Se ofrece MRTT a Malasia

 

Airbus ofrece transporte cisterna multifunción A330 (MRTT) a Malasia

 

Avión de transporte cisterna multifunción (MRTT) A330 (foto: Airbus)

KUALA LUMPUR — Airbus está interesado en ofrecer el avión de transporte cisterna multifunción A330 (MRTT) a Malasia como un paso para fortalecer las capacidades y aumentar la eficiencia operativa de la Real Fuerza Aérea de Malasia (TUDM).

Zakir Hamid, director de Airbus Defence and Space para Asia-Pacífico, afirmó que el avión no solo permite ampliar el alcance operativo de los aviones de combate, sino que también fortalece la preparación para la defensa y la capacidad de acción del país.

"Airbus considera el A330 MRTT como una solución estratégica para aumentar la eficiencia operativa de TUDM. Este avión ha operado en varios países de Asia Pacífico, como Australia, Singapur y Corea del Sur", declaró hoy durante la Exposición Internacional Aeroespacial y Marítima (LIMA'25).

Revisando más a fondo, el A330 MRTT es un avión de nueva generación que ha demostrado ser capaz en operaciones probadas en combate. Puede transportar hasta 111 toneladas de combustible sin necesidad de tanques adicionales, el volumen más alto de su clase.

Equipado con modernos sistemas de transferencia como el Airbus Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS) y el sistema de sonda y drogue, el avión también cuenta con un sistema de visión de alta resolución que permite realizar la transferencia de combustible de forma precisa y segura en una variedad de condiciones climáticas, incluidas las operaciones nocturnas.

Sus características de compatibilidad con varios tipos de aeronaves pertenecientes a países socios estratégicos también hacen del A330 MRTT un activo de gran valor para fortalecer la cooperación regional en materia de defensa.

Además de las funciones de avión cisterna, este avión también puede configurarse para otras misiones, incluido el transporte de tropas, carga y evacuación médica (MEDEVAC). Tiene capacidad para transportar hasta 300 tropas o 45 toneladas métricas de carga, adecuado para misiones humanitarias y de socorro en casos de desastre.

Se considera que esta oferta está en consonancia con las aspiraciones de Malasia de modernizar sus activos aéreos y aumentar la operatividad conjunta en misiones regionales e internacionales. Si se acepta, el A330 MRTT tiene el potencial de convertirse en un nuevo soporte para el sistema de apoyo aéreo TUDM, reemplazando las plataformas existentes que cada vez están más obsoletas. 

( AirTimes )

Airbus contraoferta helicópteros a las FFAA argentinas

Airbus propone helicópteros Dauphin y Lakota para la Armada y el Ejército Argentino

Airbus Helicopters tomó nota de los movimientos que está realizando el Ministerio de Defensa argentino para el reequipamiento de sus Fuerzas Armadas.
En dialogo con Aviacion Online, Pierre-Marie Gout, Gerente General de Airbus Helicopters para el Cono Sur informo sobre el ofrecimiento de helicópteros AS365 N3 Dauphin de segunda mano para la Armada (ARA) y el H145/Lakota para el reemplazo de los UH-1 del Ejército (EA).
Pierre-Marie Gout confirmó que ya fue presentada una propuesta para la incorporación de helicópteros Dauphin de segunda mano para cubrir las necesidades de la Armada Argentina, en particular para equipar a los patrulleros oceánicos (OPV) con una unidad aérea embarcada.
Aunque los detalles sobre el origen específico de las aeronaves no fueron revelados, Airbus asegura que los helicópteros fueron sometidos a un exhaustivo proceso de reacondicionamiento y modernización, lo que les permitiría operar con altos estándares de seguridad y eficiencia. Se trataría de unidades Dauphin AS365 N3 con pocos años de uso, navalizadas, modernizadas y con muchas horas de vuelo remanente y con un paquete de soporte logístico incial.
Son aeronaves bien conocidas en la Prefectura Naval Argentina, que opera 4 unidades, tres de los cuales están siendo modernizados a al nuevo estándar N3+ en Brasil.
La Armada Argentina tiene un requerimiento de ocho nuevos helicópteros ligeros para sustituir a los antiguos AS-555-SN Fennec, cuya operatividad es muy reducida al día de hoy. En principio, la Armada había preseleccionado al AW109M, y se había firmado una carta de intención con Leonardo, su fabricante. Luego de un tiempo de incertidumbre, provocado presumiblemente por el cambio de autoridades luego del acceso de Javier Milei a la presidencia del país, en julio se autorizó la toma de crédito público por 98 millones de dólares para hacer frente a esta adquisición.



