Category: Military

Spirit Aeronautics Relocates to Larger Facility

Spirit Aeronautics has recently completed a relocation to a larger, more capable hangar facility. The company says the move will allot them “to serve their clients more efficiently and expand their market reach.” Located at Signature Flight Support’s FBO at KCMH, this upgrade into a 1st class hangar facility will enable the team’s expansion into a higher level of aircraft maintenance and world-class avionics support.

“We are keeping true to our growth plans established years prior in moving into much larger hangar accommodations in 2020,” Rick Ochs, the CEO, says. “This move will allow us to operate more efficiently, saving our customers downtime and reducing costs. We are fortunate to be able to use the current economic environment to reduce our overhead costs while increasing our capabilities for aircraft maintenance and avionics systems modifications operations.”

Operating in a hangar facility with more than 120,000 square feet of hangar space featuring very tall and wide opening doors, the company says they can accommodate aircraft such as Gulfstream, Bombardier, Globals, and CRJ/ERJ’s. The increased space expands aircraft maintenance and modification services to a broader range of clients.

MTU Maintenance Canada Partners with GE Aviation to support US Air Force F108 Engines 

MTU Maintenance Canada MTU’s competence center for military engine maintenance, will provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services for the United States Air Force’s (USAF) F108 engines beginning in the fourth quarter of this year. MTU Maintenance will be partnering with GE Aviation on the five-year contract (one-year base and four one-year option periods), taking responsibility for maintenance, repair and overhaul services.

“We are delighted to have signed this landmark contract,” says Michael Schreyögg, chief program officer, MTU Aero Engines. It follows on from the F138 military engine contract was signed directly with the USAF earlier this year. “With the first F108 engine already in route to our shop and the first F138 that arrived last week, we’re looking forward to continuing the excellent reliability and on-time delivery record we have with USAF and going above and beyond their expectations.”

“Securing solid military volume is a key initiative for us at MTU Maintenance Canada,” says Tracy Osadchuk, head of Military Sales and vice president MRO Programs MTU Maintenance Canada, a facility with over 20 years’ experience in MRO for military engines. “We are honoured to be directly serving USAF once more as well as be partnering with GE Aviation.”

The F108 is the military variant of the CFM56-2 engine and powers the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft. USAF has over 300 of these aircraft and 1,500 plus engines in their fleet.  The -2 variant differs only slightly from the CFM56-3, for which MTU Maintenance has been carrying out MRO at its facility in Canada for over 15 years.  Further, the MTU Aero Engines Group, of which MTU Maintenance Canada is a North-American affiliate, has 85 years of experience with military engines.

 

Getac Brings Integrated LiFi Technology to Rugged Mobile Computing Market

Getac has announced that it is bringing integrated LiFi technology powered by pureLiFi to the rugged market for the first time. The company says this means customers across a wide range of professional sectors will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of fully rugged reliability and innovative LiFi connectivity in a single device, unlocking a host of powerful new applications and use cases.

Previously, users wishing to capitalize on the benefits of LiFi technology had to rely on a USB dongle plugged into the side of their device. This approach is highly vulnerable to even the slightest knock or drop, making it unviable in many working environments, such as those found in the defence, aviation, public safety, automotive, energy and manufacturing sectors. With this announcement, users across these sectors will be able to purchase a fully rugged solution with LiFi technology fully integrated into the device. The first Getac device to offer integrated LiFi capability will be the recently launched UX10 fully rugged tablet.

LiFi (Light Fidelity) technology uses light to transmit data rather than radio frequency, which is the case with traditional technologies such as WiFi, LTE, 4G, 5G etc. This innovative approach has a number of benefits over RF-based technologies including:

  • Improved privacy and security: Light can be more easily contained than radio waves, and secured in a physical space. As a result, it is much less vulnerable to hacking or hijacking, while giving greater control over network localization, asset tracking and user authentication.
  • Superior connection quality: LiFi offers a thousand times the data density of RF-based networks, resulting in enhanced reliability and interference free communications. LiFi also doesn’t interfere with RF signals, meaning both networks can be run simultaneously in the same physical space.
  • Extremely low latency: Light-based data connections have significantly lower latency than RF-based technology, which can radically enable innovation, automation and the use of advanced applications including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).

