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Historic Highway Landing Advances Agile Combat Employment

Thursday, July 7th, 2022

ALGER COUNTY, Mich. (AFNS) —

Air National Guard A-10 Thunderbolt II, Air Force Special Operations Command MC-12W Liberty, C-145A Combat Coyote and U-28A Draco, and a C-146A Wolfhound from the Air Force Reserves landed, took off and performed integrated combat turns on a closed 9,000-foot section of Michigan highway M-28.

It was the first time integrated combat turns, which enable the quick rearming and refueling of a running jet, have been conducted on a public highway in the United States. The temporary landing zone is one of several progressive training scenarios held this week during the Michigan Air National Guard’s exercise Northern Agility 22-1 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Northern Agility 22-1 demonstrates the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment doctrine — ready to execute missions quickly in unpredictable ways. The landing zone was named “Hawk LZ” in honor of F-16 pilot Maj. Durwood “Hawk” Jones from the Wisconsin ANG’s 115th Fighter Wing, who lost his life in a training accident in Michigan in 2020.

“Northern Agility 22-1 is an historic exercise that supports the Air Force’s directive to ‘accelerate change or lose,’ as well as the ability of our Airmen to generate combat power anytime, anywhere,” said Brig. Gen. Bryan Teff, assistant adjutant general and commander of the Michigan ANG. “Michigan is a champion for Agile Combat Employment, so when it comes to leveraging our state’s unique partnerships, training environment and resources to ensure the Joint Force stays one step ahead of our adversaries, today was a huge success.”

Staging and additional training activities for contested logistics, sustainment and multi-capable Airmen concepts were being held this week at other locations in Alger County, including Sawyer International Airport and Hanley Field.

Participating units include AFSOC’s 1st Special Operations Group, Hurlburt Field, Florida, and 6th Special Operations Squadron, Duke Field, Florida; Air Force Reserve’s 119th Special Operations Wing, Duke Field; Michigan ANG’s 127th Wing, Selfridge ANG Base; Oklahoma ANG’s 137th Special Operations Wing, Will Rogers ANG Base; and Maryland ANG’s 175th Fighter Wing, Warfield ANG Base. Additionally, an MQ-9 Reaper from the North Dakota ANG’s 119th Wing, Fargo ANG Base, crewed by Airmen from the Michigan ANG’s 110th Wing, Battle Creek ANG Base, were involved.

“Northern Agility 22-1 would not be possible without the long-term partnerships that exist between the Michigan National Guard and the Michigan State Police, Michigan Department of Transportation, Alger County Sheriff’s Office, and of course, support from our neighbors in the Upper Peninsula,” said Lt. Col. Brian Wyrzykowski, Northern Agility 22-1 lead operations planner.

The Kelly Johnson Joint All-Domain Innovation Center also teamed with industry partners during Northern Agility 22-1 to demonstrate technologies for augmented reality to enhance the multi-capable Airman concept, rapid integration of the command and control ecosystem, synthetic aperture radar and advanced threat detection and visualization.

“Michigan is home to an incredible manufacturing spirit, business culture, and immense pride and patriotism that makes it a great place for the Department of Defense to continue to train for the future war fight,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, Michigan National Guard adjutant general and Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs director.”

Story by Capt Andrew Layton, Michigan National Guard

U.S. Air National Guard photo by MSgt David Kujawa

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, SOF | 1 Comment »

Rheinmetall Wins Major Air Starts Unit Order for the German Air Force

Sunday, June 26th, 2022

Rheinmetall has received a new and important contract for the German Air Force. The framework contract, awarded by the German procurement agency BAAINBw, is currently worth up to CAD 18 million (€13 million) and will run over the next three years.

Between 2022 and 2025, Rheinmetall will supply its customer with 16 new mobile start units with integrated ground power (MSU-GP). The contract also includes the retrofit of 48 MSU-E units currently in service to the most recent MSU-GP version. The German Air Force has been using the Rheinmetall MSU to start its entire fleet of aircraft, including the Eurofighter, since 2014. This contract hence continues a business relationship that has been successful for decades.

Rheinmetall MSU-GP, the only air start unit of its kind

Designed to prioritize reliability and versatility, the Rheinmetall MSU-GP is a dependable solution for any takeoff. As the only turbine-powered air start unit, it is lighter to deploy and more compact than a diesel engine unit. Air transportable and proven across the globe even in extreme weather environments, the MSU-GP delivers. And integrated ground power means 2-for-1: it saves critical space with both a bleed air and electrical power supply in a single unit, while improving cost effectiveness.

