Industrie Militaire

[tchpako]

PICTURE: Chinook's rotor blade twist revealed in windtunnel test

By: Craig Hoyle London
4 hours ago
Source:



Boeing has started windtunnel tests on a new rotor blade design which it expects to boost the CH-47 Chinook's cargo lift capacity by around 907kg (2,000lb).

"The US Army said we need to increase lift to maintain capability," Mark Ballew, director of rotorcraft business development for Boeing Mobility, said at the ILA Berlin Air Show on 12 September. The service typically adds around 45kg of new equipment weight to the transport helicopter each year, and has funded the enhancement study, he added.

Flight test activities are likely to begin during 2014 using the new rotor design, which introduces a blade twist near the tip. The enhancement should be available as the standard fit for new production aircraft from around 2016, Ballew said, and will also offered as a retrofit option. "We know that most folks are going to want to come back and want those new blades," he said, adding that "a couple of nations" had already shown interest in the modification.



Boeing

Nineteen nations currently operate models of the tandem-rotor CH-47, the first production example of which was delivered to the US Army in 1962. Boeing expects its lead operator to continue using the type until between 2045 and 2050. But with new contracts still coming in, Ballew believes the design will remain in use even longer. "In 2062 there will still be Chinooks flying. This will be a 100-year helicopter," he claimed.

Boeing will formally deliver its first CH-47F to the Netherlands on 8 October. The nation will eventually field six of the new-generation type.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articl ... st-376575/

[tchpako]

Top F-35 official warns on software breakdowns, relationship crisis

By: Zach Rosenberg Washington DC
3 hours ago
Source:



The future of the Lockheed Martin F-35 programme is at risk over software concerns and a breakdown in the relationships between the contractor and the government, says the deputy chief of the F-35 joint programme office.

"There is no more money and no more time on this programme," Maj Gen Christopher Bogdan told reporters at the Air Force Association convention. "We will not go back and ask for more, simple as that."

Bogdan's comments covered a wide range of concerns, but he focused on the status of software development. In particular, he warned that the autonomic logistics information system -- the nerve centre for F-35 maintenance and sustainment all over the world -- is falling dangerously behind schedule.

While ALIS has been in works for several years, security issues with software have required a new approach. The new system, version 1.03, is currently in testing that is expected to be completed in November. The US Marine Corps (USMC), one of the primary customers of the aircraft, is planning to deploy aircraft to its training base at USMC Yuma, but without a certified and functional ALIS system, the aircraft are essentially inoperable.

Some F-35s have been fully constructed by Lockheed, but USAF has not accepted them for delivery "because there's no point unless ALIS works," says Bogdan.



©Lockheed Martin

"If we don't get ALIS right, we are not flying aircraft," he adds.

Software is another sticking point. The aircraft has over 10 million lines of code that it requires to function. While Lockheed has "made some tactical progress" on fixing software issues, installing and operating the complex Block 3 software remains the largest hurdle, one that Bogdan says has greatest risk of causing programme delay.

"There is no more money and no more time on this programme," says Bogdan. "We will not go back and ask for more, simple as that."

Though technical problems put a crimp in the programme, Bogdan says that the relationship between Lockheed, the JPO and stakeholders is "the worst I have ever seen. It is the worst I have ever seen, and I've seen a lot of bad ones."

"It should not take 10, 11, 12 months to negotiate a contract we've been working with for 10 years," he adds. "I would tell you I think that's the biggest threat to the programme today. If we do not improve the day-to-day relationship, this will not work."

Bogdan stressed the complexity of developing, testing, building and flying the aircraft at the same time, citing competing priorities from each stakeholder.

"I am seeing some glimmers of hope in Lockheed Martin's production," said Bogdan. The company "should be, but [isn't], ahead of the learning curve," and production efficiencies are not being translated into lower cost to the government. Bogdan says he expects Lockheed to pass savings on.

Lockheed had no immediate comment other than to say the company would release a statement soon.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articl ... is-376590/

[tchpako]

General Electric selected to build fuel-efficient military engine test bed

By: Zach Rosenberg Washington DC
1 hours ago
Source:



General Electric (GE) has been selected to build a new, more fuel-efficient engine for military aircraft.

The adaptive engine technology development (AETD) programme, managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), will fund a working prototype of a new engine.