The combination of rugged reliability and LiFi connectivity unlocks a series of powerful new applications across a range of sectors. These include:

  • Defense: Inherently secure, fully rugged communications solutions that can be rapidly deployed in the field, thanks to minimal cabling requirements.
  • Public safety: Lightning fast on-scene data collection and transmission in emergency response scenarios, aided by high quality, low latency LiFi connectivity.
  • Automotive: Fast, uninterrupted data downloads for upgrading vehicle firmware in highly physical factory or workshop environments.
  • Manufacturing and energy: LiFi can help turn old infrastructure into IoT (internet of things), aiding digital transformation in areas where there are concerns over RF-based equipment interfering with safety-critical operations.

“At Getac, we work with a huge range of customers across multiple sectors, many of whom have very specific technology requirements and challenges,” says Rick Hwang president of Rugged & Video Solutions Business Group at Getac. “Today’s announcement once again demonstrates our commitment to solving these challenges by combining powerful new technologies such as LiFi with our proven rugged devices, to create industry leading solutions that excel in even the most adverse operational environments.”

Kaman Introduces New AMS Family of High-Precision Non-Contact Displacement Sensors

The Measuring Division of Kaman Precision Products announced the release of its new AMS family of high-precision non-contact displacement sensors for condition monitoring of rotating machinery in extreme-pressure environments from 500 psi to over 22,500 psi.

AMS sensors deliver reliability and performance in high-pressure environments enhancing any condition monitoring systems’ ability to measure and monitor runout, speed, and changes in machine vibration profiles. This helps to reduce risk, minimize damage and unplanned downtime due to unanticipated failures in the field.

Designed for a wide range of pressure environments, Kaman’s proprietary AMS, AMS-HP, and AMS-XHP precision sensing systems do not require a magnet and work with any ferro-magnetic target. This design detects target position through non-magnetic, conductive, and non-conductive barriers making leak proof, penetrator free equipment instrumentation installations possible and economical without special magnets. With an RMS resolution down to one micron, and a standard measuring range up to seven mm, Kaman’s AMS sensors are compact and versatile.

Kaman Precision Products’ line of AMS non-contact displacement sensors are IP-67 rated with hermetic options available. For installation versatility, Kaman’s AMS sensors come in standard IP-67 rated threaded, flanged, AS4320 pressure port compatible, and bolt head style configurations with hermetic options available. In addition to Kaman’s standard sensor configuration options, Kaman’s AMS sensors can be tailored to meet semi-custom and custom OEM integration requirements.

Greene Tweed Announces TechnaLoc Bonded Seals for Critical Applications in the Aerospace Market

Greene Tweed, a manufacturer of high-performance seals, thermoplastics, composites, and engineered components, announces the release of its new TechnaLoc bonded seals for critical aerospace applications.

Composed of seals made with proprietary elastomer materials and bonded to flat metal components, Greene Tweed’s TechnaLoc seals ensure ease of assembly and performance.

Used in multiple engine locations, fuel and oil systems, and hydraulic flight actuation systems, TechnaLoc seals are made of Greene Tweed elastomers bonded to flat components composed of coated aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium. These pre-bonded seals ensure ease of assembly and maintenance.

The company says their proprietary elastomer materials ensure high durability and sealability over the lifetime of an aircraft. In addition, the bonding adhesives have been ideally matched to Greene Tweed’s proprietary elastomers; this optimized compatibility ensures that the seal bonding strength meets and exceeds industry standards.

Greene Tweed’s proprietary elastomers used in TechnaLoc seals have a broad temperature range and fluid compatibility, making them suitable for many aerospace applications. The bonded seals can be custom-designed to meet customers’ unique needs, thanks to the company’s advanced engineering and development resources. Greene Tweed says they also test custom-designed TechnaLoc seals in-house prior to customer delivery for qualification.

Lorin Coil Service Center Offers Services for Anodized Aluminum Customers

Lorin Industries announced that its Coil Service Center (CSC) offers comprehensive services available in the industry for leveling, sheeting, coil slitting, shearing, custom packaging and more. Whether destined for architectural, transportation, or consumer goods use, Lorin’s anodized aluminum is ideally suited for its end use thanks to the CSC’s services.

