Kaney selected to improve rotorcraft power systems for US Army: The US Army has selected Kaney for the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program with the goal of improving Army rotorcraft platforms. Under this effort, Kaney will develop technologies to improve efficiencies within rotorcraft power systems needed to support aircraft modernisation and mission capability expansion. Work will be performed by Kaney teams in Rockford, Illinois and Dayton, Ohio. Electrical systems in today’s rotorcraft are composed of three phase 400Hz 115V Generation Systems with a primary AC power distribution system. Three phase AC uses Regulated Transformer Rectifier Units (RTRUs) to produce necessary 28VDC for the rotorcraft low voltage loads. Phase I scope will include preliminary design work for power electronics line-replaceable units (LRUs), as determined by an architecture study. “We will leverage our substantial experience in manufacturing critical military and aerospace motion control products, power generation/distribution/control, and EWIS (Electrical Wiring Interconnection System) for this new product development,” said Jeffrey Kaney, Sr., CEO of Kaney.
Israel Missile Defense Organisation completes tests of David’s Sling Weapon System: The Israel Missile Defense Organisation (IMDO) of the Directorate for Defense R&D in the Ministry of Defense, together with the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA), have successfully completed a series of live-fire intercept tests of the David’s Sling weapon system against threat-representative cruise and ballistic missiles. The tests conducted were led by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems from a testing site in central Israel, with the participation of the Israel Air Force and Navy. This successful series is a critical milestone in the augmentation of Israel’s operational capabilities in defending itself against current and future threats. The series tested the capabilities of a new and advanced version of the David’s Sling weapon system, and included a number of scenarios simulating future threats. The results of this test will enable IMDO and industry engineers to evaluate and upgrade the system’s capabilities. In the framework of the series, the IMDO and Rafael also successfully demonstrated the capabilities of the Iron Dome in intercepting a variety of threats including UAVs and cruise missiles. The test also demonstrated the interoperability of the multi-layer air defence mechanism (Arrow, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome). This indicates that the systems will be capable of intercepting threats simultaneously during conflict.
COSMO-SkyMed plans new satellites: Contracts for two additional COSMO-SKyMed Second Generation (CSG) satellites have been signed with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Italian Ministry of Defense. Satellites 3 and 4 will complete the second generation of the Italian earth observation program, ensuring continuity and high performance of the planet’s monitoring services. Alessandro Profumo, Leonardo’s CEO commented: “COSMO-SkyMed is one of Italy’s great success stories, a driver of technological research, new applications, industrial competitiveness and employment, as well as fundamental infrastructure for the protection and security of Italy and Europe. Thanks to the capabilities demonstrated in the management of emergency situations linked to sudden events, the systems potential in terms of reliability, precision and flexibility are known internationally. In addition, its capabilities are now further enhanced by the second generation, with continuous technological research. As Leonardo, we are proud of the contribution provided in all phases of the COSMO-SkyMed program, a role that gives us credibility and prestige with our customers all over the world.” COSMO-SkyMed is an Earth observation satellite system of ASI and the Ministry of Defense, a flagship of Italian technology and innovation, built by Leonardo and its joint ventures Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio. It is a dual-use constellation, with SAR “eyes” (Synthetic Aperture Radar) capable of monitoring the phenomena of the Earth in any weather condition. COSMO-SkyMed has changed the way of observing the planet, ensuring fundamental information for the security and the understanding of phenomena that affect everyday life. With the innovative updates built into the second generation COSMO-SkyMed is the first SAR satellite system in the world capable of simultaneously acquiring two images of two areas hundreds of kilometers apart and thus serving two requests that would have been in conflict for any other satellite system.
Italian Air Force building advanced flight training centre: A groundbreaking ceremony for a new International Flight Training School was celebrated recently at the Italian Air Force’s base in Decimomannu (Sardinia – Italy). The International Flight Training School (IFTS) is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Italian Air Force and Leonardo, which is aimed at the establishment of an advanced flight-training centre. This initiative will become an international benchmark for military pilots’ training, particularly in the advanced phase of training future fighter pilots. With the building of the new IFTS campus headquartered at the Decimomannu Airbase, a true flight training academy will be established. It will be able to host students, technicians, as well as leisure and sports areas, a cafeteria, and maintenance and logistics infrastructures to guarantee the readiness of a 22 M-346 (designated the T-346A by the Italian Air Force) airplane fleet. An entire building will be home to the Ground Based Training System (GBTS), with classrooms and the installation of a modern training system based on the latest generation simulation system. The construction of the IFTS facility will generate positive returns for the local economy and supply chain. Once the construction is complete, the IFTS will achieve operational readiness starting in 2022, creating significant job opportunities locally.
Memorial launches final instalment of ‘On Closer Inspection’: The Australian War Memorial has launched the fifth and final instalment of On Closer Inspection, a series of immersive digital experiences that share the stories behind iconic large military objects through virtual 360-degree video and 3D digital modelling. The final edition of On Closer Inspection allows online visitors to explore an Avro Lancaster B1 from the Second World War, and to understand the history of Lancaster bombers such as the famous “G for George” in the Memorial’s collection. Australian War Memorial Director Matt Anderson said the experience is as close as most people will ever get to being inside a Lancaster bomber. “Most people will never get the chance to sit in the cockpit of a Lancaster bomber like “G for George”. This experience will allow people to examine this remarkable aircraft from any angle, both inside and out. All they need is an internet connection, a device and an inquiring mind.” The Lancaster bomber is the final 360-degree immersive experience to be launched in partnership with Leidos Australia. It complements the previously launched experiences of an Adelaide class frigate, a Mark IV tank, a Hudson Bomber and a Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV).
Embraer delivers fourth C-390 Millennium to Brazilian Air Force: Embraer delivered the fourth C-390 Millennium multi-mission medium airlifter of a total of 28 units to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). Like the three units already in operation, the fourth airlifter will be operated by the First Troop Transport Group (1st GTT). All 28 aircraft ordered by FAB are equipped to perform aerial refuelling missions, with the designation KC-390 Millennium. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, FAB has operated the KC-390 Millennium aircraft in logistical aerial transport missions, carrying tons of essential supplies to fight the pandemic in Brazil. Additionally, FAB operated one of the airlifters in a humanitarian mission to the Republic of Lebanon, in support of the population of Beirut, in August of this year. Embraer also said the Hungarian government signed a contract for the acquisition of two C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft, in its air-to-air refuelling (AAR) configuration, designated KC-390. The acquisition is part of the process to strengthen the capabilities of the Hungarian Defense Forces especially in the tactical airlift, AAR, and medical evacuation roles, as well as in other missions of public interest. Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2023. The aircraft will be the first in the world featuring an Intensive Care Unit configuration, an essential feature for performing humanitarian missions. The aircraft are also designed to refuel the Hungarian JAS 39 Gripen, as well as other aircraft using the same technology. These KC-390 will be fully NATO compatible, not only in terms of hardware, but also in terms of avionics and communications configuration.
New official hydrographer for Australia: Commodore Fiona Freeman has handed over the role of Hydrographer of Australia to Commodore Stewart Dunne. As Hydrographer of Australia, Dunne will lead the Australian Hydrographic Office and provide maritime military geospatial products and services to Defence and government to assist in the preparation of naval power to support operations, exercises and training. Dunne brings his 30 years of Navy experience to assume responsibility of Defence’s Hydrographic, Meteorological and Oceanographic (HM) community, charting and HM Geospatial Intelligence activities.
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