Rheinmetall’s mobile start units (MSU) have both military and commercial applications and a broad international appeal. These units are found in airports around the globe: more than 1200 have been sold in more than 40 countries. On the military side, Rheinmetall MSUs are not only used with the German Air Force, but are also in operation with the US Navy who employs them on all of their aircraft carriers. Trusted by civilian companies including major German aviation companies, British Airways, American Airlines, Air New Zealand, and FedEx, the MSUs can start even the most demanding aircraft, including the B777-300ER and A380.

Rheinmetall is participating at ILA Berlin – a leading innovative trade fair for the aerospace industry – taking place from 22 to 26 June, 2022. Visitors will learn more about the Rheinmerall MSU-GP, which will be on display at booth G001.

Innovating a sustainable future

As countries increase their commitments to reducing their emissions with higher standards and regulations, airports around the world need to pivot towards zero emissions solutions. To support those requirements, Rheinmetall recently introduced the Rheinmetall eMSU – the world’s first all-electric air start unit. The eMSU allows for carbon-free main engine starts and reduction in overall gound operations emissions. Easy to operate, it is the greenest air start unit solution on the market.

Rheinmetall will be presenting in September 2022 its latest version of the eMSU at GSE Expo Europe. Do not miss the opportunity to see it live in Paris and to learn more about the many advantages of this new zero-emission air start unit.

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, Contracts, Power, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall Wins Major Air Starts Unit Order for the German Air Force

F-35C Brings Advanced Strike Capabilities to Jungle Warfare Exercise

Tuesday, May 31st, 2022

SAN DIEGO – As 3rd Marine Division recently commenced Jungle Warfare Exercise 22 (JWX 22), a large-scale, joint force exercise, Marine Wing Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 integrated the capabilities of the F-35C Lightning II. VMFA-314 supported ground operations from their position deployed onboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), displaying their ability to deliver long-range strike capabilities and close air support from an aircraft carrier.

VMFA-314, the first Marine squadron to deploy the F-35C, continued to demonstrate its proficiencies during JWX 22 by conducting simulated offensive and defensive air support, as well as air-to-ground support training missions alongside the Marines of 1st Marine Air Wing, Japanese Air Self-Defense Forces and the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in support of Expeditionary Advance Base Operations (EABO).

“The opportunity to work alongside Navy and Japanese Air Self-Defense Forces allows us to demonstrate our forward presence and to showcase our readiness to support real world operations,” said Lt. Col. Brendan M. Walsh, VMFA-314 Commanding Officer. “Leveraging the Marine Corps’ decade of experience with the F-35B, we have spent the last two years working with the Navy to ensure the successful integration of the F-35C into the Carrier Air Wing and are now able to provide improved battlespace awareness and unmatched lethality.”

The integration of VMFA-314 and the F-35C into the Carrier Air Wing enables U.S. naval forces the ability to launch and recover fifth-generation aircraft from nearly anywhere in the world and to relocate to new strategic locations. The employment of the F-35C provides Marine ground units stealth capabilities and combat power to create the conditions for follow-on operations within key maritime terrain.

Exercises such as JWX 22 allow squadrons operating the F-35C to integrate tactics in conjunction with ground forces to help advance expeditionary capabilities such as EABO. These rehearsals of engagements will serve to reduce response times of forward-deployed units and support the continued prosperity, security and promise of a free and open, rules-based order for the U.S. and its alliances and partnerships.

With continued deployments of fifth-generation fighters onto highly mobile aircraft carriers, the F-35C is able to provide precision long-range strike capabilities to allies while also garnering valuable intelligence from areas of operation, all while operating from at-sea or shore-based austere environments.

VMFA-314 was the first Marine Corps squadron to transition to the F-35C variant of the joint strike fighter after retiring its legacy F/A-18A/C aircraft and receiving its first F-35C on Jan. 21, 2020. Now as the Marine Corps continues to develop as a modernized naval force, deploying squadrons such as VMFA-314, to key strategic maritime locations demonstrates the Marine Corps’ capability to deter adversary aggression, and if required, decisively win in conflict.

Written by Capt Charles Allen, 3rd MAW Communication Strategy and Operations Office.

