As a major operator of the H145M, the German armed forces could benefit from a raft of enhancements proposed by the manufacturer Airbus. (Airbus)

Airbus Helicopters has highlighted the latest enhancements it has rolled into the D3 standard of its H145M medium-twin rotorcraft, and is proposing a raft of additional improvements in an effort to attract new operators to the type.

Speaking to Janes and other defence media ahead of ILA 2022, Constance Pinsdorf, senior programme manager H145 governmental business, said that with the current D3 standard of the H145M providing superior capabilities over the upgraded D2 and original C2 standards,improvements that are earmarked will provide further capabilities.

“Due to the fact we are based on a civilian version, which is really successful and really mature, we have a long history [of developing this type], and I am confident that we have a mature system that is working for the customer,” Pinsdorf said. “We have come from the C2 and D2 versions to the D3 version, [and] we are now taking the D3 evolution to the next stage.”

Diehl displayed a model of its Light Attack Remote Carrier concept at ILA 2022. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)

Diehl Defence showcased a weaponised Remote Carrier (RC) ‘loyal wingman' at the ILA Air Show in Berlin, telling Janes that the project is geared at the Future Combat Air System (FCAS)/Système de Combat Aérien Futur (SCAF) programme, as well as for current fighter aircraft.

Speaking to Janes on 23 June, Sven Katzenstein, Future Technologies Project Manager Targeting Systems, said that, although not officially part of the Next Generation Weapon System (NGWS) of FCAS/SCAF that includes the RC element (this work is led by Airbus, with MBDA, GMV, Technobit, and Sener Aeroespacial as partners), the Light Attack Remote Carrier (LAC) is being developed by Diehl to show the art of the possible.

“The LAC is now a concept that is separate from the RC pillar [of FCAS/SCAF],” Katzenstein said. “We thought we could give the RC a secondary role [besides a loyal wingman force multiplier], with a warhead in addition to its surveillance sensors. The size of the warhead has not yet been decided, he added.

The B-21 Raider programme is using digital design and collaboration. (Northrop Grumman)

US Air Force (USAF) chief of staff General Charles Brown said on 22 June that he would like to see a collaborative and digital approach continue across the air force following positive results on its use with the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider bomber and LGM-35A Sentinel next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

At a Hudson Institute talk, Gen Brown said the collaboration between airmen set to operate the platforms, acquisition officials, and industry partners, enabled by digital design and engineering, helps solve potential issues early in the design process.

“You've probably watched programmes over the years, what happens is we have another good idea. We keep adding those good ideas on, which drives cost and schedule issues versus going, ‘here's what you can really get done'”, he said.

“And if you're using a digital approach, then you can actually continue to upgrade and modify, particularly if it's software based, and make adjustments to the design before you actually start bending metal,” he continued.