LOCATIONS
LAND
22 Mar 19. SEA 5000 shipyard construction steams ahead. Work is “well underway” at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide, where the nine anti-submarine warfare Hunter Class frigates will be constructed. The above image shows the erection of structural steel for the shipyard’s high Block Assembly Hall, where the blocks that make up each frigate will be built. When completed, the building will measure 28 metres high, 160 metres long and 47 metres wide, but will be “dwarfed” by the Ship Erection Hall alongside.
Osborne Naval Shipyard will also be the build location for Australia’s $50bn Future Submarine program.
In what has been a boost for Australian suppliers, 89 per cent of the 25,500 tonnes of steel used on the Osborne South Development Project has been sourced from local suppliers, with steel fabrication and installation undertaken by local companies.
ASC Shipbuilding has commenced mobilisation and design work on the Hunter Class frigate program, with prototyping to commence next year, followed by the construction of the first frigate in 2022.
The program will create and sustain over 5,000 jobs across BAE Systems and the “wider Australian defence supply chain” over the course of the project.
The precinct currently consists of:
- Shipbuilding and submarine maintenance facilities which currently support ASC for the delivery of the Air Warfare Destroyers and maintenance of the Collins Class submarines;
- Common user shipbuilding facilities, including a 213-metre wharf, runway, dry berth, transfer system and the largest shiplift in the southern hemisphere;
- A commercial and education precinct, including the Naval Shipbuilding College – delivering the trade and technical skills required for future shipbuilding projects; and
- Easy access to the national transport network, including road, rail and deep-sea port.
This facility will form part of BAE’s ‘Digital Shipyard’ concept, which will see the joint BAE/ASC workforce deliver the vessels from the early-to-mid 2020s.
The ‘digital shipyard’ concept will see BAE facilitate the transfer of intellectual property and technical data, including the digital ship design that has been optimised for the production of the new Hunter Class, combined with all the naval shipbuilding processes tailored to the specific requirements of the ASC shipyard in South Australia.
The digital shipyard concept will ensure that every aspect of the ship during the design and build and throughout its service life is live and accessible to the crew as well as all those involved in the maintenance and upgrades of the fleet and approved suppliers. People will be connected in their place of work to assured, readily understandable information and processes to evidence-based working in real-time.
Digitisation will also bring the ‘ship to life’ during its service life. Intelligent systems, on board and linked to those ashore, will monitor the performance of the ship and its systems, allowing ship’s staff to focus on the right tasks and ensuring that the right parts and specialist help are available before they are needed.
BAE’s digital shipyard will include an inventory of parts, including cost and acoustic signature, suppliers and their details, providing Australian industry the opportunity to improve upon all parts and systems used in the construction of the Hunter Class frigates.
The Commonwealth government will retain a sovereign share in ASC Shipbuilding while BAE manages the $35bn SEA 5000 program. At the end of the program, the Commonwealth will resume complete ownership of ASC Shipbuilding, thereby ensuring the retention in Australia of intellectual property, a highly-skilled workforce and the associated equipment. (Source: Defence Connect)
19 Mar 19. BAE Systems spurs growth and innovation in Texas. Employee headcount is on the rise at BAE Systems’ facility in Austin, Texas, as it expands operations to support new programs in the coming years. BAE Systems’ facility in Austin, Texas sits among a 140-acre plot of land enhanced with wildflower fields and busy honeybees. On the surface, it might seem more like a wildlife sanctuary than a site for the world’s third-largest defense contractor. But taking a step inside the site reveals that the real buzz is about new, high-tech jobs.
With more than 100 new faces on campus in just the last year, the site’s headcount stands at over 600 employees. That total is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, as we expand operations on campus to support new programs. The state of Texas ranks second among all states in the country for aerospace manufacturing and engineering jobs according to a recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers. BAE Systems has provided a key portion of those jobs for more than 60 years. We are now building on that legacy by adding some of the most skilled engineers and scientists in the state to solve some of the toughest technology challenges in defense.
As a leader in military aircraft countermeasures, our ALE-47 dispenser system is on more than 4,000 aircraft in over 30 countries. We are taking the next step in aircraft protection with the Smart D²™ system, which manages and deploys smart, expendable countermeasures.
With the U.S. Army’s selection of Austin as the location for its Futures Command, we are ready to do our part to help modernize the service with our growing work force. At the Army’s new Center for Defense Innovation inside Austin’s Capital Factory, we are partnering with startups and small businesses to accelerate the development of new defense technology for America’s military. And we are not stopping there; we will continue to innovate for a wide range of programs in the areas of autonomy, cyber, sensor development, and electronic warfare.
Factory of the future
That innovation extends into the production of our products, as we look to enhance our factory with innovative new capabilities. In the short term, we recently made $5m in improvements on our factory floor to help improve workflow and maintain quality standards. We are also starting to research, pilot, and implement 3D printing, advanced robotics, digitization, and cyber manufacturing to shape our vision for the factory.