Posted in Aviation, Guest Post, Navy, USMC | 1 Comment »

Silvus and R4 Integration Develop Roll On/Roll Off Mobile Network-MIMO Airborne Communications Hatch-Mount Kit for C-130s

Thursday, May 19th, 2022

In-route Communication Solution is FAA and DoD Certified for MC 130H and MC 130J VariantsLos Angeles, California (May 18, 2022) – Silvus Technologies, Inc. (“Silvus”) and R4 Integration, Inc. (“R4”) today announced the launch of the Roll On/Roll Off (“RO/RO”) Mobile Network-MIMO Airborne Communications hatch-mount kit for C-130s, the first tactical MIMO radio hatch mount on the market.

DoD and FAA certified for MC 130H and MC 130J variants, the RO/RO hatch-mount kit is a turnkey, cost efficient in-route communications package supporting the Special Operations community. The unique stand-alone solution requires no modification to the aircraft and can be quickly re-deployed from one aircraft to another depending on mission requirements.

At the heart of the package is Silvus’ StreamCaster 4400 Enhanced Mobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET) radio. With 20 Watts of native transmit power (80 Watts effective thanks to a 6-decibel signal boost from Silvus’ proprietary Transmit Eigen Beamforming), the system is capable of establishing air-to-air and air-to-ground datalinks at distances well beyond 100 miles. The system supports dual S and C bands without swapping hardware and includes Spectrum Dominance waveform enhancements to provide users with interference avoidance, interference cancellation, spectrum analysis, and LPI/LPD capabilities.

“Working closely with the industry’s leading technology solution providers and side-by-side with the warfighter, R4 has quickly developed, integrated, and fielded the Silvus SC4400E MANET radio into an Ultra Lightweight Roll-On/Roll-Off C-130 Solution that met and exceeded customer expectations,” said John Parsley, President of R4 Integration, Inc. “This close collaboration and working relationship with key stakeholders has allowed us to rapidly increase the warfighters’ communications-on-the-move capability and demonstrate a proven, battle-ready solution.”

The Roll On/Roll Off (RO/RO) Mobile Network-MIMO Airborne Communications hatch-mount kit is now available. For more information, contact info@silvustechnologies.com or visit Silvus Technologies Booth 1453 at SOFIC.

Posted in Aviation, Comms, Press Release | Comments Off on Silvus and R4 Integration Develop Roll On/Roll Off Mobile Network-MIMO Airborne Communications Hatch-Mount Kit for C-130s

SOFIC 22 – Alligator Engineering

Wednesday, May 18th, 2022

Alligator Engineering is exhibiting with Wing Inflatable Solutions and showing their KDUCK – (FMP) Mod 2 fixture which offers a single point of attachment, suspension, and release of an unmodified P4.7 inflatable boat configured with full mission equipment to an H-60 series helicopter for Kangaroo Duck operations.

It is installed in minutes and ensures negligible aerodynamic effects to the helo throughout the flight profile.

Contact Alligator Engineering at scienceninja@md.metrocast.net

Posted in Aviation, Maritime, Mobility, SOFIC | Comments Off on SOFIC 22 – Alligator Engineering

L3Harris and Air Tractor Display AT-802U Sky Warden ISR Strike Platform at SOFIC

Monday, May 16th, 2022

L3Harris and Air Tractor, Inc. are teamed to produce the affordable, production-ready aircraft designed for airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and strike missions in extreme combat environments.

L3Harris also will have an interactive Sky Warden systems integration lab in SOFIC Booth #813 to demonstrate the multi-sensor operator experience.

The multi-mission platform provides the operator agility and flexibility to identify, track and react to counter threats and merges the capabilities of larger ISR and armed aircraft into one resilient package. It is also capable of takeoff and landing on unimproved airstrips – allowing the aircraft to be deployed and co-located with special mission operators. Learn more at www.L3Harris.com/SkyWarden.

Posted in Aviation, ISR, Press Release, SOFIC | 3 Comments »

Marshall Publishing & Promotions, Inc. Releases The Challenge of Flight Video Series The Series Features Top Gun Pilots Flying Real Combat Missions

Saturday, May 14th, 2022

CHICAGO, IL – May 9, 2022 – Marshall Publishing & Promotions, Inc., in conjunction with Keeney & Company, today announced the release of the internationally popular aviation military video series, The Challenge of Flight, to major streaming channels. Originally aired on The Military Channel, The Challenge of Flight was created by pilots for pilots, military aviation enthusiasts and those interested in the history of flight.

The incredible Challenge of Flight video collection explores the many challenges faced by pilots in the air, including explosive mishaps and miraculous tales of survival. The series gives viewers an up-close and unedited look at some truly awe-inspiring moments in military aviation history as told by the pilots who experienced it all.

Producer Doug Keeney, a fighter pilot himself and author, said, “The series is a heroic piece of story-telling, a story of great personal triumph. Aviation history is marked not by nuts and bolts but by moments that gave and took lives away. It is the story of flight seen through the eyes of the military pilots who lived through it.”

The Challenge of Flight takes audiences into the cockpit to experience once-in-a-lifetime landings, life or death struggles for control off the carrier deck, horrifying ramp strikes, locked controls, burning tires, flat spins, near misses, close calls and mishaps.

Distributor Tom Edinger said, “These are the stories that pilots have talked about for years among themselves and are now revealed to us in an up-close and personal style.”

Incredible stories of survival and courage emerge from the world of military aviation every day. For those who dedicate their lives to protecting our freedom, the risks are high, but the rewards are great. From bone-jarring crashes to fiery landings, these brave men and women face challenges that would cause most of us to tremble in our boots. But they don’t give up easily, and their tenacity and skills are inspiring. The next time you see a jet fighter plane or another type of military aircraft take off or land, take a moment to think about the dedicated pilots and crew who make it all possible. They are true heroes.

The 19-episode, highly acclaimed series is available to buy, rent, or stream on Amazon Prime Video. For more information, visit thechallengeofflight.com, theusmilitarychannel.com, and watch the trailer on YouTube.

Posted in Aviation, History, Media, Press Release | Comments Off on Marshall Publishing & Promotions, Inc. Releases The Challenge of Flight Video Series The Series Features Top Gun Pilots Flying Real Combat Missions

Army Futures Command Incorporates International Partners into Annual Demonstration

Thursday, May 12th, 2022

DUGWAY PROVING GROUND, Utah – Army Futures Command’s Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team kicked off its annual Experimental Demonstration Gateway Event, or EDGE, on May 2 to assess new tactics, technologies and interconnecting architectures with more than 16 inter-service organizations and seven international partners.

EDGE 2022 includes progressive efforts connecting Joint All-Domain Command and Control to the lower tier of the air domain by extending the reach and lethality of the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft Ecosystem to accelerate combined kill chains in all-domain operations. This year seven international partners; to include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and United Kingdom; are participating, some with network and weapons systems. This inclusion advances efforts to ensure integration and interoperability among allied nations.

“The EDGE experimentation is a powerful step in our transformation towards a data-centric Army,” said Lt. Gen. James Richardson, Acting Commanding General of Army Futures Command. “The effort continues our campaign of learning by focusing in on our aviation assets ability to network and utilize data as ammunition.”

EDGE22 objectives include:

Interoperability: Improve ability for allies and partners to coherently, effectively and efficiently act together to achieve tactical, operational and strategic objectives. Achieved across multiple dimensions: technical, procedural, human and information.

Network: Advance data-centric solutions and enable the speed, range and convergence to achieve decision dominance and overmatch.

Interactive Drone Swarm: Technology demonstration within Future Unmanned Aircraft System signature effort. Alters battlefield geometry providing tailored capability for threat overmatch through advanced teaming.

Multi-INT Sensors: Pursue tailorable payloads to include electronic sense, decoy and attack. Advance AI enabled aided target recognition to improve threat detect and identification.

Enhanced Sustainment: Increase systems’ reliability, availability and maintainability. Critical in contested and expeditionary logistic environments.

“We’re doing a couple really big things at EDGE22,” said Maj. Gen. Walter “Wally” Rugen, Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team director. “Pulling in our international allies is an important piece, and the interactive drone swarm, testing how that needs to be fought, seeing how that concept develops and what needs to go into our doctrine. The swarm is tailored to generate overmatch, this concept of outpacing the enemy in a battlefield geometry that breaks them.”

Bottom line, he said, is that our teams are working to innovate and to “execute violently to get after innovation.” The goal is to keep pushing the envelope, working these complex problems hard and taking the risk if it’s going to bring us better knowledge.

EDGE22 is part of AFC’s Project Convergence Campaign of Learning and builds on lessons learned from previous experimentations at our nation’s Western Test Ranges, including EDGE21 at Dugway Proving Ground and Project Convergence 21 at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona.

By Lisa Ferguson, AFC Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team

Posted in Army, Aviation, Guest Post | Comments Off on Army Futures Command Incorporates International Partners into Annual Demonstration