In addition, Lorin operates an in-house laboratory for color-matching and other testing. Experts measure and test the color value (according to the Hunter L. A. B. 3-dimensional color scale), anodic layer (using ASTM B137 testing), and gloss to verify that all are in specification multiple times during each manufacturing run. The testing laboratory uses an Atlas Weatherometer to perform accelerated weathering tests on Lorin materials to make sure they stand the test of time. What’s more, the lab has capabilities for other testing such as Salt Spray, Anodic Layer Seal Quality, and Abrasion Resistance, so customers can request test results from their particular coil anodized product if we are notified of such need in advance.

When it comes to logistics, whether the anodized aluminum coils are secured to skids, shrink wrapped, or custom crated, Lorin transports its material to customers conveniently and damage-free. The company offers international packaging designed by packaging engineers, as well as proven, specialized packaging for domestic shipments. Lorin’s sheet stock skids are designed to provide protection surrounding the entire package, and the company builds custom crating when necessary to protect shipments.

Anodized aluminum is most often shipped to manufacturers in full coils, which can weigh up to 15,000 lbs. While this is a suitable bulk delivery method for many, it’s not ideal for all applications. Lorin’s CSC also delivers cut-to-length anodized aluminum sheets for clients who require or prefer leveled, sheeted material, such as for architectural projects that require panels of anodized aluminum or consumer goods with smaller parts. Lorin delivers the following range of anodized sheet segment sizes: gauge range of 0.004″ (0.1mm) up to 0.080″ (2.0 mm); loading width range of 7″ (178 mm) up to 62″ (1575 mm); and cut segment lengths from 8″ (203 mm) up to 182″ (4622 mm).

When shearing anodized sheets to custom lengths and widths, Lorin utilizes leveling techniques that do not damage the anodic layer, ensuring the visual and performance benefits of the coil anodized aluminum are not compromised, thus ensuring a high quality end product.

Lorin offers a full service center to provide our customers with high quality made in America products and outstanding service and attention to detail.

 

GORE Introduces New High Performance Aerospace Wires

W. L. Gore & Associates announced a new solution that meets higher voltages as the trend continues towards aircraft electrification to reduce the impact of air transport on the environment. GORE High Performance Aerospace Wires, GWN3000 Series, deliver a combination of mechanical strength and electrical reliability without increasing wire bundle size or weight, the company says.

Ensure System Reliability over Time

GORE High Performance Aerospace Wires, GWN3000 Series, provide a higher level of mechanical and electrical performance over time in current and next-gen aircraft. They ensure EWIS (electrical wire interconnection systems) reliability, increase operational readiness, improve safety and reduce total lifecycle costs, according to the company.

The GWN3000 Series meets and even exceeds new rigorous industry standards that require higher levels of electrical and mechanical durability for wire bundles operating in extreme aerospace environments.

“We’re excited to offer a single, long-term solution to the industry that can solve complex EWIS challenges in today’s and next-gen aircraft,” said Jim Carothers, product manager.

New-generation engines and aerodynamic optimization have lowered fuel burn during the past half century of jet-age travel. However, recent efficiency and environmental gains are incremental compared to the paradigm shift inherent in an eventual transition to all-electric aircraft. That revolution and the near-term steps required to achieve it rely not just on new battery technology, but also the ability to deliver power sufficient to replace current systems based on combustion, hydraulics or pneumatics.

Gore’s chemically inert wire insulation does not degrade after exposure to harsh chemicals or humidity, the company says. The GWN3000 Series also reduces the risk of chafing, abrasion, and cut-through failures while easily tolerating wide temperature ranges. This new wire insulation meets mechanical, electrical, and material stability needs in one solution for complex wiring systems in commercial and defense aircraft.

For more information about the GWN3000 Series of GORE High Performance Aerospace Wires for commercial and defense aircraft, visit gore.com/highperformancewires.

MD Helicopters Awarded Two Army Contracts

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced two independent contract awards from Army Contracting Command-Redstone to support allied operations of the MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopter.

