4 décembre 2019 | International, Aérospatial
Des engagements en matière de niveau de performance ont été pris afin d'augmenter le taux de disponibilité et de garantir les capacités de soutien des hélicoptères Tigre dans les dix prochaines années.
Marignane – Airbus Helicopters et l'Organisation conjointe de coopération en matière d'armement (OCCAR) ont signé un contrat de soutien global trilatéral visant à accroître le taux de disponibilité des hélicoptères Tigre exploités par les forces armées françaises, allemandes et espagnoles. Cet accord de soutien à long terme garantit la disponibilité et la facilité de maintenance du Tigre au-delà des dix prochaines années. Ce contrat couvre des éléments critiques tels que l'amélioration continue et le traitement des obsolescences, ainsi que les réparations et la livraison des pièces de rechange garanties par tous les fournisseurs concernés. Il répond par ailleurs aux besoins individuels de chaque client, en fonction de ses scénarios opérationnels et de déploiement. En France, par exemple, l'accord garantit un taux de disponibilité des pièces de rechange allant jusqu'à 98 % et une simplification de la logistique, Airbus Helicopters assurant directement l'approvisionnement en pièces neuves, ainsi qu'en pièces réparées et autres consommables.
« Nous sommes fiers d'assurer le soutien à long terme du Tigre, certains de ces appareils étant constamment déployés sur d'importants thé'tres d'opérations. Ce contrat permet à nos clients de planifier avec fiabilité leurs opérations de soutien pour les dix prochaines années », a déclaré Bruno Even, CEO d'Airbus Helicopters.
Les 183 Tigre livrés à la France, à l'Allemagne, à l'Espagne et à l'Australie cumulent jusqu'ici plus de 130 000 heures de vol. Déployé pour la première fois par la France en Afghanistan en 2009, et peu après par les forces armées allemandes et espagnoles, le Tigre continue de jouer un rôle décisif sur les thé'tres d'opérations, gr'ce à sa grande polyvalence, sa capacité furtive et sa grande manoeuvrabilité.
10 mai 2023 | International, C4ISR
Senop will deliver the equipment and lifecycle upgrades to the Finnish Defence Forces between 2023 and 2025
6 août 2020 | International, Aérospatial, Naval
By: David B. Larter WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier-borne tanker drone, the MQ-25 Stingray, is preparing to head into the fall resuming test flights, this time with the crucial fuel store pod attached. The store pod — the same one integrated into the Navy's stalwart F/A-18 Super Hornet for aerial refueling — was recently integrated into the MQ-25 test article under the wing. “When we resume flight testing later this year, we'll have the opportunity to gather test points about the aerodynamics of that pod and the software commands that control it — all happening well before we deliver the Navy's first MQ-25 jet with the same pod,” MQ-25 program director Dave Bujold said in a statement from the aircraft's manufacturer, Boeing. “That early testing and early software development is a big part of supporting the Navy's goal to get MQ-25 to the fleet as quickly as possible,” he added. The engineers will primarily observe the aerodynamics of the pod mounted on the Stingray test article, then seeing how the hose and drogue behave while being dragged behind the airframe. Possible delays In June, Defense News reported that the MQ-25 could face a three-year testing delay if it doesn't get its designated test ships through the required modernizations on time, a possibility the Navy said was remote. Two carriers — Carl Vinson and George H.W. Bush — have limited windows to complete the installation of unmanned aircraft control stations, and if operational commitments intervene, the program could experience significant problems, according to Navy officials and a government watchdog report. “Program officials stated that, among other things, the Navy's potential inability to maintain its schedule commitments could require modifications to the contract that would impact the fixed-price terms,” the Government Accountability Office reported. “Specifically, the Navy faces limited flexibility to install MQ-25 control centers on aircraft carriers. “If the Navy misses any of its planned installation windows, the program would have to extend MQ-25 development testing by up to 3 years. According to officials, such a delay could necessitate a delay to initial capability and result in a cost increase.” The Navy's MQ-25 Stingray aerial refueling drone took its first flight Sept. 19, a historic step toward integrating an unmanned aircraft into the service's powerful strike arm. Navy officials say a three-year delay is “extremely unlikely”; however, the Navy has struggled in recent years to balance its modernization schedules with operational commitments, a problem that its “Optimized Fleet Response Plan” deployment rotation scheme was supposed to address. Ultimately, a delay would further push back the Navy's ability to extend its carrier air wing's range through unmanned tanking, critical to keeping the service's powerful strike arm relevant against long-range guided munitions. https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2020/07/24/boeing-preparing-for-the-next-big-step-testing-the-us-navys-new-aerial-tanker-drone
19 août 2019 | International, Aérospatial
BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) will serve as the title sponsor for the first-ever Lockheed Martin Space and Air Show, Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, 2020. It will be held at the Orlando Sanford International Airport, near downtown Orlando. The show will be headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and it will feature numerous company air, ground and space assets. Lockheed Martin has a 60-year history in central Florida, including executing programs in the Orlando, Tampa, and Space Coast areas. This work includes aviation, space exploration, missiles, fire control, and training and simulation programs. The company's regional workforce is growing and currently has hundreds of jobs available in central Florida to support recent contract wins. "We look forward to giving visitors from central Florida and from across the nation a firsthand glimpse into the exciting technologies and capabilities we provide our military and our allies to help them protect lives and liberties around the world," said Marillyn Hewson, chairman, president and CEO, Lockheed Martin. The space and air show is produced by B. Lilley Productions, an event management company specializing in the production of air shows. In 2020, they'll also produce events in New York, New York, Atlanta, Georgia, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Ocean City, Maryland. "Our entire organization is extremely honored to work with Lockheed Martin in creating this signature North American aerospace event," said Bryan Lilley, chief executive officer, B. Lilley Productions. "Showcasing Lockheed Martin's vast portfolio brings together an unprecedented display of air, ground and space assets." The Orlando Sanford International Airport serves three million passengers annually. It was opened in 1942 as a World War II fighter and bomber training base. "With the Orlando area's first space and air show of the new millennium, we are excited to bring this unique thrill and excitement to central Florida," said Diane Crews, Orlando Sanford Airport CEO. "Lockheed Martin's reputation for excellence will propel the show to a national level. We can't wait!" Tickets go on sale during Veterans' Day weekend in November 2019 with pricing announced then. The dedicated LMSAS website is www.spaceandairshow.com. https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2019-08-19-Lockheed-Martin-Announces-First-Title-Sponsored-Space-and-Air-Show-U-S-Air-Force-Thunderbirds-to-Fly