Rapid Fire October 22, 2012: Of Unintended Consequences

Rapid Fire October 22, 2012: Of Unintended Consequences

* The USAF issued a solicitation for their 300-plane T-X trainer program, but don’t get excited yet. It isn’t even an RFI, just advance clarification re: Military Airworthiness Certification requirements. If Boeing really wants to invest in a new design,...
Rapid Fire October 22, 2012: Of Unintended Consequences

Rapid Fire Oct. 19, 2012: International Politics Beat Merger Attempts

* Hawker Beechcraft announced that it will not be acquired by Superior Aviation Beijing, an option they had been pursuing since July. Instead they will try to go through bankruptcy as a standalone business. CEO Steve Miller understated that “global politics may...
Rapid Fire October 22, 2012: Of Unintended Consequences

Rapid Fire Oct. 18, 2012: Continuing CASD

* Kongberg’s stealthy, sub-sonic Naval Strike Missile has just finished its 1st shipboard launch tests, and performed successfully. The market for naval missiles is crowded, but Kongsberg believes that the new F-35 fighter may give it an important edge. * The US...
Rapid Fire October 22, 2012: Of Unintended Consequences

Afghan SpecOps gets PC-12NG Transport Planes

US SOCOM “U-28A”(click to view full) In October 2012, Sierra Nevada Corp. in Sparks, NV received a contract for 18 uniquely modified Pilatus PC-12/47E aircraft, which will be used by Afghan National Army Special Operations Forces. Sierra Nevada will handle...