The key feature of the "Advent" engine is the addition of an optional third stream of airflow that bypasses the compression and combustion sections in the core of the engine.

This third stream can be closed during take-off and in dash-speed mode at altitude to preserve maximum thrust levels. But it can be opened at normal cruise speed to improve fuel efficiency by allowing bypass air to generate more of the thrust instead of the fuel-consuming combustion process.

GE plans to complete the engine by 2017, with the aim of adapting the technology to an operational engine after 2020.

Both GE and competitor Rolls-Royce were selected for earlier conceptual studies of the engine, but GE is thus far the only company to move forward into test.



©GE

Military-grade performance at civilian-level fuel burn has long been considered a holy grail of the jet age. While military aircraft require very high performance under combat situations, much flight time is spent in leisurely cruise when high performance is not required. Allowing the aircraft to dramatically change its rate of fuel consumption could save up to 1.2 billion gallons, according to the US Air Force.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articl ... ed-376595/

[dil@w]

Tchpako mon ami fais au moins un effort de traduction ou de résumer les articles que tu postes en sélectionnant les passages intéressants s'il te plait, ce n'est pas très lisibles quand c'est copié collé comme ça et l'intérêt des articles ne saute pas aux yeux, merci :hadarat:

[Youma]

UAVS To Get Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System

Tue, Sep 18, 2012 14:08 CET

BAE Systems today announced that the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) will be integrated onto an unmanned aerial vehicle.

The company, which designed and manufactures the guidance section of the laser-guided rocket, was recently awarded a U.S. Navy contract to add the APKWS onto the MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV.

“APKWS’ precision firepower will soon be available on a UAV platform,” said Roy Rumbaugh, APKWS program manager at BAE Systems. “With BAE Systems’ innovative technologies, the Fire Scout will engage targets on land or at sea with laser-guided accuracy while keeping our warfighters out of harm’s way”.

The system is being integrated onto the Fire Scout in response to an urgent operational need and is being prepared for rapid deployment "This expansion onto unmanned aircraft is the next exciting step after demonstrating performance on both rotary and fixed-wing manned aircraft," Rumbaugh said.

Unmanned aircraft can operate in regimes that are considered too hazardous for manned aircraft and dramatically expand the types of missions that can be conducted from surface ships.

The APKWS is the U.S. government's only program of record for the semi- active laser-guided 2.75-inch rocket. U.S. Marine aviators recently completed the initial operational test and evaluation phase of the APKWS program, firing successfully against stationary and moving targets from AH-1W and UH-1Y helicopters. The APKWS system has since been deployed in Afghanistan and the company continues to ship units to theater for use against insurgent forces.

defenseworld.net

[Youma]

Russia, South Africa Discuss Possible Joint Development Of Arms

Tue, Sep 18, 2012 08:57 CET

Russian arms manufacturer Rosoboronexport announced on Monday the possibility of a joint development of defense equipment with South Africa.

“There is a great potential [for joint projects] in the area of radar equipment and rocket engines,” Rosoboronexport said in a statement.

Rosoboronexport officials are currently in South Africa as part of the Russian delegation attending Africa Aerospace and Defense arms show in Pretoria on September 19-23.

“We hope that this show will be very productive for us,” Deputy General Director of Rosoboronexport, Alexander Mikheyev, said.

Meanwhile, the arms maker is also in discussion with numerous countries to set up post-sale maintenance centers for Russian-made helicopters sold to these countries.

“These centers will expedite repairs and create jobs for local professionals,” the statement said.

defenseworld.net

[tchpako]

Harris Receives $25; Order from Government in Middle East for Falcon Radios

(Photo: Harris Corporation)

High-frequency tactical radios to provide long-range military communications

07:30 GMT, September 18, 2012 MELBOURNE, Fla. & ROCHESTER, N.Y. | Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, has received a $25 million order from a government in the Middle East for Falcon II high-frequency tactical radios as part of a military communications modernization program.

Harris will supply this country’s armed forces with Falcon II RF-5800H base stations, vehicular systems and manpack radios to provide beyond line-of-sight terrestrial voice and data communications. The RF-5800H offers advanced features such as Third Generation-Automatic Link Establishment for initiating contact between two HF radios; integrated data link protocols for data sharing such as embedded text messaging and embedded GPS receivers.

