EDA & OCCAR Build Links, Seeking Efficiencies Through Cooperation

The European Defence Agency (EDA) and the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) today signed an Administrative Arrangement, paving the way for a closer relationship between these two important actors in European defence cooperation.

The EDA and OCCAR fulfil complementary roles. In recognition of the close working relations established between EDA and OCCAR and the potential benefits and synergies stemming from still closer cooperation, an Administrative Arrangement (AA) was signed today by Claude-France Arnould, the EDA Chief Executive and Patrick Bellouard, the OCCAR-EA Director.

Claude-France Arnould commented: “Thanks to this partnership, a project can be brought from concept to battlefields with fewer delays, delivering at greater speed and greater efficiency for our Member States.”

The AA constitutes the foundation and establishes the framework for further cooperation between EDA and OCCAR. EDA and OCCAR will seek to ensure that their activities are coherent, complementary and effective.

In pursuing cooperative projects and programmes, EDA and OCCAR will direct their efforts towards enhancing European defence capabilities, improving European Armaments cooperation, and strengthening the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB).

Patrick Bellouard expressed his conviction that: “From now on, integration into OCCAR of programmes originating from EDA’s work on capabilities and harmonisation of requirements, will run smoother, delivering maximum efficiency for our customers.”

(Photo: OCCAR-EA)

Principles of cooperation

With the signing of this arrangement, OCCAR and EDA become privileged partners in the field of defence capabilities development. Under the arrangement, EDA and OCCAR will share information on projects and programmes throughout their lifecycle, helping to guarantee a seamless handover in each case, with both parties remaining involved and informed at every stage.

EDA and OCCAR can now deepen their cooperation through the administrative arrangement and a security agreement on the exchange of classified information. EDA & OCCAR will subsequently identify cooperative projects initiated and prepared by EDA that may be managed by OCCAR.

This Administrative Arrangement forms part of both organisations’ ongoing efforts to engage with all defence stakeholders in Europe, delivering maximum efficiency for Member States.

EDA-OCCAR cooperation in practice

EDA and OCCAR have cooperated effectively on an ad hoc basis on several major projects. This arrangement incorporates the lessons learned from these projects.

• For instance, on Maritime Mine Counter-Measures (MMCM), 13 states collaborated within an EDA programme harmonising requirements for the replacement of their capability. France and the UK have drawn from these results to launch a bi-lateral collaborative programme and have mandated OCCAR to manage the programme for two MMCM Mission Packages by 2018.
• Also for MUSIS, seven Nations are cooperating in the framework of a Letter of Intent in the EDA context, while France and Italy launched the early phases of a bilateral OCCAR managed programme. MUSIS will federate future space systems for surveillance, reconnaissance and observation.
• Another example is the European Secured Software Radio (ESSOR). An EDA project from 2007, the development of ESSOR has been entrusted to OCCAR with a programme division established in Bonn. This project will improve European military interoperability and help make European industry competitive in this crucial segment of the military communication market.
• One more example is the Biological Equipment Development and Enhancement Programme (BIO-EDEP). The EDA is currently developing a demonstrator of various subsystems to detect, identify and monitor biological agents, and it is intended to transfer BIO-EDEP to OCCAR within a year. There it will lead to equipment that will enable European forces to operate in a biological threat environment, through increased protection and survivability of individual soldiers and units.

Looking ahead, EDA and OCCAR will intensify their cooperation to develop and enhance Europe’s air-to-air refuelling capability – a vital capacity in modern operations. As a first step they will investigate a multinational solution to fit air-to-air refuelling kits to A400M aircraft with a view to increase the European tactical air-to-air refuelling capability. As a second step they will investigate Multi Role Tanker Transport acquisition options to increase the European strategic air-to-air refuelling capability on the longer term. EDA and OCCAR’s joint efforts are contributing to elaborate a European solution to a European shortfall.

MILITARY TECHNOLOGY in September will publish a Special Issue, covering OCCAR.

DMI's "Newest Baby:" 120mm HE DM11

Defense Munitions International (DMI), a joint venture between General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GDOTS) and Rheinmetall Defence, has been established in order to fulfill every possible customer need.

DMI combines the two ammunition producers technological expertise and experience in the development and production of 120mm kinetic energy and multi-purpose tank ammunition to broaden their access to US and international MBT markets.

According to Fredy Sandau Deputy MD DMI at Rheinmetall's Defence Talks in Dresden Germany, 17-20 July, one of their first successes was the 120mm KE-W A1 sold to Eqypt and an ABRAMS user on the Arab peninsula.

The latest munition is the 120mm HE DM11 sold to the USMC, operational in Afghan theatre, and in procurement with the Bundeswehr. The round is programmable, which makes it highly flexible in combat situations.