Those improvements have helped to accelerate the production of the thousands of APKWS® guidance kits at the site. The U.S. Navy recently placed a $225m order for APKWS guidance kits and we will continue to help meet that demand, as we build toward an annual production level of more than 20,000 units.
Giving back to the community
As we grow in number, our involvement in the community also continues to expand. In the last year, we have donated nearly $70,000 to nonprofit organizations in Texas, while our employees volunteered more than 1,400 hours. Much of that support focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines, as we strive to foster a talent pool for the future. During Girl Day at The University of Texas, we helped support hands-on STEM activities for more than 12,000 attendees including over 8,000 students. Our STEM activities continued at the Austin Energy Science Fair, as we volunteered, mentored, and helped judge projects for the event.
Going green
From the classroom to the fields of Texas bluebonnets, our commitment to the community runs deep. Since 2015, we have supported Texan by Nature (TxN), a nonprofit organization with a mission to bring business and conservation together. By working closely with the group, we created habitats to draw pollinators and wildlife such as the Monarch butterfly and honey bee.
Taking it a step further, we also made efforts to conserve water. This began by using reclaimed water in our air conditioning system, which helped save 10 million gallons of potable water per year. Additionally, we created a recycling program that allows 70 percent of everything we throw away to be reused, composted on site or diverted from the landfill. All of these efforts helped BAE Systems earn the Environmental Champion Award at last year’s Greater Austin Business Awards ceremony. We are honored to be recognized for our efforts thus far, and look forward to finding new ways to support the environment. We plan to hire over 100 new employees at our Austin site this year and are excited to share this part of our culture with them. As our expansion continues, we stand by our commitment to adding more jobs and remaining a center for innovation in Austin for years to come. (Source: ASD Network)
20 Mar 19. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI) held a ground breaking ceremony today for a new hangar being built in El Mirage, Calif. The new facility in the high desert of southern California will be close to 150,000 square feet and be used to house and test GA-ASI’s latest Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) variant, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian. The ground breaking event for GA-ASI’s “El Mirage Hangar 80” features speakers from the company, as well as local dignitaries, including San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Robert A. Lovingood.
“Any time we break ground on a new facility is an exciting day for our company,” said David R. Alexander, president, GA-ASI. “The new MQ-9B represents the latest in RPA innovation, and with increasing interest in this aircraft throughout the world, it’s time to get this hangar constructed.”
The Royal Air Force (RAF) is acquiring SkyGuardian as part of its Protector RG Mk1 program and is scheduled for first delivery in the early 2020s. Belgium chose SkyGuardian for its defense needs and it is also being considered by the Australian Defence Force, who selected GA-ASI to supply a RPA system for Project Air 7003.
GA-ASI expects 125 employees to be based at the new hangar, including 30-45 new hires. In addition to housing the newly manufactured SkyGuardian, the hangar will feature Ground Support Equipment and Shipping & Receiving areas.
GA-ASI is a leading manufacturer of RPA, tactical reconnaissance radars, and electro-optic surveillance systems.
MARITIME
21 Mar 19. Royal Navy’s new offshore patrol vessel named HMS Tamar. HMS Tamar, which is part of a five-strong OPV contract with BAE Systems, worth a combined £635m, was formally named in Glasgow today. HMS Tamar, the fourth of the Royal Navy’s five cutting-edge new Offshore Patrol Vessels, has been formally named in Glasgow today. The next-generation River Class ship will boost Britain’s counter-terrorism and anti-smuggling work and provide essential support to defence operations. The 90-metre vessel, which is equipped with a 30mm cannon and flight deck capable of accommodating a Merlin helicopter, is part of a five-strong OPV contract with BAE Systems, worth a combined £635m.
Minister for Defence Procurement Stuart Andrew said: “From patrolling our coastlines and protecting UK waters, to anti-smuggling and counter terrorism operations, these ships are a key part of our Royal Navy fleet. Today’s naming marks an important milestone in HMS Tamar’s programme ahead of starting sea trials and being accepted into operational service next year.”
At Scotstoun today, the ship’s sponsor, Lady Peach, officially named HMS Tamar by pressing a button to smash a bottle of Camel Valley ‘Cornwall’ Brut against the hull – in recognition of the ship being affiliated to Cornwall.
All the vessels are initially constructed in BAE System’s Govan yard, before being moved to their Scotstoun site to be fitted out with their systems ahead of rigorous sea trials.
Alongside the Type 26 anti-submarine frigate programme, the Royal Navy work has filled the Glasgow shipyards’ order books until the early 2030s, protecting 1,700 Scottish jobs and supporting a further 2,300 roles across the nation through the supply chain.