The first contract, worth $6.1 million, requires MDHI to retrofit 18 legacy MD 530F helicopters operated by the Afghanistan Air Force with ballistic-tolerant crashworthy fuel systems (CWFS). Jointly developed with Robertson Fuel Systems, the 59-gallon MD 530F CWFS delivers unmatched safety and survivability. The system features ballistically self-sealing fuel cells, crash-worthy bladders compliant to MIL-DTL-27422, gravity fed auxiliary fuel transfer, compatibility with Robertson’s 38-gallon Little Bird Auxiliary Tank System (LBATS), and combat proven performance. Under the contract, MDHI will perform the retrofit of the CWFS for each helicopter in Afghanistan.

The second contract, worth $6.4 million, modifies MDHI’s original 2018 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity production contract to supply six aircraft to the Lebanon Air Force. The modification adds instructor pilot flight training, maintenance and armament training for 12 pilots and 16 maintenance technicians from the Lebanon Air Force. Training will take place at MDHI’s Flight Training Academy in Mesa, Ariz., which provides military-specific training to customers operating MDHI helicopters. Under the terms of the contract, the academy will provide night vision goggle (NVG), standard military instruction, instructor pilot, train the trainer, gunnery, maintenance, armament, and operations in high, heavy, and hot environments training. Performed in two of the Lebanon Air Force’s new MD 530F helicopters, training started this month and takes place through April 2021. As a part of the contract, MDHI was awarded increased logistics support to include additional spare parts for the six helicopters to help the Lebanon Air Force maintain an exceptionally high level of operational availability.

“These contracts further emphasize the value the U.S. government puts on supporting our allies with the world’s best light attack helicopter—the MD 530F Cayuse Warrior,” says Nick Nenadovic, vice president, Aftermarket and Customer Support. “As the aircraft’s OEM, we maintain tremendous pride and passion in ensuring the highest level of support for our customers. We are honored to provide that support through these two contracts.”

Boeing Receives $477 Million Performance Based Logistics Contract from Defense Logistics Agency

Boeing received a Performance Based Logistics (PBL) contract award valued at $477 million from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for supplies, full supply chain management and logistics services to ensure long-term, affordable sustainment of multiple weapon systems platforms. Work will be performed under a fixed-price, master services agreement.

Under the contract, Boeing will support individual contracts based on operational performance requirements. The first phase includes the delivery and supply chain management of Honeywell proprietary parts licensed exclusively to Boeing and is valued at $39 million.

“Boeing’s supply chain management and distribution capabilities will help ensure parts are accessible whenever and wherever they are needed based on their use, while reducing inventory and logistics lifecycle costs,” said John Guasto, director of Global Integrated Services Support for Boeing.

Boeing will be responsible for forecasting, demand planning, acquiring, stocking, packaging and shipping the individually priced consumables directly to warfighter locations to satisfy daily demand requirements. The work will be completed over a five-year period with an additional five-year option.

Greene Tweed Announces New L-Cap Seal for Hydraulic Systems in Aerospace Applications

Greene Tweed, maker of high-performance seals, thermoplastics, composites, and engineered components, announced the release of its new L-Cap seal for hydraulic systems in aerospace applications.

Made with proprietary Avalon PTFE, Arlon PEEK, and elastomer materials, Greene Tweed’s new L-Cap seal exceeds industry standards for performance and durability, ensuring long service life, minimal fluid leakage, and excellent performance across a broad temperature range.

Used in critical flight actuation systems, Greene Tweed’s L-Cap seal provides superior fluid sealing in hydraulic cylinders under extremely high pressures. The company’s proprietary Avalon PTFE, Arlon PEEK, and elastomer materials ensure high durability and minimal wear over the lifetime of an aircraft. Greene Tweed’s proprietary materials exceed the low-temperature performance requirements set forth by aviation industry standards without sacrificing high-temperature performance.

Greene Tweed’s L-Cap seal also delivers leak prevention, exceeding customer requirements for minimizing hydraulic fluid leakage. In addition, L-Cap seals are easier to install than other aviation rod seals, thereby reducing actuation system failures upon initial startup.

Greene Tweed’s durable L-Cap seals function well in single- or dual-seal hydraulic cylinders and are designed to mitigate the pressure trap that can occur in dual-seal systems by enabling pressure relief, all without a complicated or costly seal design.