The DM11 cartridge is a modular design, consisting of propulsion, warhead and fuze. The full-caliber projectiles features a retractable fin tail assembly. The round has been designed to successfully engage soft and semi hard targets even at long ranges. A mixture of steel and heavy metal fragments, coupled with high-performance explosives, assures massive destruction in the target zone.

When fired in airburst mode, the DM11 can eliminate a wide variety of different targets, using an electronic time-delay fuze to detonate the warhead at a predetermined distance from the target.

Alternatively, the fuze can be programmed to detonate the warhead upon impact or after a programmable delay. When the delay mode is selected, the warhead detonates after penetrating a building wall or roof.

The fuze timer is set once the cartridge is loaded, giving the tank crew maximum flexibility when engaging targets.

(Graphic: DMI)

Rheinmetall's Turret-Future

Rheinmetall at Rheinmetall's Defence Talks 2012 in Dresden Germany sees the need of the future in medium calibre turrets, e.g. the new turret of the PUMA IFV, and other new turret systems. according to Ralf Prechtl, Rheinmetall Defence Combat Platforms, the company is in discussions with customers and industry on various continents.

"The advantage, that we see, is that we can offer modular design along with our Air Burst Munition capability," Prechtl said.

According to Prechtl, e.g. MTS LANCE, is a system for the future. It is a medium-calibre turret whose modular design means that it can be integrated into practically any wheeled or tracked vehicle. The turret’s modular design enables easy installation of all existing and planned automatic cannon in the 25mm to 40mm range. Additional integration of secondary weapons and a guided missile launch platform for engaging armoured targets at long ranges is equally possible.

(Photo: Rheinmetall)

On future systems, endeavors and contracts, Prechtl explained: "you will hear more of us in the future. If you have manned turrets, you have to think protection, where we have put a lot of iR&D into. We are also thinking about concepts, light turrets and unmanned turrets, so a lot is going on."

Rheinmetall’s Ordnance-Based SKYSHIELD MOOTW/C-RAM - MANTIS

To protect forward-deployed forces and assets, Rheinmetall’s ordnance-based SKYSHIELD  MOOTW/C-RAM (MANTIS in Luftwaffe terminology) has been handed over to the Luftwaffe in June 2012, straight after achieving IOC.

The system, according to Fabian Ochnser, Rheinmetall Air Defence Zürich, will not be deployed into Afghan theatre, due to ISAF moving out in 2014; “MANTIS will be deployed as the Luftwaffe’s only Vital Point protection system.”

The procurement of the MANTIS system provides forward-deployed Bundeswehr assets a reliable C-RAM capability. The system is operated with two bursts of 36, e.g. AHEAD rounds (252 in one magazine), carrying a lethal payload of 152 tungsten projectiles weighing 3.3g each.

The USA and Britain have already taken similar measures, deploying and using modified Mk15 PHALANX CENTURION land-based systems equipped with special self-destructing ammunition.

(Graphic: Rheinmetall)

Embedded Training System PUMA (AGSP) for the German Army

Germany's highly modern PUMA IFV, designed to replace the aging MARDER, will receive a unique simulation and training system. Rheinmetall has recently finished the first prototype of the Embedded Training System PUMA (AGSP) for the German Army. This system uses the original vehicle, which is connected to a Command & Control (C2) centre.

Due to this being a brand-new vehicle, Rheinmetall was able to integrate their AGSP right into every production vehicle, making training available everywhere, especially with the C2 centre being a fold-out modular and transportable trailer.

The software on the AGSP is Rheinmetall's own TACSI NGS tactical simulation system, offering real-time simulation. TACSI generates this virtual environment, which is linked via open interfaces with real-world sensors, effectors and C4I systems from all three services. The system generates realistic environmental conditions as well as supplying position, velocity and weapons effectiveness data.
The TACSI on the AGSP an updated version based on the system delivered to the Swiss Army.

Michael Kriewitz, VP Sales Rheinmetall Land Simulation, explained at Rheinmetall's Defence Days in Dresden, 17-20 July, that the company is expecting the service production contract this year.

TACSI (Graphic: Rheinmetall)

Brutal!

Insitu's SCAN EAGLE UAV is not fitted with landing gear. On land and on naval vessels the air vehicle is catapult launched from a pneumatically operated wedge launcher with a launch velocity of 25m/s.

The recovery system for the UAV is based on the proven SkyHook recovery system developed by Insitu.

The SkyHook retrieval system uses an arresting or snagging line suspended from a 15.2m boom. The air vehicle is flown directly to approach the snagging line and a hook installed in the air vehicle's wingtip is caught on the line.

E-Scan Radar for the Eurofighter TYPHOON is in Full Development

In a press conference, Bernd Wünsche, Chairman Eurofighter explained that the E-Scan Radar for the Eurofighter TYPHOON is in full development and will enter service by 2015. By October 2012, there will be a an RfQ out, the agreement by the end of this year, and the contract by mid next year. All this in a modular approach, fulfilling the nation’s requirements and those of the export customers.