Sir Simon Bollom, chief executive for Defence, Equipment and Support, the MOD’s procurement agency, said: “HMS Tamar continues the legacy of ships being built on the Clyde for the Royal Navy and will perform a vital role defending the UK’s interests. It is great news that we are celebrating this milestone alongside our partners in the Royal Navy and BAES.
We look forward to the delivery of the remaining OPVs and the further progress on the Type 26 build programme.” (Source: U.K. MoD)
18 Mar 19. Japan commissions 10th Soryu-class submarine. Key Points:
- The JMSDF has commissioned its 10th Soryu-class SSK
- The Soryu-class boats are Japan’s first submarines to feature AIP, which enables them to stay submerged for extended periods
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) commissioned its 10th Soryu-class diesel-electric attack submarine (SSK) on 18 March in a ceremony held in Hyogo Prefecture in west-central Japan. Named JS Shoryu (with pennant number SS 510), the 84m-long boat was inducted into the JMSDF’s Submarine Flotilla 1, based in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture, shortly after being handed over by shipbuilder Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) at its facility in Kobe, the company said in a press statement. Shoryu, which was launched in November 2017, is the fifth submarine of the class to be built by KHI, with the other five having been built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).
The total cost of acquiring the submarine is about JPY56bn (USD502m), a spokesperson at the JMSDF told Jane’s on 18 March.
According to Jane’s Fighting Ships, the Soryu class has a beam of 9.1m, a hull draught of 8.4m, and a displacement of 2,947 tonnes when surfaced and 4,100 tonnes when submerged. Powered by two Kawasaki 12V 25/25 diesel engines and four Kawasaki Kockums V4-275R Stirling air-independent propulsion (AIP) engines, the class has a top speed of 20kt when submerged and 12kt when surfaced.
The Soryu class is equipped with six 533mm bow torpedo tubes that can fire the Japanese-developed Type 89 heavyweight torpedo. The boats are also capable of deploying the UGM-84C Harpoon medium-range anti-ship missile against surface targets. Each submarine since the eighth of the class has also been equipped with an undisclosed number of countermeasures, according to a spokesman from the Japanese Ministry of Defence. The 11th of the class and the sixth to be built by MHI, Oryu (with pennant number SS 511), was launched in October 2018 and is the first Soryu-class SSK for the JMSDF to be equipped with lithium-ion batteries in place of lead-acid batteries. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
14 Mar 19. New Zealand’s future hydrography ship begins sea trials. Key Points:
- A hydrographic and diving support vessel meant for the Royal New Zealand Navy has begun trials to validate its naval equipment
- The service is on track to operate the ship by November
The Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RNZN’s) future hydrographic and diving support vessel, which will be known as HMNZS Manawanui once commissioned, has received its service livery and begun a series of sea trials off the coast of Denmark. The trials are being used to confirm that naval equipment on board the ship are performing as expected, the RNZN said via its official social media account on 15 March. Images of the vessel accompanying the post indicate the hull number as A 09, although the ship’s original name, Edda Fonn, is being retained until closer to its commissioning ceremony. The 85m vessel arrived in Frederikshavn, Denmark, from Norway in February, according to data from IHS Markit’s Maritime Portal. It was previously in service as a commercial offshore support vessel and had arrived in Denmark to be fitted out according to RNZN requirements.
Edda Fonn was acquired by the New Zealand government in 2018 for NZD103m (USD70m). It was procured to fulfil operational gaps in the RNZN’s diving support and maritime survey capabilities following the retirements of its hydrographic ship HMNZS Resolution in 2012 and dive tender HMNZS Manawanui in 2018. Edda Fonn is 84.7m long, has an overall beam of 18m, a hull draught of 6.3m, and is equipped with a 100-tonne salvage crane. Powered by four diesel-electric engines driving two azimuth propulsion systems, the 5,700-tonne vessel can reach a top speed of 13kt. The vessel can accommodate a core crew of 39, with 27 more bunks for mission-specific personnel. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
AIR
21 Mar 19. The Sikorsky-Boeing SB>1 DEFIANT™ helicopter achieved first flight today at Sikorsky’s West Palm Beach, Florida site. This revolutionary aircraft, developed by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company (NYSE: LMT), and Boeing (NYSE: BA), will help inform the next generation of military helicopters as part of the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift program.
“DEFIANT is designed to fly at nearly twice the speed and has twice the range of conventional helicopters while retaining the very best, if not better low-speed and hover performance of conventional helicopters,” said Dan Spoor, vice president, Sikorsky Future Vertical Lift. “This design provides for exceptional performance in the objective area, where potential enemy activity places a premium on maneuverability, survivability and flexibility. We are thrilled with the results of today’s flight and look forward to an exciting flight test program.”
With its two coaxial main rotors and rear-mounted pusher propulsor, DEFIANT is unlike production rotorcraft available today. It represents a leap forward in technology to achieve the U.S. government’s desire for vast increases in speed and range, while improving maneuverability and survivability in a cost-effective way. DEFIANT aircraft’s use of X2™ Technology will allow the Army to penetrate from strategic standoff and exploit gaps created in complex Anti-Access Area Denial systems against near-peer adversaries.
“The design and development of DEFIANT has revealed the capability advancement that is truly possible for Future Vertical Lift,” said David Koopersmith, vice president and general manager, Boeing Vertical Lift. “Clearly, the performance, speed, and agility of DEFIANT will be a game changer on the battlefield and we look forward to demonstrating for the U.S. Army the tremendous capabilities of this aircraft.”
The helicopter is participating in the Army’s Joint Multi-Role-Medium Technology Demonstrator program. Data from DEFIANT will help the Army develop requirements for new utility helicopters expected to enter service in the early 2030s. This flight marks a key milestone for the Sikorsky-Boeing team, and is the culmination of significant design, simulation and test activity to further demonstrate the capability of the X2 Technology.
X2 Technology is scalable to a variety of military missions such as attack and assault, long-range transportation, infiltration and resupply. DEFIANT is the third X2® aircraft in less than 10 years.
21 Mar 19. Leonardo to enhance firefighting potential of C-27J aircraft. Leonardo has announced that it is working on the development of a solution to enhance the firefighting potential of its C-27J aircraft. The enhanced firefighting configuration is aimed at expanding the aircraft’s multirole capabilities. Leonardo demonstrated the C-27J with firefighting configuration at the 16th Aerial Firefighting Europe event in Nimes, France. The C-27J firefighter is equipped with Simplex Aerospace’s roll-on / roll-off Fire Attack System (FAS). According to the company, the firefighter provides an effective solution in airborne firefighting technology and capability. The firefighter configuration can increase the capabilities of the C-27J multi-mission aircraft with lower acquisition and operating costs when compared to a dedicated firefighting platform.
Leonardo claimed that the Simplex Fire Attack System can be installed or removed quickly by a small team via the aircraft’s rear loading ramp. In addition, the solution does not require any major structural modifications to be made to the airframe. The main tank comes with a maximum capacity of 10,600l. The configuration also supports the addition of a 568l foam retardant.
In a statement, Leonardo said: “The firefighting system is one of the options that C-27J customers can add to the C-27J Spartan new baseline configuration, which incorporates a brand new avionics system designed to comply with next-generation air traffic control requirements, new cockpit control panels and LED aircraft lights. Operators will enjoy improved operational cost and performance within the aircraft flyaway price.”
Leonardo is offering the firefighting capability and new baseline configuration as a retrofit to existing operators to enable them to modernise their C-27J fleet.
The company is working in partnership with the European SCODEV Consortium to study and test a solution to improve the C-27J’s firefighting potential.
Scooping device, SCODEV, will allow the aircraft to fill the tank from a stretch of water without the need to return to base.
This will enable the safe loading of water from around 30m above the surface with a roll-on / roll-off approach.
The company stated that the solution will allow the aircraft to perform different roles, including firefighting, emergency support and transport.
Leonardo has so far received 85 orders for C-27J Spartans from the airforces of 14 countries, including Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Australia, Peru, Kenya, Morocco, and Zambia. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
20 Mar 19. V-22 Osprey Marks Three Decades Of Transforming Military Aviation. Since first flight, the world’s first production tiltrotor delivers capabilities that no other aircraft can match, enabling expeditionary and agile operations in any domain. During the thirty years since the V-22 Osprey first flew, the tiltrotor aircraft, built by Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and Boeing [NYSE: BA], has fundamentally changed how the U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force operate in combat and support humanitarian operations. The V-22 has become one of the most in-demand and reliable aircraft in military service with its unique vertical maneuverability combined with the speed, range and fuel efficiency of a fixed-wing airplane.
So far, more than 375 V-22 aircraft have accumulated more than 450,000 flight hours across a spectrum of missions. Soon, the U.S. Navy will begin using a new V-22 variant to deliver personnel and cargo to its aircraft carriers, becoming the latest operator leveraging the aircraft’s unique capabilities.
“Over the last 30 years, the V-22 has reshaped power projection, assault support and special operations airlift,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matthew Kelly, V-22 Joint Program manager. “Since that first flight in Arlington Texas, the V-22 has proven its worth on the battlefields of Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and around the world. Thirty years later, now a networked platform, still with unmatched speed, and battlespace reach, the V-22 continues to enable global power projection and worldwide crisis response on a scale never before possible. The US Services and our allies look forward to the next 30 years of V-22s dominating the battlefield.”
