Paris Air Show 2023: Airbus, Leonardo sign training MOU based on M-346 jet
22 June 2023
by Gareth Jennings
Under an MOU signed on 21 June Airbus and Leonardo will explore future pilot training opportunities based on the M-346 Master AJT aircraft. (Leonardo)
Airbus and Leonardo agreed to jointly explore future pilot training opportunities based on the latter's M-346 Master advanced jet trainer (AJT) aircraft.
The two companies will “jointly promote integrated training systems, and study future solutions to tackle air dominance challenges”, according to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on 21 June at the Paris Air Show 2023 in Le Bourget .
“Under this collaboration, both companies will jointly address and pursue business opportunities for the provision of advanced training systems leveraging on M-346's proven experience, thanks to over 100,000 flight hours performed worldwide by the aircraft,” a joint statement explained. “Airbus and Leonardo will also explore deepening ties and industrial co-operation to tackle future military pilot training domains.”
As noted in the announcement, the European advanced trainer market will account for more than 400 new aircraft deliveries in the next 20 years, plus an additional EUR12 billion (USD13.12 billion) for the provision of advanced pilots training services.
Poland completes receipt of Turkish UAVs
17 May 2024
by Gareth Jennings
Poland now has all 24 of the TB2 UAVs it ordered from Türkiye, operating them across four systems based at the 12th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Base at Mirosławiec. (Polish MND)
Poland has received the last of 24 Baykar Bayraktar TB2 armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Türkiye.
The Polish Armaments Agency (AA) announced the milestone on 16 May, saying that the last four unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), each comprising six UAVs, had been received into the 12th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Base at Mirosławiec on the same day.
“The Secretary of State in the Ministry of National Defense, Paweł Bejda, together with representatives of the Polish Armed Forces, took part in the ceremony of completing the delivery of the last, fourth set of the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned reconnaissance and strike system,” the AA said.
Heron TP makes maiden German flight
16 May 2024
by Gareth Jennings
The GHTP lifts off from Jagel for its maiden flight in German airspace. (IAI)
The Luftwaffe has flown the first of its leased Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Heron TP unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) on its maiden flight in German airspace on 15 May.
Announced by the Bundeswehr, Airbus Defence and Space as the lead contractor for the programme, and IAI, the milestone saw the medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operating out of its future home station of Jagel (also known as Schleswig Air Base) in the far north of Germany.
Known as the German Heron TP (GHTP), the UAS was awarded a type certificate by the German Military Aviation Authority in late 2022, at which time it was operated out of an undisclosed location in Israel.
The GHTP is intended to bridge the gap between the retirement of the earlier Heron 1 UAS and the introduction of the new European MALE UAS known as Eurodrone, with Airbus Defence and Space operating five air vehicles out to 2027.
Brazil conducts first flight of re-winged P-3AM Orion
16 May 2024
by Victor Barreira
A Brazilian Air Force P-3AM Orion. Three aircraft are to be upgraded with new wings. (Airbus Military SAS)
The first re-winged Brazilian Air Force Lockheed P-3AM Orion maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) flew on 2 May, the service announced on 13 May, a major step towards improving the P-3AM fleet's readiness rate.
Elements of the wing that were replaced during the rebuild include the top coverings, front and rear spars, and the upper panels of the central wing and fuselage structures.
Brazilian manufacturer Akaer has delivered two additional sets of wings to the Brazilian Air Force, which are being installed in another two aircraft at the Galeão Aeronautical Material Park. The project is scheduled to conclude in October 2024, Akaer said in an announcement. Whether or not Brazil intends to upgrade the P-3AM fleet beyond the three deliveries has not been publicly disclosed.
On 25 October 2018 Akaer was awarded a contract to rebuild the main wings of three Orion MPAs, the company said.
Airbus and Leonardo agreed to jointly explore future pilot training opportunities based on the latte...
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