The new, six-slot 3U VPX Ruggedized Enhanced Design Implementation (REDI) backplane from Carlo Gavazzi Computing Solutions is designed to provide a commercial off-the-shelf solution for military and aerospace applications.
McKechnie Aerospace acquired American Turbo Systems, less than a month after McKechnie itself was acquired by JLL Partners for a reported $855.6 million. The Tucson, Ariz.-based FAA certified repair station supports commercial and military APUs and manufactures military ground carts. It will continue to operate as American Turbo Systems, under the wing of McKechnie subsidiary Hartwell Corp.'s aftermarket support group.
TIMCO Aerosystems received an FAA STC for its Boeing 767 lower lobe crew rest unit, which it developed and manufactured for use onboard several aircraft in Austrian Airlines' fleet.
The U.K. Civil Aviation Authority has introduced an online system for birdstrike reporting. A form available on the CAA's website (http://www.caa.co. uk/application.aspx?catid=375&pagetype=65&appid=30) can be used to report incidents of birdstrike, which CAA said it hopes will make managing the data it receives a more efficient process. Birdstrike reporting became mandatory in 2004. By maintaining an accurate and comprehensive database, CAA hopes it can assist in managing bird habitats and developing bird dispersal techniques.
Following the December completion at the Tanagra Hellenic Air Force base of 15 new Dassault Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 combat aircraft ordered in late 2000, work now is being stepped up by Dassault Aviation and Safran, in conjunction with Thales Aerospace, for an associated contract covering major systems and equipment upgrades of 10 Mirage 2000BG/EGs delivered by 1988 to the HAF.
The Finnish Patria company and NH Industries Dec. 14 signed an agreement to enhance their cooperation in NH90 transport helicopter life-cycle support services, which the two companies will jointly offer to Nordic NH90 operators.
Rockwell Collins, supported by ARINC, now offers the Rockwell Collins eXchange broadband communications system. With connectivity via SKYLink, the system is designed to provide services similar to in-office high-speed Internet, company Intranet (VPN), fax-over IP, voice over IP telephone and Wi-Fi enabled smart phones such as BlackBerry or Treo.
Feb. 12-13 Defense Technology & Requirements, Washington, DC Feb. 12-13 ATC Demand Management, New York, NY March 4 Laureate Awards, Washington, DC March 12-13 Aircraft Data Management Forum, Phoenix, Ariz. April 15-16 AVIATION WEEK Interiors, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. April 15-17 MRO 2008 Conference & Exhibition, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. April 15-17 MRO Military 2008 Conference & Exhibition, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Contacts
Pilatus Aircraft appointed Interturbine Logistik as an approved supplier of consumables for the PC-12 program, in accordance with the aircraft maintenance manual. Interturbine Logistik will provide material support to Pilatus customers and MROs, with plans to expand the commodities it offers.
Further notifications in December by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency to Congress of a possible foreign military sale included the acquisition, upgrades and refurbishment of three surplus U.S. Navy Grumman E-2C AEW and surveillance aircraft, plus associated equipment and services, for the United Arab Emirates' government. The upgrades/ refurbishments comprise E-2C Group II navigation upgrade configuration and eight T56-A-427 turboshaft engines, plus phased maintenance inspection, spare and repairs parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment.
ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES: NORTH AMERICA -- SALES DIRECTOR Matt Holdreith, Phone: 212-904-2628; Fax: 212-904-3993 NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER, EAST Katie Taplett, Phone: 202-383-2335; Fax: 202-383-2323 NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER, WEST Bill Hux, Phone: 213-480-5202; Fax: 213-480-5249 REGIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER, NORTHEAST Gerry Lawrence, Phone: 781-860-6452; Fax: 781-860-6426 NORTHEAST, MID-ATLANTIC AND EASTERN CANADA
Delta Connection opened a $3 million maintenance and simulation training facility at its Delta Connection Academy, based at the Orlando Sanford International Airport. The 27,000-square-foot facility comprises a 12,000 square foot aviation hangar and 10,000 square foot space devoted to training and instruction with high-technology flight simulators, according to Delta Air Lines.
Associated Air Center delivered its 10th luxury Airbus Corporate Jet with a VIP interior to a customer in Florida. It also delivered its 11th corporate jet in the ACJ program, complete with an entertainment system with karaoke functionality, to a customer based in Asia.
Airbus delivered its 5,000th aircraft, an A330-200, to Qantas and with it introduced a new, two-coat aircraft painting process designed to use less paint and offer environmental benefits. A higher pigment content color coat and clear coat (varnish) applied atop a chormate-free primer reduced by 20 percent the amount of solvent based paint used, in addition to cleaning and repainting. The process also reduced the drying time between coats from 12 hours to two.
Crane Aerospace & Electronics appointed Dawn Johnson site leader of its Redmond, Wash., facility. Johnson will oversee manufacturing operations, site leadership, quality, operational excellence and strategic employment.
Despite record sales of new business aircraft, legacy corporate jets and turboprops continue to fly. For the MRO industry, keeping those aircraft airborne presents increasing opportunities. Along with the usual cabin refurbishments and flightdeck upgrades, many aircraft are, or soon will be, in need of complex structural repairs requiring unique engineering solutions.
The NORDAM Group's Meredith Siegfried now oversees the company's Tulsa, Okla., repair facility in her expanded role as vice president, global sales and North American operations. Steve McLarty, vice president of sales for North America and Latin America, now also oversees the military sales group, and Dave Whitten, former director of global marketing, now serves as vice president of global marketing. Both will report to Meredith Siegfried.
EASA held an international workshop on Safety Management Systems (SMS) Jan. 15 and 16 in Cologne, with representatives from ICAO, regulatory authorities, airports, airlines, manufacturers and the European Commission in attendance. EASA cited as its primary focus compliance between its system's SMS standards and those of EU-OPS with the standards proposed in ICAO Annex 6.
Avidyne Corp. expanded its technical support by introducing TechLine and TechChat dealer support services, which provide its customers with after-hours access to technical support.
General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems won a $43 million modification to a previously awarded ceiling priced contract for the full rate production of 158 Type 3 advanced mission computers (AMCs) for integration into F/A-18E/F and E/A-18G aircraft for the U.S. Navy, and 24 AMCs for the Government of Australia. Work will be performed in Bloomington, Minn. and is expected to be completed in December 2009.