MBDA’s METEOR has just finished testing, and the UK has signed a production contract. METEOR will be entering production for the UK by the end of 2012. The Eurofighter TYPHOON has always been one of the initial fielding platforms for this ramjet-powered, Mach 4, long range air-to-air missile, and METEOR-armed RAF TYPHOONs are slated for a contract by the end of 2012, according to Enzo Casolini, CEO of Eurofighter, who went on to say that the offer to South Korea was sent out recently.

The AESA radar is becoming a competitive gap for Eurofighter. American fighters have operational AESAs, France is about to start fielding the RBE2-AA on the RAFALE, and Sweden’s Saab is about to begin flight tests with its ES-05 RAVEN AESA. When fielded, the E-Scan Radar will need to be offered with multiple air-to-air and air-to-ground modes, in order to be competitive in the global marketplace.

The target is to have it developed in the next 10 years, by 2013 the C-Model of the Radar should fly, according to Casolini. 

Sam Mehta, President of Sikorsky Military Systems, discusses S-70i BLACK HAWK at Farnborough

Russia’s YAK-130 Combat Trainer at Farnborough 2012

Russia’s Yakovlev YAK-130 MITTEN trainer/light attack aircraft is showcased for the first time at the Farnborough International Air Show as part of a large Russian exhibit.

About 55 Russian companies, including 19 defence industry firms, are taking part in the airshow to exhibit the latest achievements in the Russian aircraft industry.

The YAK-130 combat trainer is a subsonic two-seat jet aircraft developed by the Yakovlev design bureau. Development of the plane began in 1991, and the maiden flight was carried out in April 1996.

It is a highly maneuverable plane with an extended range of about 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles) and a maximum speed of 1,060 km/h (600 m/h) in level flight. It can carry a combat payload of up to 3,000 kilograms (6,600 pounds), consisting of a variety of Russian and Western developed weapons.

In 2005, the plane won a Russian government tender for training aircraft and in 2009, the first planes entered service with the Russian Air Force, which placed firm orders for 55 aircraft.

The first export orders were signed in 2006, when Algeria ordered 16 YAK-130s and Libya put an order in for 6 planes.

Deliveries to Libya were expected in 2011–2012, but after the downfall of the Gaddafi regime, the Libyan National Transitional Council canceled Libya's order for Yak-130s in September 2011 as part of a review of all existing arms contracts.

Syria agreed to buy 36 YAK-130s for $550 million in 2011.

The overall foreign market capacity for the YAK-130 is estimated at 250 aircraft.

German Eurofighter TYPHOONs at "Red Flag" – Alaska 2012’

Eight Eurofighter TYPHOON aircraft from the German Air Force Fighter Wing 74 (JG 74) took part in a two week "Red Flag" exercise in Alaska alongside American, Polish, Japanese, and Australian Air Forces.

Eurofighter TYPHOONs were deployed from their home base in Neuburg, Southern Germany, to Eielson Air Force Base to participate in the internationally renowned exercise.

"Red Flag," which lasted 11-22 June, provided an opportunity for the participating nations to gain invaluable experience in tactical missions, collective defence and conflict management. Fighter Wing JG 74 took part in the exercise in readiness for its assignment to the NATO reaction force this year, assuring the unit has the right level of interoperability and capabilities for such a role.

Marc Grüne, Lt.Col. of Fighter Wing 74, said: “The German Air Force’s decision to take part in exercise Red Flag - Alaska offered a great opportunity for Fighter Wing 74 to train, test and improve personal skills and aircraft capabilities. We wanted to see if the Eurofighter is capable of everything we think it is. And the aircraft is definitely capable. The challenging tasks and tough working days have brought the best out of everyone because of the spirit and passion of the people.”

"Red Flag" participants are organised into "Red" aggressor forces and "Blue" coalition forces. The Red force included air-to-air fighters, ground-control intercept, and surface-to-air defence forces to simulate threats posed by potentially hostile nations. These forces employed defensive counter-air tactics directed by ground-control intercept sites. Range threat emitters -- electronic devices which send out signals simulating anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missile launches -- provide valuable surface-to-air training. The Blue force - of which the JG 74 Eurofighter TYPHOONs were part - included the full spectrum of US and allied tactical and support units.

During the two-week employment phase of the exercise, the JG 74 TYPHOONs flew 98 of the planned 102 sorties. Aircrews were subjected to every conceivable combat threat. Scenarios were shaped to meet each exercise's specific training objectives. Typically about 70-90 jets are flying at the same time in one of the two daily so called waves. The exercise has a building block approach, where mission difficulty will increase to a point where up to about eighteen threat aircraft will present a highly capable, modern opponent.