Sin embargo, la oferta de Airbus Helicopters podría cambiar las preferencias de Armada Argentina, ya que existe la posibilidad de que algunas unidades puedan llegar via FMS desde EE.UU. (provenientes del US Coast Guard), lo que garantiza el acceso a unas líneas de crédito muy convenientes.
En paralelo, Airbus también manifestó su intención de ofrecer helicópteros H145 Lakota, configurados principalmente para entrenamiento y transporte básico, a través del programa FMS. La propuesta es por los UH-72B, versión más potente y con aviónica mejorada, que se está entregando al Ejército de EE.UU. bajo el programa Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), en reemplazo de los OH-58 y UH-1H.
Una de las claves de esta propuesta es el modelo de financiamiento ofrecido por Airbus. Al tratarse de la versión Lakota fabricada en los EE.UU,  Argentina podría al programa de Ventas Militares Extranjeras (FMS), lo que redunda en menores precios de adquisición y acceso a líneas de crédito convenientes.
Asimismo, Pierre-Marie Gout afirmó que la compañía estaría dispuesta a negociar un acuerdo que incluya la transferencia de tecnología y la participación de la industria aeronáutica argentina a través de FAdeA. La compañía privada argentina Helicopteros Marinos S.A. también es operaria de los modelos H145 y Dauphin, así que su mantenimiento rutinario estaría garantizado a nivel nacional, contando además Airbus con una sólida red de soporte técnico en la región.

Australia firma por una satélite con Airbus

El Departamento de Defensa de Australia firma un acuerdo de investigación satelital de 40 millones con Airbus

Satélite Airbus Arrow 150 (imagen: Airbus)

Socio estratégico para acelerar las tecnologías espaciales

La jefa científica de defensa de Australia, la profesora Tanya Monro, ha anunciado que Airbus ha sido seleccionado como socio estratégico para Resilient Multi-mission Space STaR Shot de Defense, un programa de investigación estratégica establecido para desarrollar capacidades espaciales futuras para las Fuerzas de Defensa de Australia (ADF).

Airbus Defence and Space, desarrollador e integrador de satélites con experiencia, trabajará con Defense para ofrecer el ambicioso programa de investigación espacial de Defense que, al menos, garantizará que los combatientes de guerra australianos tengan acceso garantizado a los servicios de satélite.

“Al asociarnos con Airbus, aceleraremos el desarrollo de tecnologías satelitales críticas para el ADF y nos aseguraremos de que nuestros combatientes tengan acceso continuo a servicios de comunicación, inteligencia y vigilancia resistentes y confiables”, dijo el profesor Monro.

Airbus fue seleccionado como socio estratégico preferido por un panel de expertos de Defensa y la Agencia Espacial Australiana. Contará con el apoyo de tres socios de la industria australiana: Inovor Technologies, Shoal Group y Deloitte, así como de socios académicos y una variedad de pequeñas y medianas empresas australianas.

“Esta es una verdadera colaboración entre el gobierno, la industria y la academia que ayudará a posicionar nuestro creciente sector espacial australiano para ofrecer futuras tecnologías espaciales soberanas y capacidades operativas”, dijo el profesor Monro.

Ya ha comenzado la planificación de dos misiones de satélites experimentales. Defense ha comprado dos autobuses satélite Airbus Arrow 150 valorados en más de 20 millones de dólares. Estos autobuses satelitales estarán equipados con cargas útiles y tecnologías desarrolladas por la industria y la academia australianas.

“Los satélites Arrow brindan algunas de las primeras oportunidades posibles para llevar al espacio cargas útiles de Defensa desarrolladas en Australia”, dijo.

“A medida que madure nuestro sector espacial nacional, utilizaremos satélites diseñados y construidos localmente que se espera que sean los satélites más ambiciosos jamás diseñados y construidos en Australia”.

En total, la asociación con Airbus representa una inversión de más de 40 millones de dólares en tecnologías satelitales.

“La autosuficiencia en las tecnologías espaciales es fundamental si queremos garantizar la defensa y la seguridad del país”, dijo el profesor Monro.

La firma de la asociación estratégica aumenta una relación estratégica en curso entre Defensa y Airbus bajo una Alianza Estratégica de Investigación y Desarrollo.


Ministerio de defensa de Australia 

Airbus entrega sus H135 a Tailandia

Airbus entrega el segundo lote de helicópteros de entrenamiento H135 a RTAF

Helicóptero de entrenamiento H135 de la RTAF (fotos: Airbus Helicopters)

Airbus Helicopters entregó el segundo lote de helicópteros de entrenamiento militar H135 a la Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) en una ceremonia celebrada en su base Wing 2 en Lopburi, Tailandia. En las últimas entregas, RTAF recibió los seis helicópteros H135, convirtiéndose en el primero en el sudeste asiático en utilizar el H135 para entrenamiento militar.

RTAF seleccionó una flota de helicópteros de entrenamiento militar de próxima generación en febrero de 2020, como parte de su programa de mejora de entrenamiento de pilotos. Al aumentar su flota actual de helicópteros H225M, los nuevos H135 se dedicarán a varias misiones de entrenamiento, incluido el entrenamiento ab-initio.

"Nos enorgullece entregar este primer lote de H135 de alto rendimiento a RTAF, con absoluta confianza en que estos helicópteros formarán parte integral de una plataforma de entrenamiento de clase mundial para la fuerza aérea", dijo Pierre Andre, director de Airbus en Tailandia.

“El H135 es considerado a nivel mundial como un avión de entrenamiento militar probado y fiable, y ha ayudado a instructores de todos los continentes a realizar misiones de entrenamiento de forma precisa y segura. Estamos felices de que Tailandia ahora se una a otros diez operadores militares en todo el mundo, destacando al H135 como el avión de elección para el entrenamiento de pilotos militares”, agregó Pierre Andre.

