Category: Military

American Defense Contractor and Training & Adversary Air (ADAIR) Support Provider, Tactical Air Support selects Ramco Aviation Suite

Global aviation software specialist Ramco Systems announced that it will implement its Aviation M&E MRO Suite V5.8 at Tactical Air Support, a defense contractor and aviation training and Adversary Air Support provider based in Reno, Nevada. With this partnership for digital transformation, Ramco now counts three of the top four defense adversary air operators in the United States as its customers.

Ramco says their full suite Aviation Software with Supply Chain Management, and usability enablers such as Hubs, Dashboards, Workflows, Alerts, Notifications and Actions will enable Tactical Air Support to automate supply chain activities that were previously manually managed, doing away with paper updates while permitting retrieval of real-time information on a unified dashboard. The company also believes Ramco’s Anywhere Apps on mobile – Warehouse Anywhere, Tool Anywhere, and Approve Anywhere, will ensure “real-time data visibility and monitoring, on the go.”

Ramco Aviation suite’s compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) will ensure all the defense regulations are met thus resulting in significant cost savings.

RC Thompson, CEO, Tactical Air Support Inc., said, “As our business continued to grow, manual, paper based systems were weighing heavily on our efficiency. We evaluated multiple vendors and found Ramco to be the best fit for our needs. Ramco’s defense domain knowledge coupled with experience in implementing solutions for defense adversary air operators is a key reason why we chose them as our digital transformation partner. In addition, we were highly impressed with their advanced technology tools and ability to ensure defense/ITAR compliance which sealed the deal in their favour.”

“Our association with Tactical Air Support underscores our track record of successfully implementing highly specialized software solutions for the Defense segment. With this win, 3 out of 4 U.S headquartered adversary air operators now trust Ramco,” Virender Aggarwal, CEO, Ramco Systems, said. “By leveraging latest technological stacks, we at Ramco have been offering innovative solutions to our clients, and utmost support to ensure a seamless digital transformation. We are confident that this win will help us mutually strengthen our footprint in the Defense segment.”

OPTRONICS Releases New Visual Inspection Tools Now Available on GSA Contract

OPTRONICS, an authorized General Services Administration Contractor, has received approval to add dozens of new video borescopes to their GSA contract. The OPTRONICS GSA Contract number is GS07F0193T.

Eligible End Users & Government Buyers can now purchase a wide variety of  videoscopes, rigid borescopes, fiberscopes, light sources, cameras and other accessories for technical imaging through the OPTRONICS Federal Supply Schedule on the GSA Advantage website located online https://www.gsaadvantage.gov/
“We have worked collaboratively with our government customers to ensure that our
comprehensive catalog of quality inspection products are available to solve their most
demanding imaging problems, saving them time, money and most importantly improving operational efficiencies” said Mike Drabik, national sales manager for
OPTRONICS. “The best part is, all of these industrial imaging products are offered at the lowest negotiated costs to make the most of our customers funding” he added.
OPTRONICS has been providing quality imaging solutions for remote visual inspection and technical microscopy applications for more than 35 years leading with innovations in product development and factory trained personalized service to help with evaluations, set-up, training and post sale support.

“We’re really proud of the service our field team provides our customers and we have
added online video conferencing tools to help through the current pandemic to assist
them further” said Drabik.

Nottingham-Based Filtertechnik Wins Test Rig Contract from Meggitt

Following a competitive tendering process, Nottingham-based Filtertechnik, a manufacturer and supplier of filtration solutions for oils and process fluids, has secured a contract with Meggitt, valued at over £500,000 ($622,000), to design and manufacture complex rigs for testing and certifying heat exchangers for the aerospace sector. This is one of the largest single orders Filtertechnik has ever won.

The design of these test rigs requires a deep understanding of pressure, temperature and flow characteristics and fluid cleanliness. This is a key requirement in many advanced engineering sectors such as aerospace, motorsport and off-highway earth moving and quarrying equipment. Filtertechnik, and its sister company Hydrotechnik, are specialist manufacturers and suppliers of advanced test and data logging equipment as well as fluid cleanliness solutions for hydraulic and fluid systems.  Test rigs for F1, end of production testing and R&D proof/cyclic/burst testing are all part of the group’s expertise.

The Meggitt rigs form part of an end of production test line and are designed to work on a number of  heat exchanger products. A flushing rig will provide forward and reverse flushing cycles to both sides of the heat exchangers, removing all traces of production contamination through advanced filtration and specific flow dynamics.  The heat exchangers are then subject to a series of flow and pressure tests to check differentials and valve cracking and ensure pressures are all within tolerance. Highly accurate flow meters and pressure sensors are deployed for this part of the test with all results being logged to a central server as well as being displayed locally on the test rig HMI (Human Machine Interface). Each heat exchanger will have a clear pass/fail indication at every step of the testing process. All tests will be stored on a central database for reporting and traceability purposes.