The Commander of Fighter Wing 74, Col. Andreas Pfeiffer, said of the exercise: "If you put all of the factors together, this is probably the highest quality training you could possibly get in modern air combat."

The deployment of the eight Neuburg based Eurofighter TYPHOONs to Eielson Air Force Base set a new milestone in the history of the German Air Force with the 8,000km, ten hour Atlantic crossing to the Alaskan base, located 42km south east of Fairbanks. The Eurofighter TYPHOONs made the trip in groups over two days, supported by two German MRTT A310 tankers and demonstrated again the ease of deployability over long distances.

ILA's International Forum for Security and Defence

The aerospace industry provides major technologies and solutions designed to meet current and future security challenges.

The comprehensive Defence and Security segment dedicated to military aviation makes ILA Berlin Air Show one of Europe's leading defence technology and security policy trade shows. One of the special features of ILA is that it brings industry and the armed forces together at a single event. ILA thus offers a perfect platform for international dialogue between politicians, industry and the armed forces.

International military conferences attracting top-ranking participants, along with aerial demonstrations of state-of-the-art weapon systems are a singular characteristic of ILA Berlin Air Show. The trade show offers military customers and procurement experts a rare opportunity to directly compare such flying platforms. As an industrial forum for all airborne weapon systems, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), network centric warfare, space-based surveillance systems, MRO, flight training and simulation, ILA is the most important trade show platform in Europe.

The Bundeswehr, use the ILA trade show to demonstrate their capabilities including the joint operation of networked weapon systems. They also use the high degree of media attention and the public days at ILA for PR activities and the presentation of their junior programmes. The US Armed Forces are the second largest military exhibitor at ILA Berlin Air Show - second only to Germany's Armed Forces.

ILA Berlin Air Show 2012 is organised by the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) and Messe Berlin GmbH.

Eurocopter’s Farnborough Airshow Presence: Focus on the Mission

Eurocopter’s participation at the 2012 Farnborough Airshow highlights the capabilities of the company’s growing rotorcraft family – including the new EC175, a new seven metric ton-category helicopter.

(Photo: Eurocopter)

For its appearance in the biennial UK industry event, the EC175 is exhibited on the static display at Farnborough, and joins daily flying presentations during the week.

Designed to offer superior mission versatility, Eurocopter’s twin-engine EC175 sets the standards for medium-class helicopters in offshore oil and gas operations, search and rescue, VIP/corporate airlift and other missions. Deliveries will start following the certification planned at the end of this year with the EC175 in the oil and gas configuration.

“With its enhanced performance, state-of-the-art technology and high safety standards, the EC175 represents the best in Eurocopter’s application of innovation as we expand our helicopter product line,” said Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling.

The EC175’s baseline payload/radius-of-action capacity with 16 passengers at 135 nautical miles for offshore oil and gas missions out-performs any medium-lift helicopter on the market in terms of competitiveness. For longer-range missions, the EC175 can transport 12 passengers to a radius-of-action of 190 nautical miles. Eurocopter has also launched an 18-passenger configuration option with a 100 nautical mile radius-of-action.

(Photo: Eurocopter)

For search and rescue applications, EC175 operators will benefit from a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art equipment, including an integrated mission system that provides crew members with high-resolution sensor images at a cabin-installed mission console display and on a central instrument panel mission display in the cockpit.

The EC175’s search and rescue configuration has an electro-optic sensor turret with large sensor ball installed under the helicopter’s streamlined nose. The weather/search radar is located in the nose, and a side-mounted high intensity searchlight – complemented by under-fuselage lights – delivers superior illumination of the search area.

For rescue missions, the EC175’s dual high-speed hoist installation at the right-hand sliding door provides SAR operators a high level of efficiency and safety. The helicopter’s unobstructed, flat-floored cabin offers the largest volume of any medium helicopter. Sized at more than 3.8 meters long and 2.1 meters wide, it is designed to accommodate a comprehensive medical installation, the operator console, crew and passenger seats – all while preserving room to man oeuvre stretchers from the hoist through very large sliding doors.
Also contributing to the EC175’s capabilities is its 4-axis dual-duplex digital automatic flight control system (DAFCS), derived from the Eurocopter EC225 – providing pilots with unique level of stabilization, precision, assistance and flight envelope protection in the most complex search and rescue situations. Fully integrated into the helicopter’s avionics systems, the DAFCS controls ground speed down to zero knots and offers improved SAR upper modes, including search patterns and hoistman hovering authority.
Eurocopter will support EC175 operators for an easy entry into service, facilitated by such on-board maintainability- and reliability-enhancing features as a monitoring system with an on-ground maintenance reporting capability to facilitate troubleshooting, HUMS (health and usage monitoring system), along with 3D technical publications, full-flight simulators, optimized scheduled maintenance through MSG-3, and a continuous maintenance review board process incorporating input from operators.