Helicóptero de entrenamiento H135 de la RTAF (fotos: Maxmilian Haertl)

Cada uno de los H135 de RTAF está configurado con dos cámaras externas, lo que brinda a los pilotos una vista de 360 ​​grados sin obstrucciones del entorno externo. Un conjunto de sistemas tácticos y el mapa móvil Euronav7 están instalados en los helicópteros para mejorar el conocimiento de la situación, al mismo tiempo que ofrecen los más altos niveles de funcionalidad, capacidad de interfaz y flexibilidad para cumplir con las rigurosas misiones de la fuerza aérea. Para mejorar la comodidad de la tripulación, los aviones están equipados con sistemas de acondicionamiento, vidrios polarizados y asientos de piloto ajustables en altura.

La flota H135 de RTAF está cubierta por el soporte completo por horas HCare Smart altamente adaptable de Airbus y los servicios digitales de organización de gestión de aeronavegabilidad continua. Como parte de un programa de soporte personalizado, se adjuntará un representante técnico dedicado a las operaciones de RTAF durante un período inicial de dos años para garantizar la alta disponibilidad de la flota. Airbus también entregará un simulador de herramientas avanzadas Helionix para apoyar las misiones ab-initio de RTAF.

Con más de 130 unidades operadas por agencias militares en todo el mundo para misiones de entrenamiento, el H135 de clase de tres toneladas es un punto de referencia para entrenar helicópteros a nivel mundial, ya que ha alcanzado más de 400.000 horas de vuelo de entrenamiento militar. Bien equipado con las tecnologías más avanzadas disponibles, incluida la suite de aviónica Helionix de última generación de Airbus, el bimotor ligero H135 ofrece condiciones de seguridad óptimas para el entrenamiento de misión básico y avanzado, al tiempo que proporciona una plataforma para pilotos fáciles y seguros. transición a helicópteros más avanzados.

( Helicópteros Airbus )

Australia: ¿Qué está pasando con los helicópteros Tigre que serán dados de baja?

Un tercer C295W para la Real Fuerza Aérea Tailandesa

The Royal Thai Army Signs a Contract for the Third C295W

Currently Royal Thai Armed Force operates two C295W airlifter (photo : Scramble)


Airbus said in a statement that the Thai Ministry of Defense has signed an agreement to supply one additional C295W, including three of the existing C295W, which will be delivered in 2023, which will be used in general, passenger, powerlifting missions. paratroopers, paratroopers and medical evacuation

Yohan Pelissier, Airbus Defense and Space's Southeast Asia Director, said: “The additional aircraft order from Thailand's Ministry of Defense demonstrates continued confidence in its transport capabilities. Proven military Airbus aircraft.”

“The C295 is now popular in Asia-Pacific due to its modular design. As well as maneuverability and durability, it also has low operating costs compared to other platforms in its class. This was a good opportunity for the military. We look forward to seeing the growth of the C295 fleet in the region.”

This agreement brings the total number of C295 orders in the Asia-Pacific region to 25 aircraft.

This acquisition is the result of the Army canceling the supply of aircraft to transport important personnel or #Gulfstream G500 VIP aircraft, valued at 1,348.5 million baht, which TAF has published for the first time. And there are criticisms on the suitability of the procurement. Both high-performance aircraft and can fly as far as Europe. which is probably more than necessary for use

Later, the Army Commander said The Royal Thai Army has considered converting the Gulfstream G500 procurement program to a C-295W medium transport aircraft instead.

 TAF

Airbus A330 MRTT ya tiene un sistema de autoreabastecimiento en vuelo

Airbus A330 MRTT Auto Refuelling System Completes Development Phase

MRTT with RSAF F-16D (photo : Airbus)

Tanking goes automatic

In-flight refuelling operations are among the most demanding missions. Both the tanker and receiver pilots need to operate in close formation, flying aircraft with different flight envelopes and ranging speeds, in day-and-night and all weather conditions, and above the battlefield…. There are many factors that are unpredictable and could put the missions at risk.

The Airbus A330MRTT has a solid track record providing safe operational services to its customer base and other allies like the USAF. The Airbus aircraft gained its reputation as a tanker after seeing action in the Middle East supporting coalition war fighters during Operation Shader and Okra against Daesh, with interoperability, mission success and availability rates as a highlight of its performance.

But for Airbus’ engineers, the road to success does not end here. They envisaged a new chapter where, under the name of SMART MRTT, the multirole tanker gained a new set of game-changing capabilities including enhanced maintenance solutions and the ability to carry out fully automated aerial refuelling operations.

The automatic refuelling system was called A3R and the idea behind it was clear: reduce air refuelling operator (ARO) workload, improve safety and optimise the rate of air-to-air refuelling (AAR) transfer in operational conditions to maximise aerial superiority. Everything at the ‘simple’ push of a bottom.


Two RSAF A330MRTTs during trials in Singapore (photo : Airbus)

Revealed to the public in 2018, the A3R has met every milestone, including several aeronautic ‘world firsts’ such as the first automated contacts. In a joint operation with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) an Airbus’ A310 company development tanker performed seven automatic contacts with a RAAF KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport. More recently, in 2020, Airbus announced the first ever fully automatic refuelling operation with a boom system. The flight test campaign involved an Airbus A310 tanker testbed aircraft with an F-16 fighter aircraft of the Portuguese Air Force acting as a receiver.