“Harris offers the world’s most advanced digital HF radio family for delivering highly reliable and secure communications for missions that require beyond-line-of-sight capabilities,” said Brendan O’Connell, president, International Business, Harris RF Communications. “HF radio systems are crucial for delivering up-to-the-minute situational awareness and command and control.”

http://www.defpro.com/news/details/39342/

[tchpako]

Paramount Group Launches Marauder Patrol Vehicle at AAD 2012

(Photo: Paramount Group)

13:45 GMT, September 18, 2012 Paramount Group, Africa’s largest privately held defence and aerospace company, has launched its latest trend-setting product the Marauder Patrol at Africa’s leading defence exhibition.

The Marauder Patrol builds on the proven success of the Marauder to set a new standard in protected utility vehicles, combining mobility and high levels of protection into a versatile platform.

The ballistically protected Marauder Patrol is aimed at military, police and special forces that require an agile and quick response vehicle for use in tough environments.

The Marauder Patrol vehicle is based on COTS (commercial off the shelf) driveline components. Maintenance and support are available through commercial dealer networks.

It has a deliberately non-aggressive appearance – making it perfect for police, peacekeepers or special forces operating in sensitive environments.

The Marauder Patrol is protected to STANAG Level 1 ballistic protection, meaning it can stop shell fragments as well as 7.62mm and 5.56mm bullets. For those customers wanting extra protection, there is the choice to increase ballistic to STANAG Level 2, without impacting the performance of the vehicle.

The vehicle comes in either a five-door ‘SUV’ version which can carry nine people or a four-door ‘double cab pick-up’ model which can carry a maximum of five people.

In both cases, the vehicle is available with optional extras of run-flat tyre inserts, communications systems, add-on armour, various weapons stations and automatic transmission.

Crew comfort and ergonomics were key design elements and the vehicle is fully air-conditioned with plenty of space for tools, medical supplies and communications equipment.

Miles Chambers, Business Development Director of Paramount Group, said:

“Marauder Patrol breaks new ground in the utility vehicle market because it offers high levels of protection combined with unprecedented mobility and supportability. This makes it ideal for police and special operations forces conducting patrol-type operations, on or off-road.

“As governments seek to cope with a range of new security challenges, it is vehicles such as this that give them the flexibility to respond to a variety of threats without having to rely on more expensive or aggressive looking large scale armoured vehicles.

“This vehicle proves that when it comes to armoured vehicles South Africa has the heritage and experience to make some of the most innovative solutions in the world.”

General Specs
• Crew: 2+2 or 2+3 (four-door ‘pick-up’) and 2+6 or 2+7 (five-door ‘SUV’)
• Kerb Weight: 2950kg (four-door) and 3450kg (five-door)
• Ground Clearance: 235mm
• Wheel base: 3180mm
• All-up Weight – GVM: 3500kg (four-door) and 4800kg (five-door)

Performance
• Max Speed Road: 120+ km/hr
• Turning Circle: 15 m
• Road Range: 800 km
• Engine: 128 kW 398Nm Turbo Diesel
• Transmission: 5 speed manual
• Brakes: Hydraulic front discs, rear drums
• Tyres: 285/75R16
• Air conditioner: Standard under Dash
• Electrical system: 12 V
• KE Protection Standard: Stanag 4569 level 1
• Blast Protection: M26 Hand Grenade

http://www.defpro.com/news/details/39368/

[tchpako]

UAVS To Get Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System

Tue, Sep 18, 2012 14:08 CET

BAE Systems today announced that the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) will be integrated onto an unmanned aerial vehicle.

The company, which designed and manufactures the guidance section of the laser-guided rocket, was recently awarded a U.S. Navy contract to add the APKWS onto the MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV.

“APKWS’ precision firepower will soon be available on a UAV platform,” said Roy Rumbaugh, APKWS program manager at BAE Systems. “With BAE Systems’ innovative technologies, the Fire Scout will engage targets on land or at sea with laser-guided accuracy while keeping our warfighters out of harm’s way”.

The system is being integrated onto the Fire Scout in response to an urgent operational need and is being prepared for rapid deployment "This expansion onto unmanned aircraft is the next exciting step after demonstrating performance on both rotary and fixed-wing manned aircraft," Rumbaugh said.

