EUROPE
LAND
01 Mar 16. GKN Aerospace selected to supply UK MoD’s AJAX fuel system. GKN Aerospace has been selected by General Dynamics European Land Systems to manufacture the rotationally moulded fuel tanks for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) AJAX platform, which is being supplied by General Dynamics UK – with deliveries commencing early in 2016 and continuing through to 2023. The fuel tanks will be fitted with the latest self-seal technology and explosion suppression foam, enhancing vehicle and troop protection. They will be developed and produced at the GKN Aerospace fuel systems facility, in Portsmouth, UK.
AIR
28 Feb 16. Croatia approves OH-58D buy. Croatia has approved the procurement of 16 surplus OH-58D Kiowa Warrior armed reconnaissance helicopters from the United States, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 25 February. The plan to buy a squadron of OH-58D helicopters and three simulators is valued at HRK286m (USD41m), of which HRK100m will be funded through US government support funds and the remainder by the Croatian government’s 2016-20 budget. Croatia had originally wanted to receive surplus Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters through the US Excess Defense Article (EDA) programme, whereby military equipment is gifted to allies for the cost of refurbishment, shipping, and support once in service. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
29 Feb 16. GKN Aerospace has entered into a four year Performance Based Logistics (PBL) contract with FMV (Swedish Defence Material Administration) for the provision of comprehensive support for the GKN Aerospace RM12 engine, which powers the JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter. This contract follows on from an initial five year RM12 PBL agreement and is expected to be worth approximately USD250m.
25 Feb 16. Lockheed Martin (LMT) recently received a $7.9m Foreign Military Sales contract from the U.S. Air Force to support additional integration of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) onto the Polish Air Force F-16C/D aircraft. This second contract for Poland includes support for a broad range of certification and flight activity. Integrated logistics support and program and technical oversight will conclude in 2018. Poland became JASSM’s third international customer in September 2015. (Source: Yahoo!/PRNewswire)
USA
LAND
29 Feb 16. Blue Wolf announced receiving an award contract from General Dynamics Land Systems. Blue Wolf, a leading provider of durable NVIS, NVG, and standard lighting products for commercial, industrial, and government/military customers, have been awarded a contract from General Dynamics Land Systems to provide interior NVIS lighting for an International Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) program.
Blue Wolf’s newest award will focus on manufacturing various quantities of NVIS Round Dome lights, NVIS Gooseneck Map Light, and Emergency Medical Clamp-on Gooseneck Lights. These interior lights are specifically designed for illuminating steps, instrumentation, or small cargo service areas such as those found in aircraft, tanks, boating vessels, or other special Military Night Vision use applications. Over the past two years, Blue Wolf developed these new NVIS/NVG vehicle lights, so they can withstand the extreme conditions, vibrations, and temperatures these lights go through within LAV’s lifespan. In addition to being machined from durable-grade aluminium and being IP67 water rated, the 28Vdc electronics provide constant light output, transient, and over-voltage protection, full 0 to 100% PWM dimming ability, tactile feedback on the dimming knobs of the map lights, and an LED life span of more than 40,000 hours.
03 Mar 16. DLS to provide MIDS JTRS radio system to US and coalition forces. Data Link Solutions (DLS), a joint venture between BAE Systems and Rockwell Collins, has been contracted to supply multifunctional information distribution system joint tactical radio systems (MIDS JTRS) to the US and coalition forces.
Under the $51.8m contract