(Photo: Eurocopter)

Elbit Systems Showcases Next Generation Airborne Solutions for Pilot Situational Awareness and Flight Protection

The following Elbit Systems Products are launched at the show:

•  J-MUSIC DIRCM system, specifically designed and optimized to protect medium to large jets such as transporters, tankers, special mission platforms, business jets
• ALL-in-SMALL Integrated EW Suite, offering for the first time, the most advanced multi-spectral DAS and ESM capabilities packed into a single LRU 
• New Capabilities for CockpitNG: Advanced display fusion engine, allowing information to be fused in multiple layers and a centric concept of operation, enabling to control and personalize the display

A broad spectrum of Elbit Systems innovative solutions designed for the changing requirements of the defence industry are on display at Farnborough. The company’s exhibition (booth C-14, Hall 1) focuses on advanced next-generation airborne solutions for pilot situational awareness and enhanced flight protection and safety. The company also showcases an array of cutting-edge avionic systems, advanced electronic warfare, electro-optics and unmanned systems demonstrating leadership in its core business areas.

J-MUSICTM DIRCM system (Photo: Elbit Systems)

Avionic Products and Systems
Elbit Systems, with its comprehensive airborne systems capabilities, can provide a single sensor or an entire cockpit avionic suite. The following will be displayed in the Company’s booth:
NEW Capabilities for CockpitNG®, a unique next generation cockpit offering a range of new and enhanced features such as a centric, modular concept of operation, enabling pilots to control and personalize the display, applications and information sources. An advanced display fusion engine was also developed, allowing information to be fused in multiple layers, yet displayed in one place. The new capabilities provide pilots with enhanced situational awareness and mission management, reduce pilot workload and support successful achievement of mission goals in all weather conditions.
22" Advanced Panoramic Display (PC inside), with HD resolution, is a new generation avionics display system designed to replace all flight instruments and screens, creating a full glass cockpit. The display combines sensor fusion with a decision support system, in order to present all relevant information in a format that facilitates the pilot's missions.
Targo® Helmet Mounted Avionics (HMA) enables pilots to plan, rehearse, fly and debrief using their personal helmets. It is available in stand-alone or fully integrated configurations. Targo® is an excellent solution for fighter aircraft, air lifters, trainers, emergency services aircraft and helicopters.
SkEye - Wide Area Airborne Persistence Video Surveillance (WAAPS)
Continuous high-resolution, optimal detection, monitoring and replay over an entire specified area.
Elbit Systems Total Training Experience provides a comprehensive approach for all levels of aircrew training, from selection through operational training of fighter, helicopter and multi-engine crews. Elbit Systems' solution includes School Management, Aircraft Service Provision, Logistics Services and Finance.

CockpitNG (Photo: Elbit Systems)

Electro-Optic Systems
Elbit Systems Electro-optics Elop, a globally recognized world leader in electro-optic systems, will showcase the following:
C-MUSIC is a multi-spectral highly effective infrared fiber-laser based DIRCM (directed infrared countermeasures) system, a 1:1 mockup will be exhibited.
NEW: J-MUSIC is designed to protect large aircraft, transporters, tankers, special mission platforms and VIP jets - against MANPADS. Lightweight, compact and easily installed, J-MUSIC™ is a distributed system, meaning that the LRUs can be installed in various locations onboard the aircraft, enabling an optimized installation solution for protection of the aircraft.
Condor®TAC is a unique solution for day and night tactical, vertical and oblique reconnaissance photography, capable of providing continuous, rapid wide-area coverage and full-resolution imagery for each of its EO and IR channels.

Unmanned Systems:
Elbit Systems’ Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) have earned international recognition and play increasingly vital roles in the global war on terrorism. The Company's UAS are the backbone of the Israel Defense Forces and other world leading armed forces.

The following are presented in real-size
Skylark® I-LE (Long Endurance) is a derivative of the legacy Skylark® I UAS, operational with several armed forces worldwide. In addition to other improvements, Skylark® I-LE has been upgraded to offer longer endurance of up to three hours and enhanced robustness.

The following UAS are presented in 1:10 scale
Hermes® 900 Tactical MALE UAS and Hermes® 450 Tactical Long Endurance UAS, Hermes® 90 and Skylark® II.