Unmanned aircraft can operate in regimes that are considered too hazardous for manned aircraft and dramatically expand the types of missions that can be conducted from surface ships.

The APKWS is the U.S. government's only program of record for the semi- active laser-guided 2.75-inch rocket. U.S. Marine aviators recently completed the initial operational test and evaluation phase of the APKWS program, firing successfully against stationary and moving targets from AH-1W and UH-1Y helicopters. The APKWS system has since been deployed in Afghanistan and the company continues to ship units to theater for use against insurgent forces.

defenseworld.net

[tchpako]

Northrop Grumman, AgustaWestland Announce Teaming Agreement for U.S. Helicopter Programs

Artist's impression of the AgustaWestland AW101 as "Marine One" presidential helicopter. (Photo: AgustaWestland)

Industry Team to Compete for Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter and Navy 'Marine One' Presidential Helicopter Programs

14:24 GMT, September 18, 2012 FALLS CHURCH, Va. | Northrop Grumman Corporation and AgustaWestland (AW), a Finmeccanica company (FNC IM, SIFI.MI), announced that they have signed a comprehensive teaming agreement to respond to anticipated requests for both the new U.S. Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter and the U.S. Navy's recently announced program to develop a new "Marine One" presidential helicopter. A U.S.-built helicopter based on the AW101 platform will be offered by Northrop Grumman to meet these requirements.

The agreement pairs Northrop Grumman's proven management and systems integration expertise with AgustaWestland's world-renowned rotorcraft manufacturing and advanced helicopter design and development. The AW101 system offers both programs an optimum mix of capability to successfully bring the best possible new combat rescue helicopter to the Air Force and the best possible new presidential Helicopter to the Navy-Marine Corps team.

Northrop Grumman has a long history of success in managing the development of complex air systems. The company delivers products across a spectrum of capabilities – from fully autonomous strategic unmanned systems such as the Fire Scout and Global Hawk to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, the stealthy B-2 bomber and the most advanced battle management system in the world today, the E-8 Joint STARS. That record will be coupled with the continuous investment in rotorcraft technology development AgustaWestland has made to field the world's most advanced, rugged and reliable helicopters.

Northrop Grumman and AgustaWestland are partnering to offer affordable systems that are total solutions without compromise. These will be proven, advanced rotorcraft, built in the United States and fully integrated with the most advanced mission suites, integrated onboard sensors and communications systems available today. These systems will meet the future needs of both programs. The AW101 system is a mature, reliable, highly capable and combat-proven multimission aircraft that affordably meets the needs of the nation's combat search and rescue forces and will serve the nation's presidents far into the future.

"This is a strong partnership between two companies that combines each company's strengths," said Paul Meyer, vice president and general manager of advanced programs and technology at Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "While Northrop Grumman has broad expertise in systems integration of large aircraft programs, AgustaWestland has world-leading expertise in global rotorcraft and vertical lift. We believe that this industry partnership will bring together the best experience, expertise and resources, ensuring that the customer receives the best solution."

"We are delighted to have Northrop Grumman as a partner, with their impressive history of supporting the U.S. Department of Defense," said Bruno Spagnolini, chief executive officer of AgustaWestland. "We strongly believe that the AW101 is the right aircraft for both missions and that this team can succeed."

http://www.defpro.com/news/details/39376/

[tchpako]

Lockheed considers viability of resurrected Athena small satellite launcher programme

By: Zach Rosenberg Los Angeles
4 hours ago
Source:



A decision is expected soon from Lockheed Martin regarding whether to continue to resurrect the Athena programme, a small satellite launcher discontinued in 2001.

"It's currently in the works, and we would expect a decision probably by the end of the year," says Gregory Kehrl, Lockheed's Athena mission manager. "It's not a very fast process in a company as big as Lockheed. Our portfolio is very broad."

The series of launch vehicles was conceived, developed and built by Lockheed on internal funding to capture a burgeoning market for small satellites, and particularly for large constellations for satellite internet providers. The collapse of that market, the emergence of strong competition and a catastrophic 1999 launch failure led the company to pull the plug.

