03 Mar 11. Boeing Defence and Thales Australia have signed an
MoU to jointly pursue Project Air 9000 phase 7 – helicopter aircrew training system (HATS) for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). As per the terms of the MoU, the companies will design a fully integrated HATS solution for the Australian Army, which uses instructors, flight simulators, computer-based instruction and training aircraft. The companies will hold an open, competitive tender for helicopter manufacturers in the next few months to select a training aircraft to meet ADF requirements. Boeing has been providing helicopter pilot, aircrew and technician training for the Australian Army under the army aviation training and training support (AATTS) contract. The HATS request for proposal is likely to be issued later this year. (Source: armytechnology.com)
08 Mar 11. Engineering and information technology services provider Wyle has teamed with Northrop Grumman to perform two US Air Force task orders under the A-10 Thunderbolt lifecycle programme support (TLPS) contract. Under the first task order, Wyle and its teammates will ensure that the A-10’s operational safety, suitability and effectiveness programme is achieved and maintained by performing component analysis of critical systems. The team will also provide solutions for increased system reliability, safety, aircraft availability, and reducing maintenance requirements and man-hours. The second task order, called the critical safety item technical deficiency improvement activity, involves identification of engineering and technical data tasks required to correct critical safety item technical and acquisition data deficiencies. The effort will help align the A-10 programme with the latest requirements from the joint aeronautical logistics commanders. Wyle will perform critical systems component analysis on both indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity task orders for nearly $2m. Rowan Catalyst is also a subcontractor on the project. (Source: airforcetechnology.com)