Americas
Moog Inc. won a $46.7 million deal to overhaul and upgrade cylinder assembly actuators for UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. The UH-60 Black Hawk, developed by Sikorsky, has been operational in the US Army since 1978. Black Hawk has low detectability and outstanding nap-of-the-earth flight capabilities. The aircraft is tolerant to small arms fire and most high-explosive, medium-calibre (23mm) projectiles. The flight controls are ballistically hardened and the helicopter is equipped with redundant electric and hydraulic systems. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order. Estimated completion date is September 9, 2024.
Raytheon Missiles Systems won a $125 million contract for the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) system improvement program. This deal provides for delivery of software updates to the AMRAAM inventory. Software development activities are expected to use a recognized agile framework consisting of government/Prime collaboration through repeatable increments of study, development, integration, test and capability demonstration. AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile is a new generation all-weather, missile manufactured by Raytheon. The AMRAAM is in service with the USAF, USN and US-allied nations. Work will take place in Arizona. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2026.
Middle East & Africa
The US Navy awarded Bell Textron an $8.9 million modification, which increases the total contract value to produce, deliver, install and integrate, in country, a fully assembled AH-1Z flight training device for the government of Bahrain. The AH-1Z attack helicopter provides rotary wing close air support, anti-armor, armed escort, armed/visual reconnaissance and fire support coordination capabilities under day/night and adverse weather conditions. Work will take place in Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri. estimated completion will be in May 2022.
Europe
According to the British Royal Navy, survey ship joined the Joint Rescue and Coordination Centre, the Republic of Cyprus Police Aviation Unit and 84 Squadron, from RAF Akrotiri, for the annual training. HMS Enterprise worked with Cypriot partners for a search and rescue exercise in the Mediterranean. The recently returned to Limassol having been deployed to Beirut after the explosion at the port. She worked alongside the Lebanese Navy Hydrographic Service to conduct a survey of approaches to the port.
Asia-Pacific
The Australian government has announced that a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) detachment will be in Darwin for training next month. 149 Squadron will be deploying with its F-15SG fighter aircraft along with support from the A330 MRTT aerial refueling tanker from 112 Squadron and a G550 airborne early warning aircraft from 111 Squadron. They will conduct air combat exercises at Delamere Air Weapons Range and Bradshaw Field Training Area. The ministerial statement said: “Each member of the RSAF will undergo seven days self-isolation and undertake a COVID-19 test 48 hours prior to arrival in Australia. They will then undertake a further 14 days quarantine at specially prepared hotel accommodation in the Darwin Area that will be secured and managed by the Australian Defence Force.”
The Philippine Navy’s plan to integrate its AW159 naval helicopter with the Jose Rizal-class frigate is put on hold at the moment due to COVID-19 pandemic. The sailing branch is waiting for British instructors to arrive in the country in order to start deck-landing operations. However, the pandemic has resulted in travel restrictions imposed on those instructors.
Today’s Video
Watch: Watch: India successfully tests hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle
