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URGENT REQUIREMENT – SQE – West Midlands – 6-12 Month Contract
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REQUIREMENT- Quality Engineer – Aerospace – 6-12 Month Contract – West Midlands My client is looking for an Aerospace Quality Engineer to join their expanding team on In the West Midlands. The contract is due to last 6-12 months with extensions likely.
Skills and experience:
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LOCATIONS
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30 Jan 19. US Navy Commissioned Submarine South Dakota. The US Navy commissioned its newest fast attack submarine, the future USS South Dakota (SSN 790), during an 11 a.m. (EST) ceremony Saturday, Feb. 2, at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. The principal speaker was U.S. Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota. The submarine’s sponsor is Mrs. Deanie Dempsey, wife of the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Martin Dempsey. She will give the order to “man our ship and bring her to life!” in a time-honored Navy tradition.
“USS South Dakota enters service during a period of dynamic security challenges,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “I am confident USS South Dakota and its crew will ensure our Navy and nation remain safe and strong, and proudly serve our nation’s interest for decades to come.”
USS South Dakota, a Virginia-class submarine designated SSN 790, is the third ship to bear the state’s name. The first South Dakota was an armored cruiser commissioned Jan. 27, 1908. The ship served in a convoy escort role during World War I before being renamed Huron June 7, 1920. She was decommissioned following seven years of service in the Pacific on June 17, 1927. The second ship was a battleship commissioned March 20, 1942. She saw service in a number of important World War II battles including Santa Cruz, Guadalcanal, Philippine Sea, and Okinawa, earning thirteen battle stars over the course of the war. South Dakota was present at Tokyo Bay when the Japanese surrendered and was later placed out of commission on Jan. 31, 1947.
USS South Dakota is the 17th Virginia-class attack submarine and the seventh Virginia-class Block III submarine. Virginia-class submarines are built to operate in the world’s littoral and deep waters while conducting anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface ship warfare; strike warfare; special operation forces support; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Their inherent stealth, endurance, mobility, and firepower directly enable them to support five of the six maritime strategy core capabilities—sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. (Source: US DoD)
29 Jan 19. Acoustic surveillance ship likely to have entered service with PLAN. Photographs circulating on Chinese social media sites show a Type 927 twin-hulled acoustic surveillance ship berthed at the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) main South Sea Fleet base at Zhanjiang. The vessel bears the pennant number 780 and appears to be flying a naval ensign, indicating that the ship has most probably entered service. The Type 927 displaces about 5,000 tonnes and is similar in appearance to the US Navy’s ocean surveillance ships. Three are known to have been built, two at the Huangpu shipyard in Guangzhou and one at the Shuangliu shipyard in Wuhan. A photograph of the ship bearing the pennant number 780 berthed at the Huangpu shipyard had previously appeared online. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
28 Jan 19. Royal Navy drawing up plans for new mega dry dock in Portsmouth for HMS Queen Elizabeth. Ambitious plans are being drawn up by the Royal Navy to build a new mega dry dock capable of housing Britain’s new aircraft carriers in a venture that could be worth hundreds of millions for Portsmouth. The complex proposals are being crafted by an expert team of engineers and could see Portsmouth Naval Base’s Number 2 Basin converted into one of the country’s biggest dry docks, sources have told The News. Excited city leaders claim the project, which is still in the early phases of developed, could create up to 100 jobs and bring £1bn to Portsmouth over the next decade. Officials within the Royal Navy said it was too early to say if the plan was viable but admitted it was being looked into. However, if formally approved by the Ministry of Defence, the revamp would make the naval HQ one of the most capable in the world, able to refit everything from small boats to frigates, destroyers and Britain’s two £3.1bn aircraft carriers.
Penny Mordaunt, Portsmouth North MP, hoped the project would bring a raft of benefits to the city. The international development secretary said: ‘The vision to become the maritime heart of the UK is coming alive.’
Councillor Donna Jones, former leader of Portsmouth City Council, was excited by the prospect, which she said could ‘create and protect at least 100 jobs’ and be worth £1bn to the city over a 10-year period.
The Tory leader also hinted there could be commercial gains to be had from civilian refits and added: ‘We already have one of the most sophisticated dockyards in the world and a key Nato asset globally, however the creation of a “super dry dock” in Portsmouth would make HM Naval Base Portsmouth one of the top three in Europe and one of the best in the world.
‘Being able to compete with areas like Rotterdam, which carries out a large amount of the commercial shipping re-fit work, would create hundreds of new jobs in Portsmouth.
‘I have spoken to the Royal Navy about this project and I am optimistic that the business case will demonstrate that the investment is a good one.’
Portsmouth will be the home of the navy’s two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales for the next 50 years. (Source: News Now/www.portsmouth.co.uk
28 Jan 19. Singapore launches eighth Littoral Mission Vessel.
Key Points:
- The Republic of Singapore Navy’s fourth helicopter-capable Littoral Mission Vessel has been launched
- The ship, which will be the service’s eighth in class overall, is to be commissioned by 2020
ST Engineering’s marine arm has launched the eighth and final Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) on order for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). The ship, which will be in service as RSS Fearless (22) once commissioned, was launched on 26 January at ST Engineering’s shipyard in Benoi, Singapore. Fearless is part of a contract signed between ST Engineering and the Singapore Ministry of Defence in 2013. The programme seeks to replace the RSN’s class of 12 55 m Fearless-class patrol vessels with eight corvette-sized LMVs. The first-of-class, RSS Independence (15), was commissioned in May 2017, while second and third ships in the class, RSS Sovereignty (16) and RSS Unity (17) were commissioned in November the same year. Meanwhile, Justice (18) and Indomitable(19), the fourth and fifth boats in the class respectively, were commissioned in August 2018.
The LMV has an overall length of 80m, an overall beam of 12m, and a hull draught of 3m. It displaces 1,250 tonnes at full load, can accommodate a baseline crew of 23 including five officers, and embark a medium-lift helicopter on its flight deck. Powered by four MTU 20V 4000 M93 engines, the LMV can attain top speeds of more than 27kt and a standard range of 3,500n miles (6,482km) at 15kt. Although the LMV platform has been designed to embark a medium-lift helicopter on the flight deck, only lead ship Independence and the last three ships in the class, Fortitude (20), Dauntless (21), and Fearless, will operate them. The remaining LMVs can only operate rotor-wing UAVs. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
29 Jan 19. Fincantieri launches Italian Navy’s newest FREMM frigate. Italian Navy’s first FREMM Carlo Bergamini F590) was delivered in 2013. Shipbuilding company Fincantieri has launched the Italian Navy’s latest multi-mission European frigate (FREMM) Spartaco Schergat at a ceremony at the integrated shipyard of Riva Trigoso in Genoa. The newest frigate is the ninth of a series of ten FREMMs being built by Fincantieri within the framework of an Italo-French cooperation programme under the coordination of Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation sur l’Armement (OCCAR), the international organisation for cooperation on arms. Fincantieri will continue fitting activities at the integrated naval shipyard of Muggiano, La Spezia. The Italian Navy is expected to receive the vessel next year.
Spartaco Schergat is designed to operate in different tactical situations. It measures 144m in length and has a beam of 19.7m.
With a displacement of around 6,700t, the vessel can cruise at a maximum speed of more than 27k and can accommodate a crew of 200 people.
The FREMM programme was launched to replace the Italian Navy line ‘Lupo’ and ‘Maestrale’ class frigates, both built by Fincantieri in the 1970s.
The company delivered the vessels ‘Carlo Bergamini’ and ‘Virginio Fasan’ in 2013, and the ‘Carlo Margottini’, the ‘Carabiniere’, the ‘Alpino’, the ‘Luigi Rizzo’, and the ‘Federico Martinengo’ in the subsequent five years. The Italian Navy’s programme included an option for the construction of the ninth and tenth vessel, exercised in April 2015. Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, which is a joint venture (JV) between Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%), is the prime contractor for Italy in the programme. Armaris, a Naval Group-Thales JV, serves as the prime contractor for France. (Source: naval-technology.com)
29 Jan 19. US Navy commissions new Zumwalt-class next-generation destroyer. The US Navy has commissioned its next-generation destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) at Naval Air Station North Island, in San Diego, California. The DDG-1001 is the second ship in the Zumwalt-class of destroyers, and is named in honour of Medal of Honor recipient Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor. The commissioning of the next-generation destroyer was marked by a ceremony, which was attended by Monsoor’s mother, who is the ship’s sponsor.
US Navy Secretary Richard Spencer said: “USS Michael Monsoor is one of the most capable warfighting assets our nation has to offer. This ship will provide independent forward presence and deterrence for decades to come and I am confident the crew will operate this vessel with the level of expertise, courage, and strength needed to overcome any challenge.”
The future USS Michael Monsoor is equipped with new technologies and can be used as a multi-mission platform that can operate as an integral part of naval, joint or combined maritime forces.
With a considerably larger flight deck, the vessel can house two MH-60R helicopters and three vertical take-off UAVs to conduct surface, aviation, and undersea missions.
The Michael Monsoor contains a vertical launch system, which comprises large cells, allowing it to fire larger and more advanced land and anti-ship missiles in the future.
Built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, the nearly 16,000t Michael Monsoor measures 610ft in length and has a beam of 87ft.
The vessel is powered by two Rolls-Royce main turbine generators, two Rolls-Royce auxiliary turbine generators, two 34.6MW advanced induction motors. Prior to the commissioning, the US Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey carried out a review of the ship and its crew during a series of demonstrations both pier side and underway. The US Navy commissioned the lead ship of the Zumwalt-class, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), in October 2016. (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
31 Jan 19. Cambridge company fuels the way forward for protecting the UK and Allies. Defence Minister Stuart Andrew has announced the first fuel tanks supporting the UK’s new fleet of submarine hunting aircraft have rolled off the line in Cambridge. The major milestone comes after the first cohort of RAF aircrew commenced their training for the programme earlier this month, marking the start of a vital enhancement of the UK’s military capabilities in the maritime environment. The P-8A Poseidon is a new aircraft for the RAF designed to operate for long durations over water in maritime patrol roles, in particular anti-submarine, anti-shipping and search and rescue.
The Minister made the announcement for the P-8A programme during a visit to local Cambridge firm, Marshall Aerospace and Defence, where the fuel tanks for the aircraft are being produced.
Marshall Aerospace and Defence, which trained over 20,000 pilots during World War Two, manufactures the fuel tanks for sub-hunters globally, including for the United States Navy and Royal Australian Air Force. Marshall has been producing tanks for P-8 aircraft since 2009, and is due to deliver the 700th to Boeing this month. The skill involved in the design of this specialist equipment helps keep our Armed Forces safe and provides global protection to NATO and Allies’ submarines and warships, while sustaining 60 local jobs.
Minister for Defence Procurement Stuart Andrew said: Local companies, like Marshall Aerospace and Defence, form the backbone of our economy. The MOD has invested £141m in Marshall and I am proud to recognise the vital role they play in shaping our world-leading defence industry. Our new submarine-hunters will be a potent deterrent to our adversaries and a dependable asset for the UK and our allies, and the innovative defence equipment built by Marshall will help us combat a range of intensifying threats.
The Poseidon MPA aircraft is based on the Boeing 737, which is already supported by UK industry, providing several hundred direct UK jobs at companies including Boeing, Marshall’s, Martin Baker and General Electric UK.
The innovative sub-hunting fleet, designed for future growth and adaptability, will enhance the UK’s specialist airborne maritime patrol capability through advanced, state of the art anti-ship missiles, sonobuoys and torpedoes. The aircraft will also contribute to the protection of the UK’s nuclear deterrent and the UK’s new aircraft carriers, seek to locate and track hostile submarines and enhance maritime Search & Rescue (SAR) capability.
A total of nine submarine hunting aircraft will be delivered to RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland in Spring 2020, bringing future opportunities for high-tech employment to the region. The MOD and Boeing have invested £100m in the infrastructure that will house the aircraft at RAF Lossiemouth. When the fleet is fully operational, an additional 470 personnel will be based at RAF Lossiemouth. Further roles are also expected when the training and support services are established at the new facility.
Chief of Materiel (Air) for Defence Equipment and Support, Air Marshal Julian Young said:
The work carried out under the P-8A programme demonstrates how we work collaboratively with industry to deliver vital capability to our Armed Forces – a proven approach that is leading the way internationally. This battle-proven aircraft, already in service with our allies across the globe, will be crucial in the protection of our continuous-at-sea deterrent as well as our new aircraft carriers, helping to tackle the threats we face in the skies and at sea. (Source: Google/U.K. MoD)
31 Jan 19. Russia to roll out upgraded Tu-160M/M2 bombers from 2021. The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) will receive into service the first Tupolev Tu-160M (also designated Tu-160M2) ‘Blackjack’ strategic bomber in 2021, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the Russian Federation disclosed on 30 January. Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu announced the date of the entry-into-service (EIS) of the first upgraded Tu-160M/M2 during a visit to the Gorbunov Kazan Aviation Plant, a branch of the Tupolev PJSC. The Tu-160 first entered into Soviet service in the late 1980s. Since then the swing-wing supersonic bomber has undergone a number of upgrades, including in the early-2000s a bolstering the aircraft’s nuclear armament with the capacity to carry 12 conventionally armed Raduga NPO Kh-555 (AS-15 ‘Kent’) long-range cruise missiles and laser-guided bombs. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
31 Jan 19. Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet undergoes cold weather testing. French defence and aerospace company Dassault Aviation’s Rafale multi-role fighter is undergoing a cold weather testing event at Finland’s Rovaniemi Air Base. Hosted by Lapland Air Command, the testing will last nearly one week. The event has been scheduled for the coldest time of the winter in Lapland. As part of the event, the fighter jet will be put through tests to measure its performance in sub-zero temperatures.
The cold weather tests include engine run-up tests and taxiing on the flight line. The event may also comprise a few flights. No flight operations of the Finnish Air Force will be associated with the tests. Lapland Air Command stated that the testing event is not a part of the HX fighter programme, which is designed to find a suitable replacement for the Finnish Air Force’s existing fleet of F/A-18 Hornet fighter. The Rafale twin-jet combat aircraft is designed to undertake short and long-range missions, including ground and sea attacks, reconnaissance, high-accuracy strikes and nuclear strike deterrence.
Developed for the French Air Force and Navy, the aircraft can carry payloads of more than 9t, including weapons such as Mica, Magic, Sidewinder, ASRAAM and AMRAAM air-to-air missiles; Apache, AS30L, ALARM, HARM, Maverick and PGM100 air-to-ground missiles and Exocet / AM39, Penguin 3 and Harpoon anti-ship missiles. The Rafale has been in use with the French Navy and the French Air Force since 2004 and 2006, respectively. Apart from France, the aircraft was ordered by Egypt, Qatar and India. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
30 Jan 19. Dutch and American officials celebrated the roll out of the first operational F-35A Lightning II for the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) at Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) in Fort Worth, Texas, commemorating a transformational leap in capability for the future of the Netherlands’ national defense.
“Receiving this F-35 at Leeuwarden Air Base later this year is going to be a huge driver for change for our Air Force and will have tremendous impact on the relevance of our Air Force as part of the coalition,” said Lt. Gen. Dennis Luyt, Commander, RNLAF. “We want to be among the best air forces of the world, and the platform of F-35 allows us to do that.”
Various distinguished government, military and industry guests joined Luyt in attendance at the ceremony including Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Marillyn Hewson; State Secretary, the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs Mona Keijzer; and Special Envoy F-35, the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs Maxime Verhagen.
“From the very beginning of the F-35 program, the Netherlands has been a key partner in developing, testing, improving, and maintaining this remarkable aircraft,” said Hewson. “Dutch suppliers have provided high-volume production, structural-design support, and advanced technologies, and Dutch aircraft and personnel continue to support ongoing testing and operations for the worldwide F-35 fleet. As we look to the future, the Netherlands will serve as a sustainment hub in the European region for maintenance, repair, overhaul, and upgrade projects.”
Following the ceremony, the aircraft is scheduled to ferry to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, where F-35A pilot training takes place. The aircraft is the first operational F-35 and the third Netherlands jet delivered to date. The first two Dutch F-35s were delivered in 2013 and are at Edwards AFB, California, supporting operational testing. The RNLAF plans to acquire 37 F-35As.
F-35 Program Economic Impact in the Netherlands
Dutch industry, including 25 suppliers to date, have benefitted from the F-35 program with contracts awarded for high technology work. As estimated by the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs, the F-35 program has already generated more than $1bn USD in contracts for Netherlands industry, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs for the Netherlands over the life of the program.
To date, more than 360 F-35s have been delivered and are now operating from 16 bases worldwide. Ten nations are flying the F-35, seven countries have F-35s operating from a base on their home soil, five services have declared Initial Operating Capability, and two services have announced their F-35s have been used in combat operations.
With stealth technology, supersonic speed, advanced sensors, weapons capacity and increased range, the F-35 is the most advanced, survivable and connected aircraft in the world. More than a fighter jet, the F-35’s ability to collect, analyze and share data, is a powerful force multiplier that enhances all airborne, surface and ground-based assets in the battlespace enabling men and women in uniform to execute their mission and return home safely.