EW and SIGINT – Elisra
A world leader for over four decades in the field of Electronic and Information Warfare as well as Intelligence and C3 systems, Elbit Systems EW and SIGINT - Elisra will present:
NEW: ALL-in-SMALL™ is an integrated EW Suite, offering for the first time, the most advanced multi-spectral DAS and ESM capabilities packed into a single, LRU, delivering superior accuracy identification and location. Extremely compact in size and lightweight, the system's modular design and open architecture offer multiple interface possibilities.
SIGINT Payloads for UAS designed to meet the full range of UAS tactical and strategic mission requirements:
EMERALD (AES-210) - A fully-featured ESM/ELINT system installable on a variety of platforms of modern forces, EMERALD ensures mission-readiness in the most challenging scenarios, including: surveillance, information-gathering, geolocation, enemy radars targeting and platform self-protection.
SkyFix – A compact, fully featured, lightweight, high-precision and modular airborne COMINT/DF system, SkyFix is designed to meet the full range of UAS tactical and strategic mission requirements.
SKYJAM – An airborne COMJAM system, SKYJAM is modular, flexible, and configured to handle emerging threats. The system can manage multiple frequency sub-bands prepared with predefined threat lists and jamming priorities.

 (Photo: Elbit Systems)

Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs throughout the world. The Company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance ("C4ISR"), unmanned aircraft systems ("UAS"), advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, airborne warning systems, ELINT systems, data links and military communications systems and radios. The Company also focuses on the upgrading of existing military platforms, developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications and providing a range of support services.

Exelis Showcases its Defence Technologies

As a standalone company, Exelis is more agile in anticipating customers’ evolving needs and in providing affordable capabilities and ready-now, high-technology solutions to military, government and commercial customers around the world. Exelis is a leader in networked communications; sensors; air, sea and ground electronic warfare; composites; air traffic solutions; information and cyber solutions; space and C4ISR .

“Farnborough brings interested customers and partners from all around the world to one location; this is a unique opportunity for us to bring our innovative and ready-now technologies to this large, diverse market,” said Bob Durbin, vice president of Exelis Government Relations. “A top priority for us is to proactively help our customers by identifying problems and providing affordable, mission-critical solutions. We work closely with our customers and partners to address their evolving needs and today’s global security challenges.”

Exelis key technologies for the show come from electronic warfare, radar and reconnaissance, and geospatial systems, to include:

• AIDEWS (Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite) that provides electronic warfare self-protection for a growing number of international F-16 aircraft.
• Upgraded electronic warfare system (ALQ-136) providing situational awareness for the AH-64 APACHE helicopter.
• WAPS (Wide-Area Persistent Surveillance) solutions, offering real-time collection of imagery and motion imagery to store, access and disseminate across a broad range of networks.
• Aircraft structural composites used in a broad range of military and commercial aircraft.
• Coastal surveillance systems that fill gaps between long-range air surveillance radars and short-range tracking radars, ensuring a comprehensive coastal defense surveillance net.

The Russians are Here...Amongst Other Great Aircraft

Two of the Russian Knights’ Su-27s are appearing at the Farnborough International Airshow.

The aircraft are on display for the full seven days of the show. Their only appearance in the UK this year, this is a rare opportunity to see this fighter aircraft built by Sukhoi.

Entertainment is high on the agenda at the Farnborough Airshow with aerobatic display teams aplenty. The Breitling Jet Team, The Blades, RedHawks, Breitling Wingwalkers and of course the RAF Red Arrows are flying over the skies of Farnborough aerodrome performing stunts and tricks with speed and precision that visitors always enjoy. The solo displays are also enhanced by the first appearance of a South Korean Air Force T-50 jet trainer in the colours of the Black Eagles display team and the exciting unlimited aerobatics of Mark Jefferies.

A whole host of military aircraft flying and on static display including the Boeing F/A18 Super HORNET, the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting FALCON and C-130J Super HERCULES and the YAK-130. During the weekend, military greats from the Battle of Britain Memorial flight and Avro Vulcan XH558 is also be flying.

EADS Group Presents Innovative Products, Technologies At Farnborough Airshow 2012

From commercial and military aircraft to satellites and secure communications systems, EADS and its Divisions – Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian, and Eurocopter –  present a wide array of innovative products at Farnborough  International.

Visitors can see the group’s extensive capabilities in the fields of aerospace and defence both in the air and on the ground, as well as emerging technologies and research initiatives. EADS’ presence at the airshow is centred around a new Pavilion (Row OE13) located close to the Airbus static aircraft display and incorporating a 500 square metre exhibition area plus the hospitality and press areas.

In the flying display, Airbus’ flagship double-decker A380 makes a welcome return to Farnborough along with Airbus Military’s A400M turboprop transport aircraft that has been ordered by eight nations. Making its first appearance is Eurocopter’s EC175, a new medium twin-engine helicopter designed to offer superior mission versatility and to set the standards in offshore oil and gas operations, search and rescue,
VIP/corporate transport and other missions. It is present in both the flying and static displays. A Royal Air Force Eurofighter TYPHOON also appears in the aerial display. EADS is a partner in the Eurofighter consortium. On the static display, there are a number of other aircraft including an Airbus A320 equipped with fuel-saving Sharklet devices on its wing-tips, an A318 Corporate Jet and the giant A300-600ST Beluga aircraft used for transporting oversized cargo. A Portuguese Air Force C295 maritime patrol aircraft is also be present.

