NASA’s Rejuvenated F/A-18D Aircraft Nears Flight Certification | Boeing And Ives Introduced ACV | Taiwan Acquired 18 HIMARS
Americas
Sierra Nevada won a $56 million modification for the MC-130J Airborne Mission Networking program’s low-rate initial production. This modification provides for the procurement of production kits, spares, interim-contractor support, program management, and provisioning support. Work will be performed in Centennial, Colorado, and is expected to be completed May 19, 2023. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center is nearing the flight certification of a rejuvenated F/A-18D aircraft, set to play a pivotal role in tracking the supersonic X-59 and capturing stunning visuals. This aircraft, NASA 862, underwent an impressive transformation at the US Air Force Corrosion Control Facility, known as the Paint Barn, before joining NASA Armstrong’s esteemed fleet. Under the guidance of Troy Asher, Director for Flight Operations, NASA Armstrong sought to replace older models with more advanced aircraft. After careful evaluation, the F/A-18D emerged as the perfect candidate due to its modern features and availability of parts.
Middle East & Africa
Regulus Cyber, an Israeli expert in software-based GPS/GNSS security, launched the fully-functional Ring ARM-V specifically designed to protect armored vehicles, convoys and deployed troops from drone attacks, including multirotor, fixed-wing, swarm and dark drones. The company announced that the Ring ARM-V system has recently been installed, integrated and certified in an armored vehicle.
Europe
BAE Systems and Iveco Defence Vehicles have introduced the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) to international customers at a defense and security fair in Madrid, Spain. The companies displayed the platform’s base platform, the Personnel variant (ACV-P), at the event. “This is the first time the Amphibious Combat Vehicle has been shown outside the United States, and it is a point of pride that it is here in Spain, an important, long-term US and NATO ally,” BAE Systems Amphibious Programs Vice President Garrett Lacaillade said.
Asia-Pacific
The Australian government said it would provide surveillance drones and other high-tech equipment to the Philippines to boost its maritime patrol capabilities. The announcement was made following the visit to Manila of Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong to meet with her Filipino counterpart Enrique A. Manalo. The military aid package builds on the already deep and wide-ranging maritime security ties between the two allied countries, Wong said.
The Taiwanese government announced the acquisition of 18 additional M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers to bolster its precision strike capabilities. The procurement is on top of the 11 launchers the island nation requested from the US in 2021, bringing the total to 29. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence, the additional order is covered by the Long-Range Precision Fire Strike System procurement project of the Taiwanese Army.
Today’s Video
WATCH: Meet the U.S. Air Force Special Ops MC-130J Commando II