2020 also saw the announcement by Airbus to collaborate with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to develop the A330 SMART MRTT programme. Singapore became a key partner for the new automated aerial refuelling capabilities and under the agreement, an RSAF A330 MRTT took part in the development, flight test campaign and final certification programme.

Successful trials in Singapore

Now the A3R has taken another important leap towards certification with the completion of the development phase after a successful flight test campaign.

The trials, performed with the RSAF and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), took place in Singapore in early 2021. It marked participation of an A3R-equipped RSAF A330 MRTT acting as tanker and several receivers from the RSAF, including another A330 MRTT and fighter aircraft like the F-16 and F-15SG.




A330 SMART MRTT (image : Airbus)

During the trial, a total of 88 fully automated dry and wet contacts and transfers of nearly 30 tonnes of fuel were successfully executed, including the first fully automated operations with another A330 MRTT and RSAF F-16D/F-16D+ receivers.

All tests required for A3R Data Gathering with the F-15SG, including operational flights to demonstrate the A3R performances in a mission representative scenario were also completed.

Luis Miguel Hernández, Airbus SMART MRTT Manager, said: ‘We had the opportunity to test our system with different receiver types ensuring the right fit of our systems, while gathering extensive data key to completing the A3R development. The team were able to test the limits of the system successfully, verifying its robustness and ability to automatically track receivers with varying configurations’.

Key to the mission success was the excellent cooperation with the RSAF and DSTA. ‘We have built an extraordinary relationship based on mutual trust. Teams from all sides worked as a single unit during the test campaign and it is always a pleasure to fly with such a professional crew. They are the first partner nation involved in the development of the SMART MRTT, and we are honoured to have them on board’, added Hernandez.


(Airbus

Australia: KC-30A mejorados

Australian KC-30A Applied with Airbus SmartForce

Five KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft from No 33 Squadron on taxiway Alpha at RAAF Base Amberley (photo : Aus DoD)

Royal Australian Air Force benefits from Airbus SmartForce digital services

Amberley (Australia) – Airbus has recently signed a contract to provide a digital services focus for the maintenance of the Air Refueling Boom System (ARBS) on the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (A330 MRTT) fleet.
Based on the Airbus suite of digital services SmartForce, this service is intended to support the operator in reducing maintenance costs and improving fleet availability by optimizing the fault diagnosis and troubleshooting tasks for the ARBS of the tanker aircraft, based on data analytics applications.

The Central Data System plays a key role, allowing operators to draw on the flight data recorded by the Mission Recording System and provides information outputs about issues registered during the flight and recommended maintenance actions to fix them.

Within the KC-30A Enterprise, the Central Data System is a joint development built upon a successful long-standing collaboration among Airbus, the Commonwealth of Australia (CoA) and the Australian KC-30A Through Life Support (TLS) provider Northrop Grumman Australia, in sharing data and defining the architecture of the system.

Future proposed development of the capability will allow customers which apply this technology to their fleet to be able to extend the ARBS analytics to entire aircraft level diagnostics.

Stephan Miegel, Head of Military Aircraft Services at Airbus Defence and Space, said:“Since the launch of SmartForce in 2018, Airbus is fully committed to support the digital initiatives of our customers. Working collaboratively with them, we have signed five agreements for the co-development of new services and technologies. We are proud to see that military operators are increasingly joining us on our digital journey.”

Jake Adams, Northrop Grumman Australia KC-30A Program Manager, said: “The introduction of the Central Data System has provided significant benefits in terms of increased availability of the ARBS. The recent agreement between Airbus and Northrop Grumman Australia ensures that the RAAF continues to benefit from this capability as well as providing the opportunity for ongoing collaboration and sharing of data and analytics to enhance the ARBS capability.”

Group Captain Scott Parry, Officer Commanding Heavy Air Lift Systems Program Office, commented: “The Central Data System delivers a significant capability benefit for the KC-30A aircraft and demonstrates the strong commitment within the KC-30A enterprise to innovation and improvement.”

SmartForce is a suite of services enabling military operators to exploit aircraft data to improve troubleshooting, optimize maintenance effort, predict maintenance actions and plan smartly for material demand and improving the fleet availability. SmartForce capitalizes on the new power of big data analytics coupled to secured connectivity to maximize mission readiness.

Airbus

Singapur colaborará con Airbus con el desarrollo del A330 SMART MRTT

Airbus and Singapore Collaborate on A330 SMART MRTT Development

RSAF A330 MRTT in a refuelling operation with a RSAF F-15SG fighter (photo : Airbus)

Singapore – Airbus and Singapore have agreed to collaborate on the development of the A330 SMART Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). The SMART MRTT programme will develop, certify and implement Automatic Air-to-Air refuelling (A3R) capability as well as enhanced maintenance solutions for the A330 MRTT.

With this collaboration Singapore becomes a key partner for the new automated aerial refueling capabilities. Under the agreement, a RSAF A330 MRTT will take part in the ongoing development, flight test campaign and final certification programme. The flight test campaign, which has already started, is aiming for certification in 2021.

