October 10, 2022 | International, Aerospace
Sierra Nevada buys drone maker Volansi after VC funding dries up
Sierra Nevada said it bought Volansi for "considerably less" than other drone manufacturers have sold for recently.
July 12, 2018 | International, Aerospace
France proves midair refueling capability with Rafale and A400M
By: Pierre Tran
PARIS ― France has completed a range of in-flight tests showing that the Rafale fighter jet could be refueled from underwing fuel pods on the A400M military transport plane, the Armed Forces Ministry said.
“After a campaign of flight tests conducted by the Direction Générale de l'Armement with the support from the Air Force, the A400M has just passed a significant milestone in demonstrating its capability to refuel the Rafale from underwing fuel pods,” the ministry said July 9 on its website..
The tests allowed the Direction Générale de l'Armement procurement office to authorize the A400M for refueling the Rafale, while the Air Force is preparing the means to enter the new capability into service.
Meanwhile, the A330M will fly in the July 14 Bastille Day parade, marking the first time the multirole tanker transport twin jet will take part in the military showcase. Last year, U.S. Air Force F-16s flew down the Champs Elysées, with U.S. President Donald Trump admiring the parade with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.
The A400M MRTT will fly in French Air Force colors, with the first official delivery due after the summer.
In the flight-test campaign, the Rafales took fuel from the two underwing pods as well as from the fuselage from the hose drum unit, which is used to refuel transport and fighter aircraft, the ministry said. The next major test will be refueling of helicopters.
The tests included refueling the Rafale at various altitudes and speed, as well as simulated failure of one of the fighter's engines and flight controls, the ministry said. Tests were conducted in day and night, including using night vision goggles, with the fighter flying in different conditions.
The Air Force is preparing flight procedure, technical support and training, the ministry said. “The A400M will then offer the capability of in-flight refueling in the theater,” it added.
Further test campaigns are due to be held later this year, including the A400M refueling the Mirage 2000 fighter from the pods and other transport aircraft from the hose drum unit, the ministry said.
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October 7, 2020 | International, Land, C4ISR, Security
General Dynamics Land Systems awarded $1.2 Billion U.S. Army Contract for Stryker IM-SHORAD Vehicles
Oct 6, 2020 SOURCE: GDLS Sterling Heights, Mich. – October 2, 2020 - General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), was awarded a $1.219 billion contract to produce, test and deliver Interim Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (IM-SHORAD) systems to the U.S. Army. The Army's initial order on the contract calls for 28 Stryker IM-SHORAD vehicles for $230 million. General Dynamics Land Systems awarded $1.2 Billion U.S. Army Contract for Stryker IM-SHORAD Vehicles“General Dynamics and our teammates Leonardo DRS and Raytheon are pleased to be able to partner with the Army to bring this powerful capability to U.S. Soldiers,” said Don Kotchman, Vice President and General Manager of GD Land Systems. “This dedicated SHORAD capability adds a new operational dimension to the Stryker fleet in all of the Army's maneuver formations.” The IM-SHORAD is designed to counter threats from Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and a multitude of other Rotary and Fixed Wing aircraft, and provides a common Army platform that is cost-effective, highly mobile, survivable, sustainable and transportable. Stryker continues to be a highly sought platform beyond the Stryker Brigade Combat Team formations. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of September, 30, 2025. GD Land Systems has production locations in Tallahassee, Florida; Scranton, Pennsylvania; London, Ontario; Lima, Ohio; and Anniston, Alabama. Headquartered in Sterling Heights, Michigan, General Dynamics Land Systems provides innovative design, engineering, technology, production and full life-cycle support for land combat vehicles around the globe. The company's extensive experience, customer-first focus and seasoned supply chain network provide unmatched capabilities to the U.S. military and its allies. More information about General Dynamics Land Systems is available at www.gdls.com General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company that offers a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation; combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; IT services; C4ISR solutions; and shipbuilding and ship repair. General Dynamics employs more than 100,000 people worldwide and generated $39.4 billion in revenue in 2019. More information about General Dynamics is available at www.gd.com. LAND SYSTEMS Media Contact: Robin Porter porterr@gdls.com (586) 825-7141 Land Systems-Canada: Douglas Wilson-Hodge wilsonho@gdls.com (519) 964-5178 https://www.epicos.com/article/632685/general-dynamics-land-systems-awarded-12-billion-us-army-contract-stryker-im-shorad
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January 11, 2024 | International, Aerospace
How the US replaced Russia’s RD-180 engine, strengthening competition
Opinion: The Vulcan launch and engine development should be considered a success story for U.S. industrial policy.