30 Jan 19. The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. The new-generation A330 MRTT extends the endurance and range of the ROKAF’s fighter aircraft, and provides the service with strategic transport capability for passengers and freight. In South Korean service the A330 MRTT will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, be equipped with the Airbus Refuelling Boom System, and can be configured in a variety of layouts to carry passengers and freight or for medevac purposes. South Korea becomes the seventh member of the worldwide family of A330 MRTT operators and is one of 12 nations to have ordered the aircraft. This latest delivery brings the total in-service fleet to 35. Fernando Alonso, Executive Vice President, Airbus, said: “The A330 MRTT has clearly established itself as the world’s premier tanker and strategic transport aircraft, and has been widely praised by the current operators. It will be a critical asset of the ROKAF and leading air forces worldwide for many decades.”
26 Jan 19. McConnell AFB Welcomes 1st KC-46A Pegasus. Total Force crews delivered the first two KC-46A Pegasus aircraft to McConnell Air Force Base. The 22nd Air Refueling Wing and 931st ARW marshalled in the newest addition to the Air Force’s strategic arsenal.
“This day will go down in history as a win for Team McConnell and the Air Force as a whole,” said Col. Josh Olson, 22nd ARW commander. “With this aircraft, McConnell will touch the entire planet.”
Since being selected as the first main operating base in 2014, McConnell Airmen have been preparing to ensure their readiness to receive the Air Force’s newest aircraft. Contractors constructed three new KC-46 maintenance hangars, technical training dormitories, an air traffic control tower, fuselage trainer and many other facilities specifically for the Pegasus’ arrival. These projects brought $267m to the local economy by employing Kansas workers and using local resources.
Aircrew members simulated KC-46 flights, boom operators practiced cargo loading and the 22nd Maintenance Group created a training timeline for the enterprise. Working with aircraft manufacturer Boeing, McConnell maintenance Airmen have been developing new technical orders for three years. They streamlined processes and got hands-on exposure to the jet in Seattle.
“Some of us have been involved in this program for years and it has given us time to become experts as far as the technical data goes,” said Staff Sgt. Brannon Burch, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron KC-46 flying crew chief. “Knowing it is one thing, but having hands-on experience on our flightline is what we all crave. We’re just happy the wait’s over and we finally get to get our hands dirty on the Pegasus – it’s almost surreal.”
The KC-46 team at McConnell AFB is comprised of Airmen with a variety of backgrounds from other aircraft who bring different aspects of expertise to the multifaceted new tanker.
“Every Airman who was transferred to the KC-46 team was hand-selected specifically to bring this airplane to the fight,” said Lt. Col. Wesley Spurlock, 344th Air Refueling Squadron commander. “They are versatile maintainers, pilots and boom operators who are prepared for any learning curve that comes with a new aircraft.”
The active duty 344th ARS and Air Force Reserve 924th ARS, will be the first units in the military to operationally fly the KC-46.
“This airplane has a wide variety of capabilities that we haven’t seen here before,” said Spurlock. “We’re going to get our hands on it, then expand on those abilities and see how we can employ them operationally.”
Once Airmen in the Total Force squadrons have perfected their craft on the new aircraft, they will pave the way for the entire KC-46 enterprise and other bases receiving the aircraft in the future by developing tactics, techniques and procedures to share with those units.
“I have never been a part of a unit that is more excited about the mission before them and the legacy they’re going to leave,” said Spurlock.
Today, the waiting ends and integration begins for the next generation of air mobility that will be a linchpin of national defense, global humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations for decades to come.
“For those of us who have spent years watching this process happen, it’s enormously humbling to finally see it come to a close,” said Col. Phil Heseltine, 931st ARW commander. “We are grateful to everyone who is joining us as we fulfill the potential of this amazing new aircraft.
“We are honoring the rich culture that we have been gifted by those who came before us,” said Heseltine. “That culture continues today. For example, the forward fuselage section of the KC-46 is built by Spirit AeroSystems right here in Wichita. This aircraft literally came home today.”