The V-22 has deployed to operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait, and participated in humanitarian operations, including earthquake relief in Haiti and Japan and hurricane response in the United States. Military leaders continue to find new uses for the V-22. The missions it performs include airborne command and control, airborne fleet logistics, combat search and rescue and special operations support, among others.
“The Osprey continues to prove that tiltrotor technology has many benefits for operators challenged in the toughest environments,” said Chris Gehler, vice president, Bell V-22 Program and deputy program director, Bell Boeing V-22. “The V-22 enables operations in a way that was not previously possible. The high demand for Ospreys is a signal that the aircraft is essential for customers around the world.”
The V-22’s unique tiltrotor design means the aircraft takes off and lands like a helicopter and flies as a propeller-driven aircraft. These characteristics offer the tactical flexibility to deploy with a smaller logistical footprint and without a runway to access areas that are unreachable with any other aircraft. Major production locations are Philadelphia and Amarillo, with Rolls-Royce producing the aircraft’s two engines in its Indianapolis facility. The V-22 industry team is not only producing new aircraft, but it is also working with the Marine Corps to reduce the number of aircraft configurations and simplify designs for readiness improvements for the active V-22 inventory. (Source: ASD Network/Textron)
20 Mar 19. Qatar receives first Apache attack helicopter. Qatar has received the first of its recently ordered Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters, the US Embassy in Doha disclosed on 20 March. The first of 24 helicopters for the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) was handed over during a formal delivery ceremony at Boeing’s Mesa production plant in Arizona on 14 March. Deliveries will be complete by the end of May 2020. The QEAF project officer, Brigadier General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Abdul Hadi Al Shahwani, previously told Jane’s that the deal includes the training of 70 pilots and 100 ground crew, as well as options for up to 24 additional helicopters. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
18 Mar 19. Brazilian Navy works to grow its aviation wing. Brazil is upgrading or buying a series of new aviation assets as it has commissioned new amphibious ships and aspires to grow its navy’s reach.
The Brazilian Navy commissioned NDM Bahia (G40) landing platform dock in 2016 and PHM Atlantico (A140) helicopter carrier in 2018 and is working to bolster its aviation capacity. Its helicopters provide support to law enforcement forces and Marine Corps training, and they occasionally contribute to disaster relief operations.
The first two of eight Super Lynx Mk21A (AH-11A locally) helicopters being modernised by Leonardo to the Wild Lynx AH-11B standard were accepted by Squadron HA-1 in February, and two more are to be inducted this year. Under a June 2014 contract, Leonardo is installing a CTS800-4N engine, electrically-driven rescue system, glass cockpit, navigation equipment, traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS), RX-5 automatic identification system, SAGE electronic support measures (ESM) system, and Vicon XF countermeasures dispensers on 8 of the 12 AH-11As of Squadron HA-1. Another two AH-11Bs are to be received in 2019. The programme is scheduled to be complete in 2022, but Brazil is also considering adding a new anti-ship missile to its AH-11Bs to replace the Sea Skua missile.
Under its H-XBR project, the navy is receiving 16 H225M Super Cougar medium-sized helicopters from Helibras. Seven in a general-purpose (UH-15) and three CSAR (UH-15A) variants have been received by Squadron HU-2. The eighth and final UH-15 is to be received in 2020. Five H225Ms in an anti-surface warfare (AH-15B) configuration are to be received between 2019 and 2022, the navy told Jane’s. The AH-15B includes a Naval Tactical Data Management System (NTDMS) mission system, APS-143C(V)3 surveillance radar, STAR Safire III imager, IDAS self-protection suite, and two Exocet AM39 Block 2 Mod 2 missiles. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
15 Mar 19. Appledore Workers Bid ‘Heart-Breaking’ Farewell As Appledore Shipyard Shuts After 200 Years. Walking around this historic shipyard this morning seeing all the shutters down and everything locked up is awful says GMB representatives. GMB’s Appledore members are today bidding an emotional farewell as the famous shipyard shuts after more than 200 years. The North Devon yard has built almost 200 vessels since it opened in 1855 and is absolutely crucial to the South West economy and British shipbuilding. In what has been described as a ‘cruel blow’ Babcock have not allowed Appledore workers now working to Devonport to return and walk out of the yard with their colleagues for a final time today.
GMB has been campaigned to stop the closure since it was announced last year, handing in a 10,000 strong petition to Parliament, and suggesting several plans to keep the shipyard viable.
Earlier this week the union accused Geoffrey Cox MP of a dereliction of duty as the famous shipyard looks set to close in his constituency.
The ‘First in Last Out’ pub in Bideford – run by a former Appledore worker – is staging a farewell party for more than 100 people tomorrow [Saturday March 16, 2019].