In the product exhibition area of the Pavilion, Airbus presents models of its future A350 XWB aircraft and C295 in the Airborne Early Warning & Antisubmarine Warfare configurations. Eurocopter meanwhile presents a model of the EC175 and the highspeed hybrid demonstrator, the X3. Astrium, the space division of EADS, displays anumber of exhibits including a model of its Skynet 5 U.K. military communications satellite system, as well as the airborne satellite communications terminal, AirPatrol.
The latter is designed to provide end users with a light-weight, high performance communications module that is compatible with all types of aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

Cassidian, the defence and security division of EADS, demonstrates its capabilities in areas such as border security and surveillance, cyber security and training services, particularly in the field of air systems. In the exhibition area, the so-called TouchLab system presents a border protection scenario in 3D to illustrate Cassidian’s role as a lead systems integrator.

Embraer's Expertise at Farnborough

Embraer is promoting its entire range of products for the Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation and Defence & Security markets. For this, the company showcases four aircraft on static display: the EMBRAER 190 and the ERJ 145 jets for Commercial Aviation; the midsize LEGACY 500 mock-up; and the large LEGACY 650 for Executive Aviation.

(Photo: Embraer)

Embraer is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of commercial jets up to 120 seats, and promotes its traditional ERJ 145 family of regional jets and the state-of-the-art EMBRAER 170/190 E-Jets family. These aircraft provide regional, network, and low-cost carriers with great flexibility, as well as low fuel burn, low emissions and compelling economics. A total of 890 ERJ 145 family regional jets have been delivered worldwide, and 62 airlines in 41 countries have placed more than 1,060 firm orders for the E-Jets.

Embraer Defense & Security promotes a broad range of integrated solutions that combine a high technological level and operational efficiency at competitive acquisition and operating costs.
This includes military airplanes, state-of-the-art radar technologies, unmanned aerial system (UAS), and advanced information and communication systems, such as Command, Control, Communication, Computation, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) applications.

The Company’s portfolio includes the advanced training and light attack Super TUCANO turboprop; the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) family of jets, based on the successful and proven ERJ 145 regional jet; commercial and executive jets that are customized for transporting government officials; the KC-390 military transport and tanker, which is currently under development; the modernization of airplanes for the armed forces; integrated logistical solutions for customers; and the advanced Training and Operation Support System (TOSS).

For more on Embraer, please see this blog entry: CLICK

A400M MSN6 Visiting Farnborough Air Show on Static Display

Based on the current flight test schedule and planning for the coming days, Airbus Military has decided to bring the first production representative example of the A400M - the MSN6 - to the Farnborough Air show.

(Photo: Airbus)

The aircraft is on static display, allowing a maximum number of current and potential customers and other visitors to view the production standard cargo-hold and appreciate the real dimensions of the aircraft without flight-test instrumentation for the first time. The decision to have the aircraft on static display only is based on engine issues that happened last week which need further investigation.

A400M flight testing continues at an aggressive pace with successful achievements in the field of military capabilities. It is beginning to show the level of technical maturity required at first delivery, and the company is pleased with the overall performance of the aircraft. Despite some engine maturity challenges, they are confident that they will find the right solutions and provide their customers with an aircraft that fully meets or exceeds the expectations.

(Graphic: Airbus)

At the end of June, the A400M had completed 1180 flights and 3535 flight hours in flight-test since its first flight in December 2009. In recent months, flight test progress has been good with successful tests in the areas of air-to-air refueling as a receiver and a tanker, loading of helicopters on board and the first testing of the defensive aid systems. The industrial status is on track with the first three customer aircraft now in the final assembly process in Seville and a further six aircraft in various stages of production with long-lead items launched up to MSN19.  Equally the In-Service Support (ISS) activities are progressing on track, with ongoing discussions with our customers on the specific ISS packages in addition to the commonly agreed launch service package.

C-27J Positive Tests for the Fight-Refueling with the KC-767A Tanker

The C-27J is carrying out flight-refueling tests with the KC-767A tanker at the Italian Air Force Base in Pratica di Mare with the collaboration of the 14° Stormo of the Italian Air Force, Alenia Aermacchi, Rolls Royce and Dowty, the latter two responsible respectively for the engines and propellers of the aircraft.

(Photo: Alenia Aermacchi)

After a series of ground test that did not present any complications, the flight test conducted had the C-27J perform a series of contacts with the KC-767 at various altitudes between 10.000 and 20.000 ft. and speeds up to and near 220 kts, including night flight-refueling with the aid of Night Vision Goggles; in turning pattern, in turbulence and during an emergency decent.

