Americas
Sikorsky won a $25.1 million delivery order, which provides non-recurring engineering for the development of logistics support products for the Maintenance Task Analysis Phase II, a provisioning database of technical information to include 2D drawings that supports all operational, intermediate, and depot level maintenance for the CH-53K helicopter. The CH-53K Super Stallion can be fielded from amphibious assault ships for the transportation of personnel and equipment. It will also be used to carry external cargo loads. The aircraft can be operated from austere and remote forward operating bases. Work will take place in Connecticut, Florida, Missouri, France, Georgia, England, New York, New Jersey and Ohio. Expected completion will be in August 2024.
DigiFlight won a $15.3 million contract modification for logistic support services for the Apache Attack Helicopter Project Manager’s Office. The Apache Program Office is responsible for all duties and functions associated with being the Army’s central point of contact for all materiel system matters pertaining to the AH-64. The Apache attack helicopter was developed by McDonnell Douglas for the US Armed Forces. It entered service with the US Army in 1984. The Apache is a twin-engined army attack helicopter. It was first used in combat in 1989 in the US military action in Panama. Work will take place in Columbia, Maryland an estimated completion date is August 10, 2020.
Middle East & Africa
The 968th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron broke its previous record on August 3 when it generated its 34th consecutive combat mission while deployed to Al Dhafra Air Base, UAE. “The squadron embraced the challenge to provide critical combat air power across three areas of responsibility for coalition forces,” said Lt. Col. Terry “Val” Hjerpe, 968 EAACS commander. “We exceeded all expectations.” The 968 EAACS’s aircraft, the E-3G Airborne Warning and Control System, is the newest model of the E-3 Sentry that includes a modernized computer system and software that vastly enhances mission capability. The unit was tasked last month to increase its operations tempo to deliver significantly increased airborne command and control in theater, above their historic operational pace.
Europe
The Royal Netherlands Air Force resumed flights with its NH90 helicopters after they were grounded following the crash of one into the Caribbean Sea on July 19, Dutch Defense Minister Ank Bijleveld-Schouten told parliament. Meanwhile, the wreck of the crashed RNLAF NH90 has been found. “Based on the first investigation results it seems unlikely that a technical or mechanical failure of the helicopter was the cause of a crash with an NH-90 helicopter on July 19 in the Caribbean Sea whereby two crew members died,” it was stated in a press release.
Asia-Pacific
The Indian government has approved a purchase of 106 HTT-40 basic trainers made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The aircraft will be ordered in two batches, the first order is for 70 aircraft followed by another 36 after the type is declared operational. With Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) having successfully developed Basic Trainer Aircraft (HTT-40) Prototypes and certification process underway, the DAC approved procurement of 106 Basic Trainer Aircraft from HAL to address the basic training requirements of the IAF.
A Indonesian Air Force T-50I advanced jet trainer was significantly damaged when the jet veered off the runway during take off at Iswahjudi Air Force Base on August 10. Air Force spokesperson Air Commodore Fajar Adriyanto said a student pilot and instructor were aboard the aircraft and both were able to walk away without scratches.
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