Jake Mclean, GMB Representative at Appledore, said: “This is a very sad day. Walking around this historic shipyard this morning seeing all the shutters down and everything locked up is heart-breaking. Babcock haven’t even let the workers from Devonport come back today to walk out one final time. That’s a pretty cruel blow. At the sound of the final hooter at 12.30 a proud shipbuilding industry and workforce will fall silent for the last time. I am privileged and proud to be able to say that I have worked here for the past seven years. Appledore has been part of the fabric of North Devon for hundreds of years – but thanks to cut throat business plans and inaction by Conservatives, today it will die.”
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
22 Mar 19. MOU forges closer ties between Naval Shipbuilding College and RAN. The Naval Shipbuilding College will work in close partnership with the Royal Australian Navy to identify secondment and outplacement opportunities for Navy personnel within the naval shipbuilding industry.
The Naval Shipbuilding Institute, which operates the College, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Navy, represented by the Director Training Authority-Engineering, Captain Tim Standen, CSC, in March.
The Naval Shipbuilding Institute, which operates the College, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Navy, represented by the Director Training Authority-Engineering, Captain Tim Standen, CSC, in March.
The MOU will guide how the Navy and the College will work towards mutually beneficial outcomes for the shipbuilding industry, Navy and the nation as a whole, setting the framework for the sharing of information and identification of engineering, technical, logistics and supply chain training opportunities for Navy personnel.
The college’s Paul Whetstone said the agreement formalises the partnership, which has a focus of sharing knowledge and ideas on harmonisation of competencies between Navy personnel and the naval shipbuilding industry.
“This will provide excellent up-skilling opportunities for enlisted personnel assisting the transfer of knowledge into the wider Navy, bringing a deeper understanding of the next generation of naval capability,” Whetstone said.
The initiative will identify industry outplacement and secondment opportunities for Navy engineers, technical sailors and maritime logistics sailors to sharpen and expand their skills and career. It will also help create a pathway for the Navy to gain further insight and experience in the sustainment and operation of a modern fleet of warships and submarines, spanning the entire capability life cycle.
“We have seen this type of agreement work successfully previously with the Air Warfare Destroyer build program,” Whetstone added.
The college was established in April 2018 by the Australian government to identify and support the development of a skilled national workforce that will be required to deliver the $90 billion Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise.
Based at the Osborne Naval Shipyards in South Australia, the college has a national focus on co-ordinating collaboration between industry, education and training sectors to develop endorsed programs that will deliver a skilled and capable shipbuilding workforce through existing higher education and vocational providers in Australia. (Source: Defence Connect)
19 Mar 19. US Army PNG to deploy to Poland for eFP mission. The US Army’s Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG) soldiers will deploy to Poland in support of Nato’s Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) mission. Approximately 500 PNG troops assigned to 3rd Squadron, 278th Armoured Cavalry Regiment will deploy this spring. Pennsylvania adjutant general and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs head major general Tony Carrelli said: “I am proud of the men and women of the 3rd Squadron for their hard work and intense training in preparation for their deployment to Poland.
“I have no doubt that our allies and Nato leadership will be very impressed with our soldiers’ dedication to this mission. I know I speak for all Pennsylvania citizens when I say, ‘thank you’ for the tremendous sacrifice you are about to make by leaving your families and civilian jobs to protect freedom and liberty throughout the world.”
“Nato’s eFP mission is an allied, forward-deployed defence and deterrence posture intended to safeguard and reassure security of Nato’s Eastern member states.”
Soldiers have been preparing for the mission for more than a year. In 2018, the unit also conducted a rotation at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin in California, US.
Initially, the unit will participate in a culminating exercise in Texas and then depart to Poland to lead a multi-national task force known as Battle Group Poland. The task force comprises soldiers from the US, the UK, Croatia and Romania. In Poland, the soldiers will support the interest of Nato allies and participate in training exercises with Nato partners. Nato’s eFP mission is an allied, forward-deployed defence and deterrence posture intended to safeguard and reassure security of Nato’s Eastern member states. (Source: army-technology.com)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
15 Mar 19. USAF Gen. Tod D. Wolters for appointment to the grade of general while serving as Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. NATO has also agreed to appoint Gen. Wolters as Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. Gen. Wolters is currently serving as commander, U.S. Air Forces Europe; commander, U.S. Air Forces Africa; commander, Allied Air Command; and director, Joint Air Power Competence Centre. In addition to the NATO position, Gen. Wolters will be assigned as commander, U.S. European Command.
21 Mar 19. MG Antonio A. Aguto, deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army Forces Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to commanding general, 3d Infantry Division and Fort Stewart, Fort Stewart, Georgia.
21 Mar 19. MG Joseph R. Calloway, director, Military Personnel Management, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, U.S. Army, Washington, District of Columbia, to commanding general, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky.
21 Mar 19. MG Michael L. Howard, commanding general, U.S. Army Military District of Washington; and commander, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region, Washington, District of Columbia, to director, J-3, U.S. European Command, Germany.
