Americas
Bell Boeing won a $72 million contract modification, which exercises options to procure 15 Nacelle improvements kits, rotatable pool components and interim spares. The modification also provides for the installation of eight kits in conjunction with conversion area harness, electrical wiring interconnect system assessments, sustaining engineering, and over and above requirements for the CV-22 fleet aircraft. Work will take place in Texas and Pennsylvania. Estimated completion is in June 2025.
A successful Rapid Dragon test flight was concluded on November 6, according the US Air Force Research Laboratory. Conducted at White Sands Missile Range, a MC-130J airdropped a four-cell Rapid Dragon deployment system containing a AGM-158B separation test vehicle (STV) and three mass simulants. The STV was able to deploy its wings and tail, achieved aerodynamic control, and began a pull-up maneuver as it glided toward its new target.
Middle East & Africa
The United States has handed over six MD-530F+ attack helicopters to Lebanon. The rotorcraft were handed over to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Air Force at Hamat Airbase. According to the US Embassy in Lebanon the helicopter is the first light attack helicopter of its kind to integrate APKWS missiles and live downlink of targeting data. Most importantly, this technology showcases the LAF’s increasing levels of combat capabilities.
Elbit Systems and Roboteam together launched ROOK, a multi-payload military 6X6 Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), on Tuesday. The ROOK UGV was developed based on the operational experience accumulated through fielding of the 4×4 PROBOT UGV systems in several countries including the US, France, Israel and the UK.
Europe
Airbus and Thales launched the CERES space system (Capacité de Renseignement Electromagnétique Spatiale or Space-based Signal Intelligence Capability) satellites built for the French Armament General Directorate (DGA). The CERES satellites were successfully launched from the European spaceport in French Guiana, on-board a Vega launcher.
Asia-Pacific
Indonesia is now obliged to pay South Korea $1.35 billion, down by nearly $85 million for their joint KF-X fighter jet development project. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration concluded years of negotiations with Indonesia last week on a cost-sharing deal.
Today’s Video
Watch: What It’s Like to Fly a CV-22 Osprey — Ask a Pilot