“We are very excited to be working with Meggitt, and our contract with them is one of the biggest we have ever secured,” Richard Price, managing director, Filtertechnick says. “Meggitt is making a huge investment and commitment to its operations in the UK and we are delighted to be part of this.”

Simon Wileman, senior manager, Program Management, Meggitt adds: “The work Filtertechnick will be doing for us is very important and following a competitive tender process, we felt they had the right skill set and experience to meet our specific needs in this area.”

The ability to integrate test sensors and software is a central asset of Filtertechnik/Hydrotechnik. Providing complex results through a system that is easy to understand and operate is key to ease of use and accessibility.

Meggitt manufactures a large range of heat exchangers for Aero Engines which are exported all over the world. Heat exchangers cool hydraulic fluids on aircraft, taking heat from where it is not wanted to where it is needed, in a highly efficient way.

Meggitt has just completed construction of a new state of the art global headquarters which will also be the centre of excellence for heat exchanger technology worldwide. The rigs will be installed in this new facility ready for the migration of current activities from their Birmingham location

 

AAR Named to Bloomberg Government´s BGOV200 List of Top Federal Contractors

AAR has been named one of the top 200 federal contractors by Bloomberg Government (BGOV) in the ninth annual BGOV200.

AAR ranked #93 this year on the BGOV200 list, improving from its ranking of 119th in 2019.

The rankings are based on fiscal year 2019 data for unclassified, prime contracts awarded across all U.S. federal government agencies. AAR has been on Bloomberg´s list for several years.

“AAR is grateful to be recognized once again as a top federal contractor by Bloomberg,” said Nicholas Gross, AAR SVP Government Programs. “Our government and defense customers are a major pillar of our business and we are very proud of our efforts supporting the many federal government missions around the world.”

“We´re honored to recognize AAR as one of the top federal contractors in a very competitive market,” said Donald Thomas, Bloomberg Government´s vice president and general manager for Government Contracting. “This one-of-a-kind report is one of many resources made possible by the expertise of our government contracting analysts combined with our platform´s data-driven decision tools and proprietary analytics.”

Safran to Support Dutch Cougar Helicopter Engines

Safran Helicopter Engines has signed a multi-year contract with the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) to support its Makila-powered AS532U2 Cougar Mk.II helicopter fleet. Following a public tender, the contract formalizes a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) agreement to support over 40 Makila 1A2 engines until their end-of-life.

Air-Commodore A.R. Laurijssen, Commander of RNLAF Logistics Centre Woensdrecht: “The good working relationship with Safran goes back many years. With this contract, we will even be better able to support our Cougar fleet in their missions all around the world. We are confident that our common goal to join the best is well served now.”

Olivier Le Merrer, Safran Helicopter Engines EVP Support & Services, said: “We are proud to strengthen our relationship with the RNLAF through this comprehensive support agreement. It permits the continuation of a long-held drive with the Logistics Centre Woensdrecht to control engine operating costs. We are committed to offering them world-class support”.

Under the contract, the customer can optimize its engine maintenance budget and benefit from guaranteed MRO turnaround times. It also secures access to a pool of replacement enquiries. Safran Helicopter Engines now supports all aspects of the RNLAF Makila 1A2 including provision of spare parts, ground-service equipment and engineering support.

The contract will be managed by Safran Helicopter Engines Germany, which supports nearly 300 operators flying in Germany, Scandinavia, Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and Central Asia.

Safran to Support German and Norwegian NH90 engines

Safran Helicopter Engines has signed a support contract with the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA), to support 276 NH90 engines owned by BAAINBw (Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support) in Germany and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA). The RTM322 engines will be covered by Safran’s Global Support Package (GSP) under NAHEMA management.

This NH90 helicopters fleet is operated by the German Army (Deutsches Heer) and Navy (Deutsche Marine), and the Royal Norwegian Air Force (Luftforsvaret). Within this agreement, their engines will be supported under a framework agreement with NAHEMA.

“The Global Support Package and its philosophy as a Service by the Hour Contract based on an availability commitment for the supported engines represents a further step in the direction of unifying In Service Support of NH90 community,” Giorgio Gomma, general manager of NAHEMA, says.

