Officials of the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in Arlington, VA., announced in late December the third and final phase of the DARPA Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) PROGRAM. U.S. military avionics are almost in completion of making a cockpit automation to reduce the number of air crew. Researchers are getting close to develop drop-in flight automation systems that could eliminate the need for co-pilots. Which includes at least 80 percent of the U.S. military’s multi-crew aircrafts. The goal is to cut cost, enhance system performance, and reducing the human exposure to dangerous and life threatening situations.
Learn MoreIn February 2009, the US Air Force awarded a $2.95 billion contract to Boeing for the addition of fifteen C-17s. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a T-tailed, high-wing transport vehicle for the military. Its four engine makeup allows it to carry weights up to 169,000 pounds (76,657 kg), thus accommodating a crew of three, including the pilot, co-pilot, and loadmaster. Through the utilization of an engine exhaust and propulsive lift system, the C-17 can land on small airfields and short runways.
Learn MoreIn March of 2015, the United States Army took delivery of the first training version of Airbus Group’s UH-72A Lakota light utility helicopter at its production facility in Columbus, Mississippi. This helicopter will join seven others that have already received the training configuration modifications and have been deployed to Fort Rucker in Alabama in preparation for the Lakota’s formal introduction into the training curriculum that will take place in early 2016. To date, 411 Lakota helicopters have been ordered by the US Department of Defense - 400 of which will be used by the Army.
Learn MoreFinal assembly on the first prototype of Saab’s Gripen fighter is “well under way.” The fuselage sections for the Gripen E/NG fighter test aircraft 39-8 have already been assembled. There was much rejoicing when the pieces fit together immediately without any modifications. It shows that Saab is on schedule to roll out the aircraft in 2016. The deal with Brazil is worth $4.55 billion USD and was finalized on Wednesday, March 11, 2015. Under the contract, 36 Brazilian next-generation Gripen fighter aircraft will be delivered. Covered in the order are 28 single-seat Gripen NG aircraft and 8 two-seater aircraft. The first aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in 2019. The contract expires in 2024. Included in the contract is the complete turnkey weapon system, training, spare parts, support, planning and maintenance.
Learn MoreThe United States State Department has approved the sale of three Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters to Mexico to help in the war against drugs. The proposed deal would be worth USD$110 million for the three helicopters plus communications, radar, weaponry, training, and logistical services. This deal would help Mexico’s ability to fight against drug cartels, organized crime, and perform other counter-narcotics operations. Mexico has a notorious drug problem, and with drug dealers running rampant help from a foreign supplier was necessary.
Learn MoreIn early 2015, Boeing successfully installed the first prototype of a new B-52 bomber weapons bay launcher. Originally started in 2013, this prototype serves as the first of three that Boeing plans to use for data analysis.
Learn MoreThe flagship of Canada’s aerospace industry, the Twin Otter turboprop plane, appeared as though it would become history when production of the aircraft ended in 1988. However, through Viking Air, the Twin Otter is making a re-appearance into the market. The first batch of these turboprop planes made test flights in 2010, which production facilities springing up to continue manufacturing of the aircraft that same year.
Learn MoreDarnell Corporation was founded in 1921 by J.L. Chestnut in Long Beach, California. Chestnut pioneered an innovative caster construction which featured two ball races in the swivel head, an upper row for load weight, and a bottom row for lateral pressure. This design greatly reduced all points of friction and lateral pressure strain, facilitating easy movement across uneven surfaces. In 1988, the company was merged with the Rose Caster Company which focused on automotive steel casters and couplers.
Learn MoreHeadquartered in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, Thales Group is the 11th largest defense contractor in the world, with 60% of its total sales being for military purposes. The California-based aerospace branch Thales Avionics manages more than 40% of the Earth’s airspace with its air traffic control centers, and is the premier provider of flight avionics - being Number 1 in Europe, and Number 3 globally. Founded in 2000, Thales has since established itself as a major influencer in the European aerospace market - being the primary manager of avionics equipment for the French Air Force, being awarded a 10-year fixed-price contract for supplying the Rafale fighter jet, and winning the maintenance contract for all of the Airbus NH90 helicopters flying globally.Thales’ portfolio of flight avionics systems include:
Learn MoreHeadquartered in Hampshire on the southern coast of Great Britain, Meggitt Avionics is a premier provider of sensors, flight displays, and oxygen systems for the military and commercial aerospace markets. The company traces its roots to the 19th Century firm Negretti and Zambra who was a producer of scientific instruments for British royalty.
Learn MoreHarris Corporation, an international telecommunications equipment company, generates approximately $5 billion in annual revenue. Their workforce of 14,000 employees consists of over 6,000 engineers and scientists that continue to drive innovation and develop new products. The company’s operations serve both commercial and government markets in over 125 countries. Over the years, Harris Corporation has found itself to be a non-expendable asset to the US government, as it has become one of the largest defense contractors in addition to its work in the commercial markets.
Learn MoreIt is a well-known fact that the United States spends more on defense than the rest of the world’s top militaries combined, with an annual budget in excess of $683 billion. The US government spends more on the military than all 50 states combined spend on health and education. This military industrial complex funnels huge amounts of money in the form of government contracts to military contractors. Some companies in particular, L-3 Communications included, make billions of dollars from the US government. In 2011, it’s revenue from contracts totaled $15.17 billion. They are one of the largest contractors in command, control, communications, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, and aircraft modernization. Such contracts that have been awarded include the following:
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