"Athena was put into soft standby after the Kodiak Star mission because there was just not a demonstrated strong pull from customers," says Kehrl. "We put it into soft standby, not ever intending to divest or get out of the business, but to wait until the time was right to bring back the small launch service."

There is a single Athena I in storage, plus a number of spare parts.

The reintroduction is largely built on what Lockheed sees as the emergence of a government smallsat market, says Kehrl. The US government appears to be moving towards smaller satellites, and a number of government-sponsored smallsats have been launched in recent years.

Athena would, however, re-enter a crowded marketplace. While some competing programmes - SpaceX's Falcon and Orbital Sciences' Taurus, among others - either have or appear at imminent risk of ending, a number of new competitors such as Virgin Galactic's LauncherOne have sprung up to fill the void.

To keep the programme sustainable, Lockheed would need two to three launches annually, plus more for the larger, as-yet unbuilt Athena III. At a price point of around $70 million for an Athena II, Lockheed would "like to fly four times [a year], like everybody would in this business, [although] it's probably not fantastically realistic", says Kehrl.

"Neither of those products [would] really [be] brought back on strictly a commercial viability basis because, let's face it, everybody knows the launch services business is really not exploding like crazy," he adds, "but there's a steady need for reliable products."

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articl ... me-376581/

[tchpako]

Modified Rolls-Royce T56 makes first flight

By: Zach Rosenberg Washington DC
51 minutes ago
Source:



Rolls-Royce has completed the first flight of a modified T56 engine, the Series 3.5, to improve fuel efficiency of the legacy examples that power the Lockheed Martin C-130 transport and P-3 maritime patrol aircraft.

The new engine makes a number of technical improvements to the existing power plant, which first entered production in 1954. The US Air Force, which is working with R-R to test the engine, flies 220 C-130Hs with four T56 engines each, many of which are slated to remain in service for decades. A portion of the US Navy's P-3 Orion fleet also uses the engine, and the service has shown interest in the Series 3.5 modification. Hundreds of additional C-130s are in civil and military use throughout the world.

There are roughly 6,000 T56s in operation, according to R-R, which purchased original manufacturer Allison in 1995.

The Series 3.5 modification adapts technology from previous civil and military programmes to older engines. The improvements include compressor and turbine blades with different airfoils, a new compressor inlet housing and new seals.

While the USAF has not committed to purchasing the engine modifications, the service has been charged with reducing fuel burn by 10% within three years. An air force analysis of the Series 3.5 modifications concluded a potential long-term reduction of $2 billion through reduced fuel burn.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articl ... ht-376638/

[tchpako]

Lockheed seeks contract for fifth batch of US F-35 jets
18 September 2012


F-35C Lightning II test aircraft

Lockheed Martin is planning to complete negotiations for the acquisition of the fifth batch of F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) jets with the US Department of Defense (DoD) by the end of 2012, a senior company official has revealed.

Lockheed chief executive officer, Robert Stevens, was quoted by Reuters as saying at a Morgan Stanley investor conference that talks with the DoD were underway, and a final agreement is expected to be signed by the end of the year.

"I think it's possible that we can do that," Stevens added.

Refusing to provide further contract information, Stevens said the company was moving ahead with aircraft testing, while also working to complete development of the advanced helmet and complex software needed for the programme.

The company has shipped 16 out of the 30 aircraft scheduled for delivery this year, and is holding talks for further international orders in an effort to help lower the overall cost of the programme.

An unidentified source also told Reuters that majority of contract work was completed, but the two sides were still negotiating on the final financial details.

Contract negotiations between the two parties formally commenced in December 2011.

The F-35 Lightning II is a single-engine, fifth generation multirole fighter, currently under development in three variants, to conduct ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defence missions with stealth capability.

The JSF programme is principally financed by the US, with additional funding provided by the UK and seven international partners, including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway and Turkey.

http://www.airforce-technology.com/news ... ed-f-35-us

[tchpako]

Northrop and USAF advance on AOC modernisation programme
18 September 2012

Northrop Grumman and the US Air Force (USAF) have successfully completed an integrated baseline review and interim design review for the Air Operations Center (AOC) Weapon System modernisation programme, advancing it towards the design phase.

Concluded on 12 July 2012, the baseline review established a mutual understanding and agreement between the two sides regarding the cost, schedule, technical deliverables, as well as related technical and programmatic risk.