With the KC-46 on the ground at McConnell AFB, the Air Force will begin the next phases of familiarization and initial operations testing and evaluation. “McConnell Air Force Base is ready!” said Olson. (Source: ASD Network/US Air Force)
28 Jan 19. The U.S. Navy has awarded Boeing [NYSE: BA] a $2.4bn production contract for the next 19 P-8A Poseidon aircraft. The contract includes 10 aircraft to add to the current inventory of P-8As in the U.S. Navy fleet, all five jets currently under contract for Norway and the four aircraft remaining for the existing United Kingdom contract, bringing the total United Kingdom acquisition to nine aircraft. The United Kingdom and Norway are acquiring the Boeing aircraft through the Foreign Military Sales process and will receive a variant designed and produced for the U.S. Navy called the P-8A Poseidon. The United Kingdom will receive their first aircraft in 2019 and Norway will begin receiving aircraft in 2021. The P-8 is a long-range multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft capable of broad-area, maritime and littoral operations. A military derivative of the Boeing Commercial Next-Generation 737 airplane, the P-8 combines superior performance and reliability with an advanced mission system that ensures maximum interoperability in the battle space. The P-8 is militarized with maritime weapons, a modern open mission system architecture, and commercial-like support for affordability. The aircraft has been modified to include a bomb bay and pylons for weapons – two weapons stations on each wing – and can carry 129 sonobuoys. The aircraft is also fitted with an in-flight refueling system. With more than 180,000 flight hours to date, P-8 variants, the P-8A Poseidon and the P-8I, patrol the globe performing anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; humanitarian; and search and rescue missions.
24 Jan 19. Indonesian Navy receives additional CN235 MPA, AS565 ASW helos.
Key Points:
- The Indonesian Navy has received another five anti-submarine helicopters and one more maritime patrol aircraft from PT Dirgantara Indonesia
- Inductions will further enhance the service’s maritime surveillance, and ASW capabilities
The Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Laut: or TNI-AL) has received another CN-235-220 maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) and five more AS565 MBe Panther anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters from state-owned aeronautical company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI).
The aircraft were received on 24 January and commissioned the same day at an induction ceremony held within PTDI’s facilities in Bandung.
The Panther helicopters, which bear the serial numbers 7021, 7042, 7043, 7046, and 7047, are part of a contract for 11 airframes acquired in 2014 to improve the TNI-AL’s embarked aviation and ASW capabilities.
(Source: IHS Jane’s)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
28 Jan 19. Pasi Niinikoski, Chief Business Development Officer of Patria Group, has been appointed as a member for the Defence Business Unit (DBU) of the AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD). Niinikoski represents the Association of Finnish Defence and Aerospace Industries (ADFA), and in co-operation with AFDA also other Nordic industry organisations in this position. There are 24 members in DBU representing the major defence companies. ASD represents the aeronautics, space, defence and security industries in Europe in all matters of common interest with the objective of promoting and supporting the competitive development of the sector. AFDA is a member of ASD. It also represents the Finnish defence industry in NIAG (NATO Industrial Advisory Group), in EDA and in Nordic Cooperation. AFDA is also a part of the Technology Industries of Finland and covers almost all the defence related industries in Finland with about 130 member companies.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
30 Jan 19. MG Douglas M. Gabram, commanding general, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, to director for test, Missile Defense Agency, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
30 Jan 19. BG Gregory K. Anderson, deputy commanding general (Support), 10th Mountain Division (Light), Fort Drum, New York, to deputy director, Strategy, Plans and Policy, J-5, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
30 Jan 19. BG Christopher T. Donahue, deputy director for special operations and counterterrorism, J-3, Joint Staff, Washington, District of Columbia, to commander, Special Operations Joint Task Force-Afghanistan, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan; and Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan, Resolute Support Mission, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Afghanistan.
30 Jan 19. BG Marcus S. Evans, deputy commanding general (Support), 3d Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia, to deputy director for special operations and counterterrorism, J-3, Joint Staff, Washington, District of Columbia.
30 Jan 19. BG Bradley T. Gericke, deputy director for Joint Strategic Planning, Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate, J-5, Joint Staff, Washington, District of Columbia, to director, Strategy, Plans and Policy, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, District of Columbia.
30 Jan 19. BG Charles R. Miller, deputy director, Strategy, Plans and Policy, J-5, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, to deputy director for Joint Strategic Planning, Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate, J-5, Joint Staff, Washington, District of Columbia.
30 Jan 19. BG Kenneth T. Royar, deputy commanding general (Support), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to commanding general, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
30 Jan 19. Col. (Promotable) Paul T. Stanton to deputy director of operations, J-3, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland. He most recently served as director, J-34, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland.
INDUSTRY
PERSONNEL
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
30 Jan 19. SIG SAUER, Inc. announced the promotion of John Brasseur to Vice President, Product Management. In this position Brasseur will lead the product and project management teams for SIG SAUER firearms, ammunition, and accessories.
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