While development of SMART MRTT capabilities further strengthens Airbus’ leading position and technological edge in the tanker market, the enhanced maintenance solution is designed to improve A330 MRTT’s availability and overall mission success rate.

Airbus Head of Military Aircraft, Alberto Gutiérrez said: “With this agreement, the Singapore Air Force leads the evolution of the A330 MRTT, helping us to bring new hands-off capabilities to the benchmark of next-gen tanker operations”.

Towards a full autonomous operation

The A3R system requires no additional equipment on the receiver and is intended to reduce air refuelling operator (ARO) workload, improve safety and optimise the rate of air-to-air refuelling (AAR) transfer in operational conditions to maximise aerial superiority.

Once the A3R system is activated by the ARO, the Boom Flight Control System becomes fully automated and progresses to transfer fuel upon contact with the receiver. During this process, the ARO simply monitors the operation. In the event of an anomaly due to receiver stability deviations or malfunctions on the tanker, the A3R system is able to disconnect and/or clear the Boom away from the receiver safely.

On the receiver end, pilots closing in to the tanker take visual cues from the automated Pilot Director Lights (PDL). This feature allows for more efficient operations, with smoother transitions and minimises time during the coupled state.

The A3R development paves the way towards a fully autonomous aerial refuelling operation.

Two years since the world’s first automated contact

In July 2018 Airbus demonstrated that A3R was feasible as a product after the achievement of the world’s first automated contact with a Boom system. In a joint operation with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), the company’s A310 development tanker performed seven automated contacts with a RAAF KC-30A MRTT, also made by Airbus.

Enhanced maintenance

Enhanced maintenance equipment will allow ground crews to detect and troubleshoot directly from the aircraft’s cockpit the root cause of a failure. This new upgrade enables faster resolution of ground tasks while providing the means for maximising the efficient use of spare parts.

Airbus

Airbus mantiene a las fuerzas neozelandesas

Airbus Extends Support Contracts with NZDF

Armada de la RNZAF (photo : Rodney Maas)

New Airbus Australia Pacific Managing Director Andrew Mathewson has confirmed the extension of the company’s arrangement with the NZDF for the support of the RNZAF’s P-3K2 Orion and C130H Hercules, and has added the SH-2G(i) Seasprite to its portfolio.

At last week’s 2019 Avalon Airshow, Mr Mathewson said that the signing of the contract signified Airbus’ support of the New Zealand Defence Force’s P3K2 and C130H to the end of their service life.



Kaman Seasprite helicopter (photo : NZDF)

“The contract is split into two-year service blocks with the first service block ending in June 2020,” he said. “The scope includes aircraft maintenance, engine and propeller maintenance and component maintenance, including logistics, procurement and engineering in support of the maintenance activities,” Mr Mathewson said. “I’m delighted to add that maintenance on the SeaspriteSH2G(i) is also included in these arrangements.”

Mr Mathewson said that Airbus and New Zealand Defence Force had been actively working together for many years with this contract beginning in 1998. “The continuation of this contract is testament to the open and robust working relationship both organisations enjoy,” he said.

ADBR

Nueva Zelanda y Airbus diseñarán un UAV

Airbus and New Zealand to Develop UAV

Airbus, NZ to develop UAV and space data tech capability (image : DefenseNews)

New Airbus agreement to develop capability in Unmanned Aircraft & space data tech

Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods has welcomed a new agreement with Europe’s largest aeronautics and space company, Airbus, committing to work together to develop capability in New Zealand’s emerging Unmanned Aircraft (UA) and space data technology sectors.

The Letter of Intent, between Airbus and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), sets out a commitment to seek opportunities for Airbus to test and trial its UA technologies in New Zealand, and to work together to support the development and adoption of new and innovative space data technologies and applications.

“Airbus has committed to collaborate on innovation challenges that combine UA and space data technologies. These challenges will generate solutions for real problems, catalyse innovation and increase our R&D capabilities in UAs and space data technologies and applications,” says Minister Megan Woods.

“Airbus is an international leader in innovation, with deep knowledge and great access to data and specific technical tools – all things that we can leverage to build our own R&D capabilities.

“Airbus is already building strong connections within our innovation and space ecosystems, including a recent agreement that establishes the Centre of Space Science Technology in Alexandra as the primary provider of Airbus satellite data and products in New Zealand.

“Attracting R&D investment and activity in areas like new space and advanced aviation technologies are key priorities for Innovative Partnerships as there is huge potential for New Zealand to be at the forefront of these rapidly developing sectors,” says Woods.

The Letter of Intent is another success for Innovative Partnerships. Earlier this year, both Zephyr Airworks and LeoLabs credited the programme as part of the reason they are undertaking R&D in New Zealand.

NZ Gov

Tailandia recibe dos nuevos H225Ms

The Royal Thai Air Force Receives Two New H225Ms

RTAF H225M helicopter (photo : RTAF)

Thailand, The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has taken delivery of its seventh and eighth H225M (previously known as EC725) multirole utility helicopters.

Since 2012, the RTAF has placed orders for a total of 12 H225Ms under its fleet modernisation programme. Belonging to a contract signed in 2016, these new additions will join the air force’s existing fleet of six H225Ms for combat search and rescue, search and rescue flights and troop transport missions.

The 11-ton-catergory twin-turbine H225M is relied upon as a force multiplier by many air forces worldwide thanks to its outstanding endurance and fast cruise speed. Featuring state-of-the-art electronic instruments and the renowned 4-axis autopilot system, the multirole helicopter may be fitted with various equipment to suit any role. Close to 90 units are currently in service in six countries across the globe, surpassing the 100,000 flight hour milestone.

Airbus Helicopters

H145 para Filipinas

Philippine Government Orders First H145 Helicopter from Airbus

Airbus H145 helicopter 

The Philippine government has ordered one H145 helicopter for Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Airbus said September 26. Airbus noted that this is the first H145 helicopter that will serve in the Philippine government.

“Philippine Coast Guard has placed an order for one H145 helicopter, making it the first H145 parapublic operator in the Philippines,” Airbus said.

Airbus said that the new 4-tonne-class twin-engine helicopter is specially equipped with high frequency radios, emergency flotation gear, fast roping, cargo sling, search light, and electro-optical systems to perform critical missions including search and rescue, medical evacuation, maritime patrol and law enforcement.
“The latest contract will also encompass on-site technical support and continuing airworthiness management organisation services, fully supported by Airbus’ team in the country,” it noted.

“We are honoured by the Philippine Coast Guard’s decision to introduce the country’s first parapublic H145 into its fleet, as the perfect complement to the current workhorse BO105 which has served the agency well for the past 40 years. We have full confidence in the H145’s ability to support the agency’s work, coupled with our dedicated in-country customer centre which stays committed to supporting its operations in close proximity,” said Philippe Monteux, Head of Southeast Asia and Pacific of Airbus Helicopters.

Mintfo

A330 MRTT arriba a Singapur

First MRTT Arrived in Singapore

First RSAF MRTT (photo : Benny Zheng)

​Singapore joins ranks of A330 MRTT operators

The Singapore air force’s first Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) has arrived in the country.

Images posted on social media show the aircraft landing at Changi East airbase, where Singapore’s Boeing KC-135R tankers are based. Changi East Air Base is located west of runway 20R, opposite Singapore Changi Airport.

Flight tracking sites indicate that the aircraft (S/N 1762) flew direct to Singapore from Madrid’s Getafe air base.

Neither the nation’s defence ministry nor the air force announced the tanker’s arrival. The aircraft’s livery, however, recognises the 50-year history of the Republic of Singapore Air Force, with ‘RSAF 50’ on the tail, and ‘Our Home, Above All’ on the engine cowling.

Flight Fleets Analyzer indicates that the jet is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 772B-60EP powerplants, and that its first flight was on 10 November 2016.

In addition to a hose-and-drogue refuelling pod on both wings, the aircraft is also equipped with a refuelling boom. The aircraft has 260 passenger seats, and can be used to carry cargo pallets.

Singapore has five additional A330 MRTT’s on order. These will replace the nation’s four obsolescent Boeing KC-135Rs, which have an average age of 55.9 years.

The arrival brings the number of in service A330 MRTTs in service to 26. Other operators include the UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

The Singapore arrival comes days after Canberra announced that its A330 MRTTs – designated KC-30A in Australian service – have delivered 100 million pounds of fuel (45,000t) during air-to-air refuelling missions in support of coalition missions over the Middle East.

The KC-30A has been a significant force multiplier for the Air Force and has proven itself over Iraq as part of Operation OKRA,” said RAAF air marshal Mel Hupfeld. “Just one KC-30A can support the deployment of four fighter aircraft over 5,000km and has the versatility to refuel a range of different aircraft types.”

FlightGlobal

Airbus y DSTA colaborarán en servicios digitales para aeronaves militares

Airbus and DSTA to Co-Develop Digital Services for Military Aircraft

A330 MRTT Singapore Air Force

Farnborough – Airbus and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) have agreed details of the first initiative under their recently announced digital technology collaboration – the development of 3D-printing of spare parts to be initially trialled on Singapore’s new fleet of A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (A330-MRTT) aircraft.

Under the terms of an implementation agreement signed at the Farnborough Airshow, Airbus Defence and Space will support DSTA in designing and certifying parts produced by additive manufacturing for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) aircraft.

Head of Military Aircraft Services at Airbus Defence and Space, Stephan Miegel, said: “It is absolutely clear that digitalisation represents the future of military aircraft services and we are now at a point where we can begin to explore the most promising techniques on operational fleets. We greatly appreciate the innovative approach of DSTA in going on this journey with us.

“Following this first agreement on 3D-printing, we have further agreed to collaborate on data analytics for predictive maintenance. The collaboration will add on to the development of Airbus’s new SmartForce suite of maintenance data analytics launched at Farnborough.”

SmartForce is a suite of services to enable operators to exploit aircraft data to improve troubleshooting, optimize maintenance effort, predict maintenance actions and plan smartly for material demand.

The RSAF has acquired the A330 MRTT and the first aircraft will be delivered to Singapore in the coming months.

Airbus Defence

Se extiende contrato por A400M malayo

Malaysia Extends Airbus Support Contract for A400M

RMAF A400M 

Airbus signs extension with MinDef to provide services to airlifters

KUALA LUMPUR: Airbus has extended its contract with the Ministry of Defence to provide a wide range of support services for the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) A400M airlifters.

A statement issued by Airbus said the agreement was signed on Wednesday at the Defence Services Asia 2018 exhibition here.

This contract would extend an existing services deal between Airbus and MinDef.

Malaysia is the first export customer for the A400M and the RMAF received its fourth aircraft in 2017.

Under the contract, Airbus will continue to provide performance-based services including material support, engineering services, flight operations and maintenance support for the RMAF A400Ms. Airbus will work with the local industry to deliver these services.

The agreement also covers additional spare parts and ground equipment, as well as training courses, to support A400M air-to-air refuelling operations.

Airbus personnel will continue to be deployed at RMAF No 22 squadron at the Subang Air Base to support the service. However, their numbers will gradually reduce as RMAF officers and other locally-hired personnel take over the work.

Airbus defence and space's head of military aircraft services Stephan Miegel said: “The RMAF A400M fleet has been achieving excellent aircraft availability, which is testament to the effectiveness of the current services contract.

“We are strongly focused on continuing to build the RMAF’s expertise on the A400M and transferring the support activity to the air force itself and the local workforce.”

In addition to the A400Ms, over 100 Airbus civil and military helicopters are in service in Malaysia.

Airbus has also secured orders for more than 720 passenger and cargo aircraft from Malaysian customers.

It also said it has developed strong industrial partnerships in the country, and its activities are worth US$400mil per year for Malaysia’s economy and sustain over 4,000 local jobs.

The Star

Primer Airbus A330 MRTT singapurés recién pintado

First Airbus A330 MRTT for Republic of Singapore Air Force Rolls Out of Paintshop

First RSAF A330 MRTT 


The first A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) for the Republic of Singapore Air Force has rolled out of the paintshop.

Plane spotter Andreas Zeitler (flying-wings.com) released pictures of the first A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT), on 17 February, which show the aircraft painted in Republic of Singapore Air Force livery.

First SAF A330 MRTT 

It is the first of the six ordered A330 MRTT by the Republic of Singapore Air Force in March 2014. According to a news release issued by Singapore’s Defence Ministry detailing events and activities that the Republic of Singapore Air Force will hold to mark the anniversary, the A330 MRTT will make its first public appearance at a parade on Sept. 1, the date the service was formed in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command.

Based on the A330-200 airliner, the MRTT is capable of carrying approaching 300 passengers in an airliner-style cabin, as well as performing air-to-air refuelling duties. The A330 MRTT can carry up to 111 tonnes of fuel; this is the highest capacity of all tanker aircraft, even those which have additional fuel tanks in the cargo deck. It has the capacity of offloading 50 000 kg of fuel to a broad range of receivers during a 4-hour loitering mission at over 1 000 nm from its take-off point.

First RSAF A330 MRTT 

The A330 MRTT can carry a maximum payload of up to 45 tonnes, combining the passenger cabin and the lower deck: Up to 300 Passengers, MedEvac cabin layout with 40 stretchers, 20 seats for medical staff and 100 passengers, Up to 37 tonnes of cargo in the lower deck. 27 LD3 containers or 8 military pallets.

Another typical mission is the deployment of fighter aircraft over a long distance. The A330 MRTT can support the deployment of 4 fighter aircraft plus 50 personnel and 12 tonnes of freight (luggage, spare parts and equipment) in one direct flight over 5200 km, e.g. from Europe to Afghanistan.

Defence Blog

Indonesia será centro de producción y mantenimiento de Airbus

Indonesia Becomes a Service Hub Working of Airbus Military Aircraft Production 

Airbus C-295 of TNI AU

Indonesia Service Hub Strengthens Aerospace Industry Competitiveness

TANGERANG- Kerjasama (KSO) for business development, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) aircraft, Indonesia Service Hub, will work on maintenance of Airbus military aircraft.

President Director of PT Garuda Maintenance Facility AeroAsia (GMF), Iwan Juniarto, said Indonesia Service Hub now has an agreement with GMF as its leader, which is closest to Airbus Defense and Space.

"GMF is one of the companies incorporated in the KSO Indonesia Service Hub," explained Iwan, after the signing of a joint working agreement between GMF Management and GMF Employee Club (GMF Employee Club) at Hangar 4 GMF, Tangerang, Tuesday (1/8/2017 ).

According to Iwan, the cooperation will work on airbus maintenance projects for Airbus production that is used domestically. The cooperation will begin in Surabaya for collaboration with several incorporated aircraft maintenance companies.

Indonesia Service Hub is initiated by the Ministry of SOEs, in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the national aerospace industry. Cooperation is aimed to combine capabilities and capacity of each aerospace SOEs, so that in addition to strengthening the national aerospace industry, improving the efficiency of spare parts, this cooperation will also facilitate the customer.

"This is one form of SOE commitment to the development of the nation, through strengthening competitiveness and competence of Indonesia in the field of aerospace, especially maintenance and repair," said Minister of SOEs, Rini Soemarno, some time ago.

