AIRBUS

Underscoring its growing popularity with operators worldwide, Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix avionics suite now equips more than 500 H135, H145, H160 and H175 rotorcraft around the world with over half a million flight hours logged to date by this fleet. Meanwhile Airbus continues to enhance the capabilities of Helionix with new features, functionality and connectivity.

Airbus demonstrated its latest technological innovations and projects implemented in Russia at the International Aerospace Show held in Zhukovsky from July 20 to 25, 2021. Key attractions were the last-generation wide body A350-1000, which was shown in the country for the first time, and the twin-engine EC145 rotorcraft.

Another significant milestone in the making of the first A321XLR has been achieved with the start of the nose and front fuselage assembly in France, following the earlier accomplishment of the centre wing box. A321XLR is on track for Entry into Service in 2023.The A321XLR is a single-aisle, narrow body aircraft with a typical two-class capacity of 180-200 with a range of 8,700km plus (4,700 NM) which is the highest of any narrow body aircraft.

BAE SYSTEMS

BAE Systems, Inc received the first contract from the Space and Missile Systems Centre’s Space Production Corps to deliver M-Code Military Global Positioning System User Equipment to Germany. Under an FMS contract, BAE Systems will deliver advanced M-Code GPS technology to Germany, enabling precise, resilient and secure geolocation and positioning capabilities that improve the effectiveness of allied operations.

BAE Systems, Inc is providing Lockheed Martin with additional electronic warfare systems, retrofit kits and spares for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The contract builds on BAE Systems’ on-time delivery of more than 800 state-of-the-art AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare/countermeasure systems to date, providing F-35 jets with critical situational awareness and survivability capabilities.

BAE Systems has received a $62 million contract from the United States (US) Army to deliver the next-generation 2-Color Advanced Warning System (2CAWS). The system provides aircrew with advanced threat detection capabilities, improving survivability and mission effectiveness in contested environments.

BOEING

On June 29, 2021, Boeing and United Airlines have announced that the carrier will expand its Boeing 737 order book by purchasing an additional 200 Boeing 737 MAX jets, including 150 for the largest member of the family, the Boeing 737-10, and 50 for the airplane that serves the heart of the single-aisle market, the Boeing 737-8.

US Special Operations Command awarded Boeing a $578 million FMS contract approved by the US Department of State to deliver 14 extended-range Chinook helicopters to the Royal Air Force (RAF) of Britain which enables the RAF fleet more versatility to execute the domestic and international heavy-lift missions that only the Chinook can facilitate.

FADEC ALLIANCE

FADEC Alliance, a joint venture that includes BAE Systems and Safran, recently delivered its 10,000th LEAP electronic engine controller (EEC) for the CFM International LEAP engine family. The LEAP EEC is part of the full authority digital engine control (FADEC) used to monitor and control aircraft engine performance during flight. The LEAP EEC can be used across multiple engines and platforms due to its design, which leverages commonalities and accommodates various technologies.

IAI

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) recently signed a contract, worth $50 million with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence to upgrade Kfir aircraft for the Sri Lankan Air Force. The deal includes replacing the aircraft’s basic avionics with the advanced 4+ generation fighter aircraft avionics in order to one day integrate advanced radar, sensors, communication systems and new helmets.

INDIAN AIR FORCE (IAF)

The Sarang Helicopter Display Team of the IAF performed for the first time at the MAKS International Air Show held at Zhukovsky International Airport, Russia. The air show is a biennial fixture and this year’s edition was held from July 20-25, 2021. This is the first occasion when the Sarang Team performed with its ‘Made in India’ ‘Dhruv’ Advanced Light Helicopters.

LOCKHEED MARTIN

The Swiss Federal Council announced that Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II is the aircraft selected from its New Fighter Aircraft competition. “We are honoured to be selected by Switzerland and look forward to partnering with the Swiss government,” said Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 Programme. The Swiss Air Force will receive F-35A aircraft, a sustainment solution tailored to Swiss autonomy requirements and a comprehensive training programme.

Utilising proven advanced manufacturing techniques and continuing to drive down unit price, Sikorsky will build nine more CH-53K™ heavy lift helicopters under a new contract for the US Navy. This production award also includes an agreement for the next production contract at an even lower unit price which will decrease further if additional quantity options are exercised.

Lockheed Martin and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for collaboration in Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) systems. Under this collaboration, the companies will explore potential opportunities for joint venture in areas such as research and development, production, marketing and other activities. Both companies will establish an executive steering committee and working groups for the implementation of this MOU and cooperation.