21 Mar 19. MG Brian J. Mennes, director, Force Management, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, District of Columbia, to commanding general, 10th Mountain Division (Light) and Fort Drum, Fort Drum, New York.
21 Mar 19. MG John B. Morrison Jr., commanding general, Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon, Fort Gordon, Georgia, to chief of staff, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland.
21 Mar 19. MG Randy S. Taylor, commanding general, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command and Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, to chief of staff, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.
21 Mar 19. MG Flem B. Walker Jr., commanding general, 1st Sustainment Command (Theater), Fort Knox, Kentucky, to deputy chief of staff for logistics and operations, U.S. Army Materiel Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
21 Mar 19. BG Peter B. Andrysiak Jr., chief of staff, U.S. Army Pacific, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, to commanding general, U.S. Army Alaska; and deputy commander, U.S. Alaskan Command, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
21 Mar 19. BG Peter N. Benchoff, deputy commanding general (Operations), 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to director, Force Management, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, District of Columbia.
21 Mar 19. BG Timothy D. Brown, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Cadet Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky, to director, J-2, U.S. Southern Command, Doral, Florida.
21 Mar 19. BG David S. Doyle, director, CJ-3, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Inherent Resolve, Kuwait, to deputy commanding general, 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
21 Mar 19. BG Amy E. Hannah, director, Army Marketing Research Task Force, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs), Arlington, Virginia, to chief of public affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Army, Washington, District of Columbia.
21 Mar 19. BG Neil S. Hersey, commandant, U.S. Army Cyber Warfare School; and chief of Cyber, Fort Gordon, Georgia, to commanding general, Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon, Fort Gordon, Georgia.
21 Mar 19. BG Omar J. Jones IV, chief of public affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Army, Washington, District of Columbia, to commanding general, U.S. Army Military District of Washington; and commander, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region, Washington, District of Columbia.
21 Mar 19. BG Christopher O. Mohan, deputy chief of staff for logistics and operations, U.S. Army Materiel Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, to commanding general, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, U.S. Army Europe, Germany.
21 Mar 19. BG Antonio V. Munera, commandant, U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School, U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, to deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Cadet Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky.
21 Mar 19. BG Andrew D. Preston, deputy commanding general (Support), 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, to deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army Pacific, Fort Shafter, Hawaii.
21 Mar 19. BG Joshua M. Rudd, deputy commanding general, 1st Special Forces Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to deputy commanding general, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
21 Mar 19. BG Douglas F. Stitt, director, Officer Personnel Management Directorate, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky, to director, Military Personnel Management, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, U.S. Army, Washington, District of Columbia.
INDUSTRY
PERSONNEL
19 Mar 19. Around 100 engineering roles are expected to be created at BAE in Brough by 2020, the aerospace firm has announced. BAE is one of the key partners in Team Tempest – a project which aims to ensure the UK remains a global leader in future air combat. The Tempest fighter jet is expected to replace the existing Eurofighter Typhoon in 2035, and can be flown either with pilots or as a drone.
The Tempest project will be at the centre of BAE’s recruitment drive in Brough, with engineers needed to support its development. BAE has also said talks are ongoing with staff who could be affected by manufacturing redundancies later this year, with the aim of moving them into new engineering roles. (Source: News Now/https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk)
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
19 Mar 19. FFEI, a global developer of award-winning digital imaging solutions, has announced the appointment of Paul Watson as chief operating officer (COO). This is a new role within FFEI created as a result of significant growth experienced by the business over the past 12 months. Watson will be responsible for driving operational excellence – optimizing international business operations, setting up new capabilities and embedding Lean manufacturing, all in support of the businesses plan for continued growth. (Source: Google/https://www.labelandnarrowweb.com)
21 Mar 19. QinetiQ (QQ.) chairman Mark Elliott is to retire as chairman in July 2019. Mr Elliott will be succeeded by Neil Johnson, who will join the defence engineer’s board on 2 April before assuming his role as chairman upon Mr Elliott’s retirement. Shares were unmoved by the announcement. (Source: Investors Chronicle)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
20 Mar 19. Boeing Announces Trio of Leadership Moves To Accelerate Key Global Partnerships and Capabilities. Boeing (NYSE: BA) today announced three leadership moves aimed at further strengthening the company’s global presence and partnerships:
– Marc Allen named senior vice president of Boeing and president of Embraer Partnership and Group Operations;
– Sir Michael Arthur named president of Boeing International; and,
– John Slattery announced as president and chief executive officer of the commercial aviation and services joint venture between Boeing and Embraer.