Involving 6 state-owned aerospace industries, namely GMF AeroAsia, PT Dirgantara Indonesia, PT Nusantara Turbine and Propulsion (NTP), Indopelita and Merpati Maintenance Facility (MMF), this strategic partnership is projected to become the leading service hub in the region, both in commercial and defense .

"My target, Indonesia Service Hub is not only a leading provider of maintenance and service in Indonesia, but also in Asean and even Asia. I am sure, with the superior capability of each of the involved SOEs and the geographical position of Indonesia, we can become a service hub for the countries around us, and it is not impossible, we can seize some of the airline market share in China, "said Rini.

Cendana

Airbus usará más proveedores malayos

Airbus to Buy More from Malaysian Suppliers and will Rise by 25%
The Star

CTRM products range are : Airbus A320 series, Airbus A380, Airbus A350XWB, Boeing 787, Boeing 737 Next Generation, Boeing 777, V2500 Engine Nacelle, and Airbus A400M work packages 

Airbus to buy more parts from local suppliers

KUALA LUMPUR: As demand for aircraft grows, the quantity of parts that Airbus will be buying from Malaysian suppliers will rise by 25% to the value of US$500mil over five years to 2021.

It currently stands at US$400mil and the suppliers that will produce the parts are Composites Technology Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd (CTRM),Spirit Aerospace and Celestica.

Airbus, the French aircraft manufacturer, had predicted earlier that demand for aircraft would reach 13,640 in this region over 20 years at a value of US$2.2 trillion.

China continues to be the main buyer of aircraft in the region from both Airbus and Boeing.
“We will be buying 25% more, and the companies will have to ramp up production and increase output,” Airbus Commercial Aircraft president Fabrice Bregier told reporters yesterday at an Airbus press conference.

Bregier added that “we are committed to growing our presence in the coming years. The value of work here, except China, is by far the biggest procurement in Asia and it will only grow as our production grows”.

“This is a recognition of the high quality of work undertaken by Malaysian companies and workers, the country’s competitive cost base and its expertise in the aerospace engineering sector,” he said.

Malaysia is the fifth-largest supplier of parts to Airbus for its aircraft, and the second largest in Asia after China.

Apart from more aircraft parts led by higher aircraft orders, Airbus wants to expand further into the maintenance, repair and operation (MRO) area, given the need for quality MRO services in the region.

For now, it has a joint-venture maintenance unit, Sepang Aircraft Engineering (SAE), which specialises in the maintenance and overhaul of Airbus single-aisle aircraft, but opportunities exist for the A330-neo and A350.

“The form of expansion is not yet clear, but we definitely intend to extend the footprint of SAE. We are studying several possibilities,” he said.

Last year, there was market talk that AirAsia was keen to be party with SAE in the MRO business, but the talk subsided after some time.

Currently, Airbus has some arrangements on MRO with Singapore Airlines on the A350, but Bregier said “we have several options (for more MRO services) and it depends on partners”.
AirAsia Group is one of Airbus’ biggest customers for several aircraft types such as the A330-neo and A350.

Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAS) has ordered six A350 aircraft, two of which will be delivered this year, though a slight delay can be expected. Indonesia’s Lion Air Group, which has a stake in Malindo Air, is also one of Airbus’ biggest customers in the region.

MAS CEO Peter Bellew recently told StarBiz that the airline needed six more A330 or B787 aircraft with growing demand.

Over the next three to four years, he foresees MAS ordering about 35-36 new wide-body aircraft and players like Airbus and Boeing will be keen to get that business.
On this trip, Bregier is meeting both the CEOs of AirAsia and MAS.

(The Star)

Airbus coopera con Indonesia por el A400M

Airbus to Enter Co-operation Discussions with Indonesia over A400M Contract
Jane's

Airbus is entering discussions with Indonesia over possible industrial collaborations for an impending A400M contract. The deal, which aims to transfer aerospace expertise to Indonesian industries, will likely include a number of state-owned aerospace companies 

Airbus Defence and Space (DS) is entering further discussions with Jakarta over possible industrial co-operation for a contract to supply the Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara: TNI-AU) with the A400M Atlas multirole aircraft.

These discussions will also address, among other matters, "the number of aircraft to be encompassed in an eventual contract", the company has told Jane's .

Representing a consortium of Indonesian companies, including state-owned enterprises, Pelita Air Service signed a letter of intent with Airbus DS in late March 2017 to acquire an unspecified number of A400M airframes for the country. Jane's understands that the aircraft will be acquired in the transport and utility configurations and will be operated across the TNI-AU's Aviation Squadrons 31 and 32. The aircraft are expected to bolster the service's military airlift capabilities.

In January 2017, Jane's first reported - citing multiple sources from within the Indonesian government and defence industry - that Jakarta has approved a sum of USD2 billion for the acquisition of five A400M airframes. The funding was approved by the Indonesian House of Representatives' commission on defence, intelligence, and foreign affairs (Komisi I), with the condition that the final three airframes undergo final fit-out at state-owned PT Dirgantara's facilities in Bandung.

However, Airbus DS has not given any details on any Indonesian companies that are expected to play a part in the eventual contract, adding only that it has a long-standing industrial co-operation in the country.

According to technical specifications provided by Airbus DS, the A400M can accommodate a payload of up to 37 tonnes, with a volume of 340 m 3 , when configured for military airlift missions.