Akaer Develops Multirole UAV | IAI Unveiled New Naval Radar | China Unveiled YU-20
Americas
Triumph Gear System won a $24.3 million contract action for the procurement of one item used on the V-22 aircraft. All work will be performed in Park City, Utah, and is expected to be completed by July 2024. Fiscal 2022 working capital (Navy) funds will be used and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The V-22 Osprey is a joint service multirole combat aircraft utilizing tiltrotor technology to combine the vertical performance of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft. Boeing is responsible for the fuselage, landing gear, avionics, electrical and hydraulic systems, performance and flying qualities. Work will take place in Utah. Expected completion will be by July 2024.
The privately owned Brazilian aerospace company Akaer Engenharia has developed the Albatross family of multimission, multipayload, medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (MALE UAVs), Jane’s reports. The UAV is reportedly made of composite materials and with minimum International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)-controlled items, and maximum use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) systems.
Middle East & Africa
Israel Aerospace Industries unveiled the STAR-X 3D multi-mission naval radar, designed for Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and other small vessels. The STAR-X 3D naval radar is based on IAI’s ELTA pioneering AESA (Active Electronic Scanned Array) technology. It performs simultaneous air and surface surveillance, and is designed for performing critical missions in Exclusive Economic Zones (EZZ) and beyond.
Europe
General Atomics won a $89.8 million contract action for France contractor logistics support for MQ-9 Block 5 and Block 1 aircraft. This contract provides logistics support activities including depot repair, life cycle sustainment, and software maintenance services for the French Air Force MQ-9 Block 5 and Block 1 aircraft. Work will take place in California. Expected completion date is December 31, 2023.
Asia-Pacific
The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has officially unveiled the YU-20 aerial refueling tanker during a press conference to announced the Changchun Air Base open house on August 26. Air Force Spokesperson Senior Colonel Shen Jinke said the tanker recently conducted aerial refueling exercises at sea with the J-16.
The US Army contracted General Dynamics with a $10.5 million contract modification to support the production of M1A2T tanks. The M1A2T is a customized model of the M1A2 SEPv2, specifically for Taiwanese Army requirements. The M1A2 SEP (System Enhancement Package) version of the Abrams tank features a new-production turret with a series of improvements for enhanced survivability.
Today’s Video
WATCH: MQ-9 REAPER: The Most Dangerous Military Drone on Earth
