V-22 Osprey conducts first landing on deck of a ship

On the same subject

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  November 1, 2017 | International, Aerospace

  Royal Canadian Air Force to buy air-to-air missiles from U.S.

  Nov. 1 (UPI) -- The State Department announced Wednesday a possible sale of up to 32 AIM-120D Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles to one of America's "Five Eyes" partner, Canada. Congress was notified of the possible $140 million sale on Tuesday, which includes the 32 AMRAAMs, as well as 18 AMRAAM Captive Air Training Missiles; four AMRAAM Non-Development Item-Airborne Instrumentation Units, two AMRAAM Instrumented Test Vehicles, seven spare AMRAAM guidance units and four spare AMRAAM control sections for use on their F/A-18 aircrafts. "Included in the sale are containers; storage and preservation; transportation; aircrew and maintenance training; training aids and equipment, spares and repair parts; warranties; weapon system support and test equipment; publications and technical documentation; software development, integration, and support; system integration and testing; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support; and other related elements of logistics and program support," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a press release. The missiles will be used on Royal Canadian Air Force fighter aircraft and are said to contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the U.S. by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally. DSCA says the sale of armament is required to support the Royal Canadian Air Force fighters to "optimally fulfill" both North American Aerospace Defense and NATO missions. The deal also meets the U.S. Northern Command's goals of combined air operation's interoperability and standardization between Canadian and U.S. forces, according to the press statement. The State Department assesses that the proposed sale of equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region, in addition to having no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of the sale. Raytheon Missile Systems, out of Tucson, Ariz., will provide the equipment and support for the Royal Canadian Air Force. https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2017/11/01/Royal-Canadian-Air-Force-to-buy-air-to-air-missiles-from-US/9601509554420/

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  January 18, 2019 | International, Aerospace

  UK: £293 million deal for Apache fleet

  The MOD has awarded a five-year, multi-million-pound deal to Leonardo Helicopters (UK) for the support of the existing fleet of 50 Apache attack helicopters. Defence Minister Stuart Andrew announced the £293 million contract with Leonardo Helicopters during a visit to the company's site in Yeovil where some of the vital work on the aircraft will take place. The Apache AH MK1 Integrated Operational Support (IOS) contract will maintain the fleet until it's out of service date in March 2024. The Apache MK1 is being incrementally replaced by the latest Apache AH-64E aircraft that will begin entering service with the British Army in 2022. The new AH-64E model will have improved sensors and avionics as well as greater performance that will enable the Army to sustain its battle-winning capabilities in future operations. Defence Minister Stuart Andrew said: The Apache has provided years of crucial battlefield support to UK and coalition troops in operations in Libya and Afghanistan. This multi-million-pound contract will ensure our Armed Forces continue to benefit from this vital capability as we integrate the latest Apache model into service in 2022. The IOS contract secured by Defence Equipment and Support, the MOD's procurement agency, includes deep maintenance, repair and overhaul of the MK1 aircraft as well as the provision of technical and spares support. The contract has been awarded in three tranches, to maintain value for money, with this latest investment covering the final five years of the fleet in service. Full article: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/293-million-deal-for-apache-fleet

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  February 20, 2020 | International, Aerospace

  Sikorsky lands $470.8M deal for presidential helicopter upgrade

  Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Sikorsky Aircraft was awarded a $470.8 million modification for six VH-92A helicopters for the presidential helicopter replacement program. The deal modifies a $542 million contract awarded in June to build six new helicopters for the Presidential fleet. Under the modification, Sikorsky -- a division of Lockheed Martin -- will provide interim contractor support and six cabin interior reconfiguration kits as well as six low rate initial production lot II VH-92A aircraft for the presidential fleet. The Navy plans to replace the current Marine Corps fleet of 19 helicopters, composed of the VH-3D, which entered service in 1978 and the VH-60N aircraft, which arrived in 1987 -- with 23 new aircraft. The VH-92A is designed to increase performance and payload, including crew coordination systems and communications capabilities, and be easier to maintain. In December, General Electric received an $11.1 million contract to build five CT7-8A6 engines for the presidential helicopter fleet. https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2020/02/19/Sikorsky-lands-4708M-deal-for-presidential-helicopter-upgrade/1301582159979/