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Tag: OEM

Lockheed Martin Awarded 5-Year Contract to Support Indian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules Airlifter Fleet

NEW DELHI, Aug. 24, 2021 — Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has been awarded a $328.8 million, five-year contract from the Indian Air Force (IAF), to provide dedicated and comprehensive support for the IAF’s fleet of 12 C-130J-30 Super Hercules Aircraft. Lockheed Martin is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the C-130Js, which is the tactical airlifter of choice for 26 operators in 22 nations.           

Through this Follow On Support II (FOS) contract, Lockheed Martin teams manage the program, logistics and engineering support elements necessary to sustain the IAF’s C-130J fleet. The contract spans a five-year-period, is a Direct Commercial Sale, and is a continuation of a prior five-year FOS I contract where Lockheed Martin provided similar support for the IAF’s C-130J fleet.

The FOS II contract includes Lockheed Martin’s sustainment efforts for the IAF’s entire Super Hercules fleet, as well as extended options including Lockheed Martin support for the C-130J airframe, Contractor Furnished Equipment (CFE), peculiar and common spareable items, engines, propellers, software, publication services, ground handling equipment (GHE), ground support equipment (GSE) and test equipment. 

A total of eight employees representing Lockheed Martin, GE (propeller manufacturer) and Rolls-Royce (engine manufacturer) serve as on-site technical support for the duration of the contract. Additionally through the FOS II contract, five C-130J Hercules aircraft will undergo 12-year servicing (depot maintenance) at a Lockheed Martin-approved Heavy Maintenance Center (HMC) beginning in 2022.  

The Government of India announced its purchase of six C-130J Super Hercules airlifters via a Foreign Military Sale with the U.S. Air Force in 2008. All aircraft were delivered on or ahead of schedule between 2010 and 2011. India received additional C-130Js in 2017 and in 2019.

The IAF’s C-130J Super Hercules have a highly integrated and sophisticated configuration primarily designed to support India’s special operations requirement. The aircraft also are equipped with air-to-air receiver refueling capability for extended range operations. India’s C-130Js are also used to support a variety of critical missions, including humanitarian aid, airlift, natural disaster support, and search and rescue operations. Recently, the IAF has been extensively using its fleet of 12 Super Hercules for humanitarian efforts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as for transportation of relief materials, equipment and personnel in the areas affected by cyclones Yaas and Tauktae.

India’s connection to the C-130J goes beyond its fleet of Super Hercules with the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) joint venture that is the single, global source of C-130J empennage assemblies included on all new Super Hercules aircraft. Located in Hyderabad, TLMAL exemplifies the Government of India’s “Make in India” objectives and has delivered more than 120 empennages over its first 10 years of operations.

Embraer awarded ANAC and FAA Certification for Synthetic Vision Guidance System

Embraer today announced that the Synthetic Vision Guidance System (SVGS) for the midsize Praetor 500 and super-midsize Praetor 600 business jets was awarded certification by both the civil aviation authority of Brazil, Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC), and the civil aviation authority of the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Embraer is the first OEM to receive SVGS certification approval.

The SVGS provides pilots with a dynamic perception of position, trend, and motion, facilitating the transition to utilizing visual references and enabling the safe completion of more missions during inclement weather and lower ceiling approaches. The system allows pilots to operate the aircraft to a decision height of 150 feet (SA-CAT I), as opposed to the regular decision height of 200 feet, increasing operational efficiency and allowing access to several airports during inclement weather and lower ceiling approaches. The SVGS can be used with or without the Head-Up Display (HUD) and is now available for new aircraft and fully retrofittable on all Legacy 450, Legacy 500, Praetor 500, and Praetor 600 aircraft at any Embraer Owned or Authorized Service Center.

“At Embraer, we are committed to continuously improving our already industry-leading products to deliver the ultimate experience in business aviation. Just two months after certifying the electric pocket door and making the HEPA filter standard, we are proud to certify another Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 innovation,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “Thanks to our unparalleled engineering team and world-class partnership with Collins Aerospace, Embraer is proud to offer business aviation’s first Synthetic Vision Guidance System on the Praetor 500 and Praetor 600, further solidifying their position as the most disruptive and technologically advanced midsize business jets in the market.”

Independent of the Embraer Enhanced Vision System (E2VS), the SVGS is an optional addition to the acclaimed Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion flight deck on the Praetor 500 and Praetor 600. The SVGS can be installed either with or without E2VS, delivering even greater flexibility and safety options. When installed alone, SVGS allows for enviable situational awareness, without the investment required for E2VS. When installed together, the aircraft’s operational efficiency is further improved, allowing for even better utilization of the Praetor’s unparalleled short runway performance.

Bombardier Strengthens Support Network in Europe with London Biggin Hill Service Centre Expansion

  • Expansion at Bombardier’s London Biggin Hill service centre will double the facility’s footprint to nearly 250,000 square feet
  • Increased capacity will benefit more operators of Bombardier business aircraft, including the new Global 7500 jet

London Biggin Hill Airport, February 5, 2020 – Bombardier proudly announced today the expansion of its London Biggin Hill service centre with the construction of a new and larger facility nearing 250,000 square feet (approximately 23,225 square metres) to replace its existing hangars. Scheduled to be operational by mid-2022, the new service centre will provide customers in the region with extended maintenance support and reinforce Bombardier’s customer service experience in Europe.

The facility will provide the space and flexibility to offer a full range of maintenance and refurbishment services on Bombardier’s vast portfolio of products, and has the capacity to accommodate as many as 14 Global 7500 aircraft at the same time. The expansion will introduce sought-after capabilities and state-of-the-art installations, such as component painting and interior refurbishment capabilities, component repair and overhaul workshops and training rooms. The site will also ensure a quick response to its customers’ repair needs with the integration of a brand-new parts depot. Over the next several years, this significant expansion will bring the facility’s workforce to more than 250 employees and beyond to meet expanding demand.

“With the expansion of the London Biggin Hill service centre, Bombardier is taking another step in showing its unwavering commitment to providing customers with industry-leading services on a global scale, and the OEM expertise they rightfully deserve,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Vice President and General Manager, Customer Experience, Bombardier Aviation. “Europe continues to be a strong market for business aviation, and we’re glad to show our commitment to our customers with this important investment in the region.”

Bombardier’s London Biggin Hill service centre was inaugurated in 2017 and offers tip-to-tail heavy maintenance capabilities on LearjetChallenger and Global families of aircraft. The site is fully equipped to perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, modifications and avionics installations, and paint repair services. In 2019, the service centre added enhanced interior repair and refurbishment activities.

“The expansion of Bombardier’s service centre and the enhancement of its service and maintenance capabilities is a testament to the dynamism and attractiveness of the Biggin Hill Airport,” said Robert Walters, Commercial Director of London Biggin Hill Airport. “Bombardier has been a tremendous partner and, with this announcement, demonstrates its strong commitment to the continued growth of our world-class aviation hub.”

This expansion comes on the heels of numerous announcements in Bombardier’s vast support network, including the announcements of a new service centre at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport and of an expanded Singapore service centre, the recent addition of two U.S. line maintenance stations in Teterboro and Van Nuys, and the expansion of the Mobile Response Team (MRT) with a new Challenger 300 aircraft based in Munich, Germany.

Textron Reviewing Strategic Alternatives for Kautex

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