Marc Allen, 45, current president of Boeing International, was named senior vice president of Boeing and president of Embraer Partnership and Group Operations. Reporting to Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg, Allen becomes Boeing’s lead executive responsible for preparing for integration of multiple Embraer group operations with Boeing, and upon the deal’s closing, for delivering on execution, financial performance and growth of the Embraer partnership assets. He will continue to serve as a member of Boeing’s Executive Council. The change is effective April 22.
Boeing and Embraer announced in December 2018 that they had approved the terms for two joint ventures—a commercial aviation partnership and a KC-390 joint venture—and the Brazilian government gave its approval for both in January 2019. Shortly thereafter, Embraer’s board of directors ratified its support for the deal and Embraer’s shareholders approved the deal in February. Boeing will hold an 80 percent ownership stake in the new commercial aircraft and services company, and Embraer will hold the remaining 20 percent. Upon closing, Allen will chair the new company’s board. Embraer will own a 51 percent stake of the KC-390 joint venture, with Boeing owning the remaining 49 percent. Allen will serve as Boeing’s lead representative to the KC-390 joint venture’s board. The closing of the transaction is now subject to obtaining regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions, which Boeing and Embraer expect to achieve by the end of 2019.
Allen, who joined Boeing in 2007, has served for the last four years as president of Boeing International, leading the company’s global growth strategy and corporate operations. Previously, Allen held numerous leadership positions including president of Boeing Capital Corporation, president of Boeing China, vice president for Global Law Affairs and general counsel to Boeing International. Before Boeing, Allen practiced law in Washington, D.C. and served as a clerk for former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy.
Sir Michael Arthur, 68, current president of Boeing Europe and managing director of Boeing U.K. and Ireland, will succeed Allen as president of Boeing International. The change is effective April 22.
As president of Boeing International, Arthur will join the Executive Council—the first non-U.S. citizen to join the group—and report to Muilenburg. Arthur will lead the company’s global strategy and corporate operations outside the U.S., overseeing 18 regional offices in key global markets. Arthur will maintain offices in London and Arlington, Va.
Before joining Boeing in 2014, Arthur, who is a British citizen, spent three decades of international government service with the British Diplomatic Service of the Foreign Commonwealth Office, including serving as British ambassador to Germany and British high commissioner to India.
John Slattery, 50, current president and chief executive officer of Embraer Commercial Aviation and executive vice president of Embraer S.A., was announced as president and chief executive officer for the commercial aviation and services joint venture between Boeing and Embraer. The position is subject to formal appointment by the joint venture’s Board of Directors after closing. Once approved, Slattery will report to Allen as the chair of the new company’s board of directors. Slattery will be based in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil.
Slattery joined Embraer in 2011 as senior vice president responsible for customer finance, asset and risk management. He was named president and chief executive officer of Embraer Commercial Aviation and executive vice president of Embraer S.A. in 2016. Prior to Embraer, he spent 15 years in executive roles in commercial aviation advisory, leasing and banking organizations.
10 Mar 19. LeoStella’s New CEO Steps In as Previous CEO Returns to Thales Alenia Space. As LeoStella’s new CEO steps into his new position, the former CEO who filled the position since the company’s founding in March 2018 will return to Thales Alenia Space. LeoStella, a joint venture was created by Thales Alenia Space and Spaceflight Industries to meet the growing demand for efficient and cost-effective small-satellite production announced Mike Hettich has been named as the company’s CEO and has transitioned into the leadership position previously held by Chris Chautard.
Hettich brings more than 30 years of aerospace system design, development and production experience to LeoStella. He will lead the company as it enters the next phase of growth, designing and manufacturing small satellites at scale at its state-of-the-art production facility. The company’s first major undertaking is constructing 20 satellites for BlackSky’s Earth-observation constellation.
Outgoing CEO, Chris Chautard said that the smallsat industry is burgeoning and LeoStella is poised to service its growing demand for cost-effective and efficient design, test and production. Mike is a seasoned executive that will shape the vision of LeoStella going forward and position the company as a leader in the industry. His unique experience and established record of success will be a valuable asset for LeoStella.
Chautard has served as LeoStella’s CEO since its founding in March 2018. He was tasked with establishing foundational elements to position the company for success, including developing an engineering and production facility and building an innovative and experienced team. As Hettich steps in as CEO of LeoStella, Chautard will return to Thales Alenia Space where he will be working with its Science and Observation Domain.
Hettich added that with the facility completed, LeoStella is poised to reimagine how small satellites are designed and produced. LeoStella is a blend of agility, innovation, expertise and knowledge backed by strong parent companies, both in Spaceflight Industries and Thales Alenia Space. They have an opportunity to become leaders in this industry and offer a comprehensive, effective approach to satellite development.
Hettich comes to LeoStella from Astronics, which serves the aerospace, defense and semiconductor industries with innovative technology solutions. Prior to joining LeoStella, Hettich held leadership positions at Astronics, Collins Aerospace, Iridium and Boeing. (Source: Satnews)