EMALS On USS Gerald R. Ford Remains Unreliable | Sri Lanka Might Overhaul 5 Kfirs | Philippine Army Gets Bo 105 Chopper

Americas

North Star Scientific Corp. won a $9.6 million order, which provides for the production and delivery of 42 high power amplifier (HPA) units (13 HPA units for E-2D crypto modernization and frequency remapping aircraft retrofits; 10 HPA units for E-2D Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) production aircraft, 10 HPA units for spares; five HPA units for system configuration set-11 E-2C aircraft,; and four HPA units for E-2D TTNT aircraft retrofits) under Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) topic N06-125 titled, “L-Band Solid-State High Power Amplifier for Airborne Platforms.” Additionally, this order provides engineering and engineering data support for HPA units kitting, installation and testing. The E-2D is the latest version of the E-2 Hawkeye all-weather, carrier-capable, tactical airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft. Work will take place in Hawaii and California. Estimated completion will be in August 2022.

The Pentagon’s Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E) latest assessment of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) installed on USS Gerald R. Ford remains pessimistic, Bloomberg reports. Robert Behler assessment covers 3,975 launches and landing operations that ran from November 2019 through September 2020. In his report, Behler said the EMALS was failing after 181 launches. It was required to work for 4,166 launches before failure. The worst was when it broke down for three days on two occasions in 2020. Behler also found fault with the AAG, it was working for an average of 48 traps before failing.

Middle East & Africa

Kellogg, Brown and Root Services won an $8.2 million contract for base operating support (BOS) services at the Navy Compound, Quay 9, Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates.  The BOS services to be performed include general information, management and administration; force protection; unaccompanied housing, facility support (facility investment, facility management, custodial, integrated solid waste management, pest control and pavement clearance); utilities (electrical and wastewater); and transportation. Work will take place in Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates. Expected completion is in August 2029.

Europe

Boeing won a $8.8 million contract modification, which exercises an option for contractor logistics support for the P-8A Poseidon in support of the government of the United Kingdom. The P-8A Poseidon is capable of broad-area, maritime and littoral operations, and is also successful at search and rescue. The RAF declared the P-8 had reached initial operating capability on April 1, 2020, by which time two of the planes had been delivered. Work will take place in Washington and Scotland. Estimated completion will be in December 2021.

Asia-Pacific

Sri Lanka Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana has disclosed that his service is in talks with Israel to overhaul five Kfir fighters. Pathirana added that the cabinet has allocated $49 million for the upgrade. The talks will be finalized this month. He added that two Harbin Y-12 transport aircraft will be purchased soon.

Philippine telecommunications tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan has donated a second-hand Bo 105 helicopter the the Army. The acceptance ceremony took place in Camp Aguinaldo on January 7. It will be operated by the Aviation “Hiraya” Regiment. The Aviation “Hiraya” Regiment was activated on October 2, 2019 and at present commanded by Col. Andre B. Santos. The Regiment was expanded from Army Aviation Battalion and has been instrumental in the PA’s aerial reconnaissance and maritime patrols over Northern Luzon, Eastern Mindanao, and Western Mindanao Command.

Today’s Video

Watch: FLOW – The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Enhancement: Refuel in Air