C-27J for florida
Global Military Aircraft Systems (GMAS) is proposing to establish a C-27J manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, Florida as part of its bid to win the US Army/Air Force Joint Cargo Aircraft contest. GMAS, a joint venture between Alenia North America, Boeing and L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, would also establish an engineering centre in Mississippi. Work could begin as soon as the end of this year, year, with production transferring to the US sites from Europe.
Indian AEW
Russia's Beriev expects to deliver the first of three customised A-50I airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft to the Indian air force in July 2007. The Indian version incorporates Israel's Phalcon active-array radar, replacing the Russian Vega radar used on previous versions. Beriev general director Victor Kobzev says the company has won a Russian air force order for a major upgrade of in-service A-50s. Beriev is also working on an all-new aircraft, Kobzev says.
EADS protection
EADS is to equip four Georgian government VIP helicopters with its airborne missile protection system. A Eurocopter EC145 and EC155, and Mil Mi-17 and Mi-8, will get an integrated self-protection system consisting of an AAR-60 MILDS missile warning system, countermeasures dispensers and a central control and display unit.
Link launch
L-3 Communications' Link Simulation & Training division has launched Helcatt, a scalable, reconfigurable and networked helicopter combined-arms tactical trainer designed to provide virtual training for any military rotary-wing platform. In addition to networking multiple simulator modules, the helicopter trainers can be linked to other virtual, live or constructive simulations to support joint forces training.
Source: Flight International