“This new contract is founded on the excellent service experience we have developed with the German and Norwegian armed forces,” Olivier Le Merrer, Safran Helicopter Engines EVP Support and Services, adds. “It also marks a major milestone in our partnership with NAHEMA and European NH90 users. We are extremely proud of their commitment to a GSP supporting RTM322-powered rotorcraft. We are committed to offering world-class support to all European armed forces.”

In 2017, Safran Helicopter Engines and NAHEMA agreed a support program protecting RTM322 engines installed on NH90s operated by France’s armed forces, the Belgian Army and Navy and the armed forces of the Netherlands.

Under a GSP, the customer receives a commitment to engine availability. Other benefits include budget stability, a fixed price per engine flying hour and a technical partnership with the OEM.

GSP is part of EngineLife Services, Safran’s range of solutions for helicopter engine operators.

BAE Systems Presses Ahead with Plans to Recruit 800 Apprentices

BAE Systems says they are moving forward with the recruitment of a record number of apprentices, despite the Covid-19 pandemic. More than 9,000 people across the UK applied for the 800 apprenticeship roles during February. BAE Systems says they have put in place measures, including virtual interviews, which have enabled them to restart their recruitment drive with almost 2,000 shortlisted candidates.

“Getting people back to work and creating new jobs, especially for younger people, is a national priority and we’re pleased to play our part in supporting the UK’s economic recovery. The contribution apprentices make to our business is vital in maintaining our ability to continue to deliver cutting edge technologies which protect national security,” says Charles Woodburn, chief executive, BAE Systems. “We’ve worked hard to adapt our application and training processes to allow education to continue, whilst protecting the health and wellbeing of our employees and new recruits.”

Recent research from the Resolution Foundation found that those born in the late 1990s are expected to be hardest hit by the current crisis. Over the last few weeks, our early careers teams have developed new ways to enable candidates – most of whom are between 16 and 19 years old – to be interviewed safely and remotely.

The successful applicants will begin their careers in one of 25 apprenticeship

Image of Apprentice 2019 ASK Air facility Samlesbury

training programs in their Air, Maritime and Electronic Systems divisions, with the majority joining between September to January 2021.

Ampex Data Systems Announces Navy Contract and Major Milestone: Network Attached Storage and Software-defined Recording for Flight Test Instrumentation

Ampex Data Systems (Ampex), a Delta Information Systems Company, announced the award of a firm fixed price contract in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division (NAWCWD) located in Ridgecrest, California (China Lake). Ampex’s contract provides NAWCWD full rate production of Ampex’s low-cost TuffCORD ruggedized network attached storage (NAS) device, part of the Ampex TuffServ product line. The TuffCORD will be used to store test data generated onboard aircraft during flight test operations.

Ampex built the U.S. Navy’s first, dedicated, flight test instrumentation data storage device in 1950. Today, Ampex is known for manufacturing the fastest ruggedized network file servers in the industry and supports various U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy programs. Most notably, Ampex provides the network file servers and boot computers that are the digital backbone of the U.S. Navy’s E-2 C/D Hawkeye fleet.

The new contract with the Navy represents yet another major milestone for Ampex and the defense industry. This is Ampex’s first production run of a network-based recording device for Department of Defense (DoD) flight test instrumentation. Today, most onboard flight test recording devices are still direct attached storage systems only capable of recording and playback. Ampex has pioneered the use of NAS systems (servers) for flight test recording with its unparalleled Ampex Common Compute Environment (ACCE) software. ACCE helps customers take advantage of the network file server capabilities inherent in Ampex NAS devices. With ACCE, customers can use an Ampex NAS to execute software-defined recording (software replicates what hardware used to), index stored data for easier access and post-mission analysis, and integrate third-party software on the device. Ampex will complete work at its Silicon Valley headquarters in Hayward, CA.

“We’re proud to offer the industry Ampex’s winning combination of NAS systems and ACCE software,” stated Jim Orahood, corporate vice president and general manager of Ampex Data Systems. “The combination will save customers time and money in flight test recording applications and mission system operations.”

OU Launches Aerospace and Defense Graduate Programs

The Michael F. Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma is launching new graduate business programs in aerospace and defense. The College will offer an Executive MBA and a Graduate Certificate in Aerospace and Defense through its Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business, beginning fall 2020. Information on these programs can be found at http://www.ou.edu/price/mba/executive-mba-in-aerospace-and-defense.

The Executive MBA in Aerospace and Defense is a one-year, 32-credit-hour degree, and the Graduate Certificate in Aerospace and Defense is a six-month, 12-credit-hour program. Both programs are designed specifically for working individuals to develop managerial and leadership skills of the A&D workforce, including those without a business education. OU sa curriculum was developed with input from industry leaders in aerospace and defense.

