UK’s Ultra Electronics started the year with two US acquisitions: Adaptive Materials (AMI) for $23 million cash plus another $5 million based on future performance, and 3e Technologies International, for $30 million. AMI designs and makes propane fuel cells suitable to power small UAs demanding 50W-300W power, and 3e makes military grade wireless networking and communications equipment.
Imint Partners with L-3 Communication Systems-West for Real-Time Aerial Video Intelligence
The Swedish aerial video exploitation software firm Imint and US-based L-3 Communications Systems-West, a leader in high-speed digital communication systems that connect air, space and ground systems, are partnering to provide enhanced video intelligence exploitation from airborne surveillance. Continue reading
US Homeland Security Orders 3 More Predators
The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection intends to issue a Firm Fixed Price contract to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for the procurement of up to three additional Predator B Guardian UAS . The anticipated delivery period will be twelve months from date of contract. The official notice can be consulted here.
US Army Awards 5 Year Contract to Griffon Aerospace
The US Army Aviation and Missile Command awarded Griffon Aerospace a five year contract for the production, maintenance, engineering and flight services for the Remotely Piloted Vehicle Target (RPVT) programme. The contract also provides for aerial target scoring systems and services at Department of Defense (DOD) ranges worldwide.
AeroIndia Opens Today
India’s aerospace hub, Bangalore is preparing for South Asia’s largest air show, AeroIndia 2011, which opens today, Wednesday, at the Yelahanka air base on the city’s outskirts. The eighth edition is the largest ever with about 675 exhibitors, including 380 from 29 countries and 295 domestic firms, participating in the five-day trade expo. There is a 70 percent increase in gross exhibition area to 75,000 square metres from 44,000 square metres in 2009 and total of 70,000 business delegates from 70 countries and 275,000 general visitors are expected.
India’s Nishant Finally Flies
The Nishant, India’s domestically-built unmanned aircraft, has successfully completed its series of confirmatory trials carried out at the Chandan ranges in Pokhran, Rajasthan, ahead of its induction. The Army conducted the successful flight trials before taking delivery of a set of four Nishants, together with ground systems.
US Air Force Orders 24 Reapers for $148 Million
The US Air Force Aeronautical Systems Centre at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, has awarded a $148.3 million contract to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to provide 24 MQ-9 Reaper hunter-killer Unmanned Aircraft. Continue reading
X-47 First Official Photos
On Feb. 4, 2011, Northrop Grumman Corporation and the U.S. Navy successfully conducted the first flight of the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) aircraft. The flight, which was conducted under hazy skies at Edwards Air Force Base in California, began at 2:09 p.m. PST and lasted 29 minutes. The aircraft will remain at Edwards AFB for flight envelope expansion before transitioning to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. later this year. There, the system will undergo additional tests in preparation for carrier trials in 2013. Continue reading