The interim design review (IDR), performed in August 2012, served as a symposium for the USAF and the company to analyse and validate the design completed to date, which was showcased by the design documentation and a prototype system.

The IDR marked the first in a series of events which will lead up to the programme's delta-preliminary design review, scheduled for late 2012.

Mike Twyman, Northrop Grumman Information Systems Defense Systems division vice president and general manager, said: "With the successful completion of these important reviews, we validated our plan to rapidly deliver capability to our warfighters well within program cost objectives."

An initial $120m contract was awarded by the USAF to a Northrop-led team in March 2012, to overhaul the AOC, with an aim to increase its operational effectiveness.

The contract has a maximum potential value of $504m over the next eight years, if all options are exercised, and covers design, integration, test and delivery of a network-centric infrastructure and mission applications, along with deployment and maintenance across eight AOC sites.

Northrop's team include AgilePath, Capgemini Government Solutions, ZelTech Technologies, Layer 7 Technologies, Bosh Global Services, Applied Minds and DMM Ventures.

The AOC WS serves as the command and control (C2) centre for planning, implementation and validation of joint air operations during a contingency or conflict in the air, space and cyber domains worldwide.

http://www.airforce-technology.com/news ... -programme

[tchpako]

Airbus and Denel sign renegotiated A400M contract



Written by Guy Martin Tuesday, 18 September 2012 13:02
altAirbus and Denel Aerostructures have described as ‘win win’ their renegotiated contract covering the production of A400M components. The new agreement makes parts production economically viable for Denel and ensures Airbus that it remains a reliable supplier.

The contract was signed during a ceremony at Denel Aerostructures’ (DAe’s) facility at Kempton Park yesterday. It was attended by dignitaries that included Denel Group CEO Riaaz Saloojee, Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba and representatives from Airbus.

Ismail Dockrat, CEO of Denel Aerostructures, said the company was celebrating the conclusion of the renegotiated contract regarding the production of the wing to fuselage fairing (WFF) and top shell for the A400M military airlifter. “This successful outcome secure Denel Aerostructures’ future going forward,” he said.

Maggie Bergsma, head of Airbus media relations, said that the original 2005 contract with Denel Aerostructures was for 18 years but the new contract covers a 30 year period. Dockrat said the scope of the technical content has stayed the same but the pricing structure, terms and conditions and production schedule have changed in the renegotiated contract. Before, Denel Aerostructures was making a loss producing parts and both Denel and Airbus underestimated the effort involved in building A400M components. “We’re very happy that we’ve reached this new agreement, which is a win win situation for both of us,” Bergsma said.

Denel Aerostructures has had a rocky road, with years of consecutive losses. A ‘painful’ restructuring process began in 2009 saw some staff being cut in order to reduce losses. The company now expects to break even in 2016 or 2017. The confidence Airbus has shown in the company is a major boos to it getting further contracts.

Zoli Kunene, chair of Denel’s board, said that DAe’s successful track record on A400M production means the company has the capacity to work with global industry. “We believe there is great scope for growing the local aerospace industry.” Kunene said Denel was proud to be part of the A400M global supply chain and thanked the company for the confidence it has displayed in Denel Aerostructures. “We are looking forward to a strong and constructive relationship with Airbus for the duration of this programme.”

Antonio Rodriguez Barberán, Airbus Military Senior VP Commercial, said that, “I’m sure the agreement we are signing today is going to move us forward for the next thirty years.” Barberán said what Airbus liked most about Denel was its highly skilled workforce.

Dockrat said that his company would deliver eight A400M shipsets this year, 16 next year and 24 the year after that – in fact, Denel Aerostructures is delivering components ahead of schedule. The company is also tendering for other Airbus work and is close to concluding a contract to produce ribs and spars for the vertical tails of the A400M.

Dockrat noted that despite the global economic downturn, there remained strong demand for civil and military aircraft. He said that the company was engaging with other manufacturers about work, including Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer. “We are talking to a lot of companies out there,” he said.

“This announcement sends a strong signal: we are can take on more work. We are ready for business. We have the capacity.”

Pic: Atonio Rodriguez Barberán, Airbus Military Senior VP Commercial, and Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba following the signature of the renegotiated contract.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?o ... Itemid=116