Americas
Boeing won a $189.3 million contract modification for F-15 Eagle Passive Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS) low-rate initial production (LRIP). This contract modification adds government furnished property repair as well as acquisition of Group A and B kits, support equipment, mod line standup, technical orders and interim contractor support efforts for the LRIP of the EPAWSS systems which will be installed on existing F-15 aircraft. The Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System provides the US Air Force F-15 fleet with advanced electronic warfare technology to maximize mission effectiveness and survivability. Work will take place in Texas. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2026.
B.L. Harbert International LLC won a $46.5 million contract for the construction of facilities to support the cultural and process improvement program MQ-9 Mission Control Element Group at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. The contract also contains 11 unexercised options, which if exercised would increase cumulative contract value to $55,395,736. The work to be performed provides for the construction of a headquarters building and an operations building which will house a multitude of various MQ-9 missions in support of the remote piloted aircraft program and operation needs. The complex will be focused around an exterior courtyard that promotes interaction amongst squadron personnel while allowing for a shared entry access point from the parking areas. The facilities design will utilize the roof lines to create a visually integrated complex. The options, if exercised, provide for a roadway and roundabout, landscape architecture enhancement, overhead electrical line relocation, data center cabinets and racks at the operations building, an electronic security system (ESS) at the operations building, an ESS at the headquarters building, furniture, fixtures and equipment at the headquarters and operations buildings and an audio visual package at the headquarters and operations buildings. Work will take place in South Carolina. Expected completion will be in December 2022.
Middle East & Africa
The Israeli company Mobius, specializing in the design, development and manufacturing of life saving, energy-absorbing systems for military vehicles, announced that its protection systems and its driver seats have been selected by the IDF to be installed in the new Eitan 8×8 armored fighting vehicle. The Eitan is eight meters long and three meters wide and weighs 30-35 tons. It is operated by a commander, gunner and driver. The vehicle can transport nine fighters in an air-conditioned environment. Its body and suspension system have been improved to maximize crew protection and survivability. In addition, upgrades have been made to the steering, electric and control systems.
Europe
The Russian Ansat-M light weight helicopter by Kazan Helicopters has made its first flight on December 29. The use of light weight materials have been increased and the fuel capacity expanded. The tail boom has been modified to increase stability. Range is now 800km and the percentage of composite materials used is now at 35 percent.
A Pilatus P3 that is still flying has been put up for sale. The light training aircraft had formerly served with the Swiss Air Force. Pilatus Aircraft is the name of a Swiss airplane manufacturer. In the business of making winged machines since 1939, it has been responsible for a number of interesting designs, most of them used for training purposes. It has also produced niche offerings such as short takeoff and landing aircraft.
Asia-Pacific
Boeing has secured a 10-year support contract related to Singapore’s fleet of F-15SG fighters. The performance-based logistics (PBL) package was secured as a direct commercial sale, and Boeing field services representatives located with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will continue to support the platform. Boeing adds that this is its fourth PBL contract related to Singapore’s F-15SGs. It did not give a value for the deal, or state the number of aircraft involved.
Today’s Video
Watch: Eitan, The Winds of Change in Israel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpFkBBwbOwo