Archive for the 'U.S. Air Force' Category
Apr 19, 2010, post by awatrobski
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. is collaborating with the U.S. Army to develop an optionally piloted demonstrator Black Hawk helicopter, the company informed from the AAAA Annual Convention. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.
Sikorsky Innovations, Sikorsky Aircraft’s technology organization, is leading the development program. It plans to fly the optionally piloted demonstrator aircraft this year, and is targeting introducing the optionally piloted aircraft in 2015.
“This technology will provide commanders with manning options based on the mission and tactical situation, and will significantly reduce crew limitations while increasing Black Hawk helicopter flight operations,” informed Chris Van Buiten Director of Sikorsky Innovations.
The U.S. Army’s total Black Hawk helicopter fleet exceeds 1,740 aircraft and has amassed six million flight hours. More than 3,000 Black Hawk helicopters are in use today, operating in 27 different countries. Designed to stringent U.S. Military standards, the Black Hawk helicopter has become the leader in multi-mission-type aircraft. Among the mission configurations it serves are troop transport, medical evacuation, attack, assault support and special operations.
Sikorsky Innovations is an agile, networked group of Sikorsky employees and industry teammates dedicated to demonstrating innovative technology solutions to the toughest problems in vertical flight. Sikorsky Innovations is pursuing a broad range of advanced technologies, including X2 high-speed helicopter technology, aware and adaptive aircraft systems and optionally piloted aircraft.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in aircraft design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., delivers a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
Apr 12, 2010, post by awatrobski
Damage-resistant tyre technology developed by Birmingham-based Dunlop Aircraft Tyres is set to be used for the first time on a military aircraft.
Foreign object damage (FOD) resistance tyre technology pioneered by the firm will feature on the Airbus Military A400M.
The tyres will help aircraft on operations involving unprepared airstrips.
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres chairman Ian Edmondson informed: With over 100 years’ history of specialising in aircraft tyre producing and retreading, we have built considerable experience of pushing the boundaries in both civil and military tyre technology.
These new tyres for the A400M are an example of that.
They build on our experience in the military sector and will help protect the aeroplane when it operates to and from unprepared airstrips.”
More than 180 Airbus Military A400M transport aircraft have been ordered by Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Spain, Turkey and the UK.
Apr 07, 2010, post by awatrobski
The Boeing Co. estimates that Florida will benefit from an estimated 1,900 total jobs with 14 suppliers and generate an estimated $95 million annual economic impact if the Boeing NewGen Tanker is selected as the U.S. Air Force’s next tanker aircraft, the company informed today.
A military aircraft based on Boeing’s commercial 767 jetliner, the tanker would replace a fleet of aging KC-135 airplanes, the first of which was built in 1956. The new aircraft was featured in a traveling display that stopped Tuesday in downtown Tallahassee to acquaint residents with the company’s development program.
“We need Floridians to help us win the contract. If we win, we need Floridians to help us build this tanker,” informed Bill Barksdale, communications manager for the tanker program.
The exhibit was at Kleman Plaza from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and was open to the public. Company officials said the demonstrator showcases why Boeing’s aircraft is the best solution for the U.S. Air Force’s KC-X aerial refueling program.
Under this procurement, the Air Force is looking to the development of the next generation of tanker aircraft for airborne refueling operations. Boeing’s rival has been the team of Northrop Grumman/EADS, but Northrop Grumman announced in March it is withdrawing from the bidding process, citing an Air Force request for proposals the company believes is weighted in favor of Boeing.
The procurement, which replaces the military’s aging KC-135 tanker aircraft, is valued at $35 billion.
Boeing’s demonstrator features state-of-the-art flight-deck and aerial-refueling simulators. Guests took turns piloting the simulators and viewing the various displays.
