-R) is also planned.
The Marine Corps selected BAE Systems along with teammate Iveco Defence Vehicles for the ACV program in 2018 to replace its legacy fleet of Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAV), also built by BAE Systems. BAE Systems was also recently awarded an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract worth up to $77 million for the ACV program that includes the provision of spare and replacement parts, testing equipment, and other services.
ACV production and support is taking place at BAE Systems locations in Stafford, Virginia; San Jose, California; Sterling Heights, Michigan; Aiken, South Carolina; and York, Pennsylvania.
PARIS, June 18, 2019––Longview Aviation Capital (“Longview”) and its subsidiary Viking Air Limited, a global leader of utility aircraft, support and services and manufacturer of the world-renowned Twin Otter, today announced a seven aircraft sales contract for six new-production CL-515 aircraft and one CL-415EAF.
The CL-515 is a newly developed, technically advanced multi-mission aerial firefighting aircraft – the next generation of the CANADAIR CL-415, the aviation industry’s benchmark amphibious aircraft and the backbone of firefighting missions around the globe. With enhanced firefighting capabilities, and the flexibility to support a wide range of critical mission operations, the CL-515 will be a vitally important strategic asset to fleets around the world.
The Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense has agreed to purchase six all-new CL-515 aircraft, four of which will be delivered in “First Responder” multi-mission configuration, and two delivered in optimized aerial firefighter configuration. The purchase agreement also includes one CANADAIR CL-415EAF “Enhanced Aerial Firefighter” aircraft converted from a CANADAIR CL-215 to EAF standard by Longview Aviation Capital’s subsidiary, Longview Aviation Services.
The Republic of Indonesia’s purchase agreement is a firm commitment that is conditional only on Longview Aviation Capital’s Board of Directors approving the production launch program.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Republic of Indonesia as the first customer for this extraordinary aircraft,” said David Curtis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Longview Aviation Capital. ”This contract is a major milestone in bringing the next generation CANADAIR to market. The confidence of a sovereign government in our program is matched by our own confidence in our ability to deliver this new aircraft platform to the world. We are very well advanced in all aspects of program planning, including our supply chain, and we are nearing a final decision on manufacturing and final assembly sites. We expect to complete the remaining program milestones in the near future, and deliver the first new CL-515 on schedule in 2024.”
Program Development Process
Since acquiring the type certificates for the CANADAIR amphibious aircraft program from Bombardier in 2016, Longview has had positive discussions with numerous potential customers from around the world, including both governments and private operators, who have enthusiastically encouraged a production restart.
On the basis of the global interest in the unique and unrivalled capabilities of the CL-515, Longview and Viking have invested in a rigorous process ahead of full production launch decision:
Consulted extensively with current global operators to understand their future aerial firefighting resource requirements
Conducted
extensive market research and feasibility studies and developed a new
all-season multi-mission platform, leveraging advanced technology not
previously included in the CL program
Consulted with key supplier partners
Undertaken
advanced supply chain and manufacturing planning, including options
associated with Longview’s current facilities and potential new
facilities in Western Canada
CL-515 Highlights
Up to 15% better aerial firefighting productivity, including increased tank capacity and ability to refill in 14 seconds
State-of-the-art Collins Pro Line Fusion® digital avionics suite for unrivaled situational awareness
Flexible architecture to support multi-mission capabilities including aerial firefighting, maritime patrol, surveillance, medevac, environmental monitoring, insect control, oil spill detection and dispersant
Reduced maintenance and operating costs through improved, scalable avionics and superior design
Unmatched mission efficiency and flexibility, requiring no runway or reloading capacity during waterbombing firefighting
“Indonesia is on the front lines of increasing challenges like forest fires, and as an island nation has extensive needs for a range of amphibious capabilities,” said Air Chief Marshal Yuyu Sutisna, chief of staff for Indonesia’s Air Force. “We have chosen to invest in this aircraft based on the CANADAIR’s solid track record demonstrated around the world over the last 50 years, and Viking’s established capabilities as an aircraft developer and producer. The next generation CL-515 will have unmatched operational performance, particularly as a firefighter. This aircraft has the best productivity of any aerial firefighting aircraft, capable of delivering the highest quantity of foam retardant per day, while at the same time providing the flexibility to save lives and protect our coastal areas through its multi-role SAR and Maritime Surveillance functionalities. We are proud to sign the first contract for this extraordinary aircraft that will enhance our mission capability at excellent value.”
Indian carrier SpiceJet is looking to add commuter routes to the more remote parts of the country. The ability to provide these essential air services are hampered by the lack of infrastructure and existing airfields available. The airline has been working with Setouchi Holdings of Japan on test runs of seaplane operations at Mumbai’s Girgaum Chowpatty beach, as well as land operations to Nagpur and Guwahati.
SpiceJet is India’s third largest airline by passengers carried. Operating a fleet of newer Boeing 737 and Bombardier Q-400 aircraft has helped the airline to maintain its low-cost structure. The company currently operates 306 daily flights to 35 local and 6 international destinations, and operates hubs in Delhi and Hyderabad. In March of 2014, the airline signed a firm order for 42 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. This has been followed by orders for an additional 113 of the 737 Max 8’s. SpiceJet also signed a letter of intent at the 2017 Paris Air Show with Bombardier to purchase up to 50 Q400 aircraft to support growth in its feeder connectivity.
The feeder route network is where the partnership with Setouchi Holdings comes into focus. Setouchi Holdings owns Quest Aircraft, which manufacturers the Kodiak small commuter aircraft that can operate both on unimproved airfields, and as an amphibious aircraft fixed with pontoons. Quest Aircraft Company is located in Sandpoint, Idaho, and was purchased by the Japanese Holding Company in February of 2015.
Dornier Seawings production of the Seastar begins. While searching the internet last night for signs of a rumored re-launch of the Dornier 328Jet, I came across something much more interesting. A company called Dornier Seawings has begun production of its Seastar airplane. The Seastar is billed as the world’s most advanced amphibious aircraft. Airplanes labelled as amphibious can operate on both land and water. Dornier Seawings is a joint venture of the Dornier family and Wuxi Industrial Development Group. Seastar assembly will start in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, and will be moved later to a new facility in Wuxi, China. The Seastar has partnered with some of the industry’s top suppliers, including Pratt & Whitney, MT Propellers, Honeywell, and Diamond Aircraft Industries. Diamond has begun manufacturing the airframe, fuselage, wings, and flight controls. Delivery of the first unit is scheduled for June, 2016. Type Certificate for the new aircraft is on target for the second quarter of 2018.
A great promo video of the Seastar can be viewed at the following link:
