March 26, 2024 | International, Land
March 26, 2019 | International, Aerospace
Simulation manufacturer expands its footprint in support of Australian Seahawk operations
By: Mike Yeo
MELBOURNE, Australia — Synthetic training aids are an integral part of educating the crews that operate Australia's Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk anti-submarine helicopters, as its Navy balances training needs against operational requirements for its helicopter fleet.
The Royal Australian Navy, or RAN, operates a fleet of 24 MH-60Rs, known locally as the Romeo, from Nowra, south of Australia's largest city Sydney when the helicopters are not deployed at sea.
The helicopters were ordered from the United States under the Foreign Military Sales program in 2011 and delivered to Australia between 2013 and 2016.
Australia's MH-60Rs are split among two squadrons at the RAN base at Nowra, HMAS Albatross, with the 725 Squadron primarily assigned to training duties, while its sister unit 816 Squadron handles operational duties.
According to Cmdr. Stan Buckham, the commanding officer of 725 Squadron, splitting up the fleet into two squadrons allows each to concentrate on their respective primary tasks, while operating next door to each other means they can interact and support one another.
Both units operate out of new, purpose-built facilities at the base designed just for the MH-60R. These facilities include a suite of synthetic training devices that have helped the RAN train personnel while reducing demand on the aircraft. This suite of training devices, operated and maintained on site by the Canadian-based CAE, include two tactical operational flight trainers, or TOFT, a composite maintenance trainer, an avionics maintenance weapons loading trainer, and four other devices to train RAN MH-60R pilots, flight crew and maintenance crew.
The two TOFTs, which can be linked so crews can operate together, are certified by an independent simulator evaluation authority to level D, the highest qualification for flight simulators. These have six degrees of freedom and can replicate a variety of day, night and weather conditions.
CAE is also due to deliver an aircraft flight control system trainer to the RAN, completing its suite of nine training devices to support the country's MH-60R training program.
Buckham describes the MH-60R as a “great capability” and has called the work between the RAN and CAE at HMAS Albatross “a step change in integration with industry.” The company has an extensive footprint across Australia and New Zealand, delivering training and simulator services across 13 sites in both countries.
Together, these training devices have enabled the RAN to stand up eight flights of MH-60R crew that are either deployed or ready for deployment. Each flight consists of two sets of flight crews and a maintenance team that totals about 18 personnel.
The first RAN MH-60R flight deployed onboard an RAN ship in 2016, and have since made numerous deployments onboard various ships to the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region.
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July 31, 2020 | International, Aerospace
GA-ASI Selected for Further Skyborg Vanguard Development
San Diego – July 28, 2020 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is pleased to announce the recent award of an indefinite-delivery / indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract by the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) for the Skyborg Vanguard Program. Skyborg is an autonomy-focused capability that aims to integrate attritable, autonomous unmanned aircraft with open mission systems to enable manned-unmanned teaming. According to the AFLCMC's press release, this program will provide a “game-changing capability to the warfighter.” “We appreciate the opportunity to continue work on the Skyborg Vanguard program,” said Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI. “We are always looking for innovative, affordable ways to significantly increase USAF capabilities that address new mission challenges.” GA-ASI was one of four companies selected for further support to the program. These initial awards establish a vendor pool that will continue to compete for up to $400 million in subsequent delivery orders under the Skyborg Vanguard Program. About GA-ASI General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With more than six million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent flight that enables situational awareness and rapid strike. The company also produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas. For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com SkyGuardian, SeaGuardian, Predator and Lynx are registered trademarks and SkyGuardian is a trademark of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. For more information contact: GA-ASI Media Relations General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. +1 (858) 524-8108 ASI-MediaRelations@ga-asi.com View source version on GA-ASI : https://www.ga-asi.com/ga-asi-selected-for-further-skyborg-vanguard-development https://www.epicos.com/article/607305/ga-asi-selected-further-skyborg-vanguard-development
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July 28, 2024 | International, Aerospace
Space Force mulling nuclear protection for missile-tracking satellites
The study could drive changes to future tranches of Space Development Agency and Space Systems Command satellites.