“We are excited to launch the Executive MBA degree, as well as the Graduate Certificate in this much-needed field,” said Wayne Thomas, interim dean of the Price College of Business. “Participants will be taught in live online sessions by A&D industry leaders and renowned OU faculty.”

The Executive MBA includes 20 hours completed online, with an additional 12 hours of residency work. Online courses are offered in eight-week modules and there will be three residency weeks: two in Oklahoma City, and the third will be held internationally. The program uses a cohort model, allowing students to build strong relationships with others in the industry.

The 12-credit-hour Graduate Certificate program is entirely online with live instruction. Students will choose six business courses specific to the industry in areas such as financial management, legal environment, IT and cybersecurity, managing supply chain and logistics, project management, and global A&D strategy. All coursework for the certificate is transferrable to the Executive MBA program, with flexible, online delivery.

“Our programs are poised to lead the world in preparing the leaders necessary to ensure the enduring strength of our nation’s aerospace and defense operations,” said Eddie Edwards, executive director of graduate programs at the Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business.

Limited financial assistance for those serving in the Armed Forces is available. Registration information and additional questions about Executive Business Programs in Aerospace and Defense can be directed to Shad Satterthwaite at shad@ou.edu or Michelle Brown at michellebrown@ou.edu.

Light Strong 5G-Compatible Getac B360 Notebook Introduced

Getac Technology Corporation debuted the new B360 fully rugged notebook showcasing full ruggedization and ultra-power portable computing can co-exist in the same form factor. Featuring 10th Generation Intel Core Processor with maximum turbo frequencies up to 4.90Ghz and 12mb Intel Smart Caches, the B360 is also the first fully rugged laptop to be engineered for 5G in today’s marketplace, enabling enterprise mobility buyers to meet all levels of performance without sacrificing MIL-STD-810H compliance, the company says.

“Compromises between raw computing power and rough handling resistance may have been true in the past,” says Mike McMahon, Getac president. “We can all remember when unsophisticated anti-glare screens used on rugged laptops rendered the screens unacceptably dark for use indoors. Then there were the compromises in CPU power, RAM quantity, and mechanical hard drives required by the use of cooling fan-free cases capable of resisting incursions by water, spills and dirt.”

“Those days are over,” McMahon continues, “but prior to the B360, nobody had put the whole package – 10th Generation Intel Core Processor,  a design that is engineered for 5G, unsurpassed screen brightness and resolution, massive amounts of RAM and SSD storage space, shock resistance, IP66 total dust ingress and high-speed water spray from any direction rejection, proprietary salt water spray protection; extreme temperature and myriad input, output and custom data ports together to create a fully rugged notebook with virtually unlimited versatility.”

The “no-compromise” design and manufacturing philosophy employed in every phase of the B360’s development meets the challenges found in the hostile environments in enterprise vertical industries, such as field service and uilities, and manufacturing. It compliments Getac’s historically strong position in providing rugged computing solutions in the military and public safety markets.

McMahon cited the B360’s salt-spray and fog-resistance option, multi-configuration LumiBond 2.0 screen technology, and Multifactor Identification Authentication as specific examples of the B360’s technological leadership.

The B360’s 13.3” IPS FHD LumiBond 2.0 screen uses a clear resin to optically bond the Tempered Glass, capacitive touch sensor, LCD into a single unit for improved readability and durability. Powered by super-bright LEDS, it offers a maximum brightness of 1400 nits at 1920×1080 pixel resolution and Getac’s proprietary sunlight-readability and anti-glare solution. It has also been rigorously tested to accept input from industrial weight gloves.

Adding to the B360’s graphics prowess, an optional power-efficient NVIDIA GeForce 10 series GTX portable computing graphics engine combines world class NVIDIA Pascal GPU architecture, ultra-fast FinFET and DirectX 12 support to deliver awesome map and cable routing schematics, perfectly rendered color images and a high-speed, smoothly flowing user experience.

The B360 also meets the requirements for FirstNet Ready and the Verizon Responder Private Core for connection to dedicated US public safety networks straight out of the box.

For field workers in those parts of the country where stormy weather seems to outnumber sunny days, the B360’s Touch/Rain Mode automatically turns the touchscreen sensitivity down to reject rain and large areas with low electric charge (water rejection.) The combined settings allow the screen to be used under rain and when moist.

The B360 is available in two distinct models at launch: The B360,  suited to the public safety, manufacturing, and utilities sectors, and the B360 Pro, for the defense sector. The B360 Pro includes all the core technology specifications of the B360, along with a number of additional features and build options that are vital for military personnel. High-capacity hot-swappable batteries deliver even more operating time between charges.