The preliminary results highlighted the exceptional flying quality of the C-27J, in both the day and night contacts. The test confirmed the high capability of fuel transfer (up to 2800 liters\min) predicted in the planning phase, allowing for a complete replenishment of the tanks in only 5 minutes. Also confirmed during these test was the superior quality of the C-27J as an aircraft receiver also in conditions of slipstream turbulence generated by the tanker.

An aircraft piloted by Alenia Aermacchi test pilots was used for these test, modified with the integration of a complex instrumentation dedicated to controlling the engine parameters, propellers, transfer of fuel and flight controls, in order to meet the requirements requested by the military certification.

The objective of these test was to achieve the certification of the flight-refueling system, that so far has been adopted on the 12 C-27Js in service in Italy and on one of the three units in service with the Lithuanian Air Force.

(Photo: Alenia Aermacchi)

Bombardier at Farnborough with a Full Complement of Aircraft and Customer Support Solutions

Bombardier's new brand: The Evolution of Mobility makes its international debut at an airshow!

(Photo: Bombardier)

Bombardier Aerospace returns to Farnborough with an impressive display of its diversified portfolio of business and commercial aircraft. During this prestigious event, Bombardier is showcasinge its products, technical expertise and customer support and aircraft maintenance services. It is also the first time the company introduces its new branding campaign to an international audience at an airshow.

(Photo: Bombardier)

"Farnborough is a highlight in our aerospace calendar of events as it consistently attracts the largest gathering of aviation customers, manufacturers, suppliers, and government representatives," said Guy C. Hachey, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace. "This is also an opportunity to launch our new brand, The Evolution of Mobility, to a global audience. In just a few words, we have encapsulated our promise to all our stakeholders - to create better ways to move people.
"While the business and commercial aircraft markets continue to recover, and are trending positively, current indicators remain mixed," Hachey continued. "Bombardier will stay ahead by investing in its future. We are strengthening our global reach by seizing opportunities in key markets, by expanding in emerging countries, and by responding to our customers' needs to develop innovative and sustainable solutions. While we are a global company, we remain local with an ever-growing network of service centres and production sites in communities around the world."


Featured on static display are five airplanes from Bombardier's portfolio of business and commercial aircraft, including the ultra long-range GLOBAL 6000 jet - featuring the new Vision Flight Deck - the super midsize CHALLENGER 300 jet, the LEARJET 45 XR aircraft, the Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner and the CRJ900 NextGen regional jet.

The CSeries aircraft dome features geodesic fabric architecture and, for the first time in Europe, will house the CSeries aircraft's flight deck demonstrator. Making his debut this year at the Farnborough Airshow, Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, will be on hand to welcome visitors who will also experience the single-aisle CSeries aircraft's widebody-type environment in the aircraft's cabin demonstrator. State-of-the-art 2D and 3D entertainment will also feature prominently in the CSeries aircraft dome.

Airbus Innovation and Technology at Farnborough

Airbus’ full range of newest commercial and military aircraft are on display Farnborough International Airshow.

The A380 is performing daily flying displays and also are on static display.

Military aircraft include the A400M and a Portuguese Air Force C295 maritime patrol plane on static display.

All EADS company units, the ‘Future by EADS’ stand and the EADS press centre are under one roof in a new centrally located 2,500sqm EADS Pavilion (row OE13). The Pavilion focuses on new and future programmes and include an A350 XWB cut-away model and movie theatre showcasing ‘efficiency’. Other models include the A320neo and the C295 in Airborne Early Warning (AEW) and Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) configurations. Airbus also shows a 3D movie offering a vision of the Future of Flight.

Airbus is also the headline sponsor of the Farnborough Innovation Zone and Future’s Day. The innovation Zone promotes inspiring R&T projects and a futuristic vision of a sustainable aviation sector in 2050 and beyond.

Show updates are posted daily on the Airbus Military website. Follow Airbus on twitter @airbus and on www.facebook.com/airbus.

(Photo: Airbus)

Useful Timetable for Farnborough International Airshow

48th Farnborough International Airshow , 9-15 July, at Farnborough Airport (FAB), UK.

The Farnborough International Airshow runs from Monday,9  July to Friday, 13 July for trade visitors, and Saturday, 14 July to Sunday, 15 July for public visitors.

Most chalets will be closed Sunday.

Trade Days & Hours – 9-13 July
Monday:               10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Flying Display:       2:15 PM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday - Friday:  9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Flying Display:       2:15 PM – 4:45 PM

MILITARY TECHNOLOGY at Farnborough International Air Show

The Mönch Publishing Group is present with some of  its publications at Farnborough International Air Show 2012 at booth 3/B5 in the US Pavillion in hall 3.

For this show, MILITARY TECHNOLOGY has a Special Focus in issue 7/2012, available at the show.

For frequent updates on what is happening, what has been said, and anything seen and heard, please check back.

 

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