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WRANGB Home to OA-1K Formal Training Unit

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024

WILL ROGERS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Okla. —

On Nov 15, 2024, the 17th Special Operations Squadron hosted a ceremony to publicly observe its alignment under the 492d Special Operations Wing and reassignment to become the formal training unit for Air Force Special Operations Command’s newest aircraft, the OA-1K.

“The ceremony is not just a formal event,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick Wnetrzak, 492d Special Operations Wing commander. “It is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence, our unwavering commitment to our nation’s defense and the enduring legacy of those who have come before us.”

The OA-1K is a new multirole crewed aircraft with the first missionized variant expected to arrive in 2025. The propeller-driven aircraft, which is built on the Air Tractor 802U frame, will deliver close air support, precision strike, and armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability in support of combating current and future threats.

“The OA-1K aircraft are truly awesome machines,” says Lt. Col. Jesse Ziegler, incoming 17th Special Operations Squadron commander. “These [block] zero models are not fully modified yet and serve as an initial training aircraft, until both air crew and aircraft reach operation status.”

In addition to WRANGB, the OA-1K will be stationed at Hurlburt Field, Cannon Air Force Base, and pending the results of an environmental impact statement, Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. All training for the aircraft will take place here under the 17 SOS, which will be made up of both active duty and Air National Guard Airmen from the 137th Special Operations Wing.

“Once combined with the full mission equipment and the crews that these cadres will teach, the Special Operations community will have a capability we haven’t seen yet,” said Ziegler.

With the remission to the OA-1K, WRANGB is expected an increase of 150-200 permanent personnel and predicted to positively impact the local economy. The arrival of the OA-1K comes on the heels of the divestment of the MC-12 aircraft at WRANGB, which is expected to conclude in 2027.

Currently WRANGB has two AT-802U trainer aircraft being used to train initial cadre in a representative tail wheel aircraft in preparation for the OA-1K arrival. The 17 SOS will provide special mission qualification, combined systems refresher, as well as proficiency and currency training.

Prior to standing up at WRANGB, the 17 SOS was an AC-130J unit at Cannon Air Force Base. The squadron has a storied history of transformation and the squadron motto “no mission too demanding” is a testament of the unit’s resolute and innovative spirit, which continues as the OA-1K FTU. The squadron has had numerous operations including combat in Southwest and Western Pacific, combat in Southeast Asia, disaster relief missions in the Philippines, and other special operations missions as necessary starting in the 1990s, when AFSOC was activated.

By 492d Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, SOF, Training | 3 Comments »

Moog’s 40-year Experience with Simulation on Display with CH-47VR Sim

Monday, December 2nd, 2024

EAST AURORA, N.Y. – December 2, 2024 –At I/ITSEC 2024, Moog Inc. (NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B) invites attendees to pilot a CH-47Chinook at booth 649 via an innovative flight training device, FTD, that brings unmatched motion control and virtual reality to immersive aviation training, exceeding regulatory agency requirements.

“We can tailor our platform to simulate other helicopters, aircraft, or ground vehicles,” said Noud van Bavel, global marketing manager for Simulation & Test at Moog. “This FTD offers a level of realism and fidelity that simply hasn’t been available with other training devices and opens up a world of possibilities for military and civilian organizations to improve safety, reduce the cost of training, and put people into the field faster with enhanced skills.”

Attendees can climb into the pilot’s seat of Moog’s fully working simulator, built on a Moog high-performance motion platform. They can then don a VR Headset and lift off from any Airbase. The simulator is a live demonstration of Moog’s 40 years of experience with every high performing component customers need to make their own line of FTDs:

• A full control loading solution with flight stick and mimicked CH-47 thrust lever with dynamic feedback, and adjustable pedals accurately representing everything a pilot feels in the real helicopter.

• Top-of-the-line motion platform with 6 degrees of freedom, built to last.

“This is no arcade ride; it’s designed for professional systems and only the highest levels of performance,” added van Bavel.

Schedule a flight

Attendees and members of the media can book a VR experience in the Chinook simulator by choosing a day and time at this link: www.moog.com/news/events/2024/iitsec-2024

Moog goes beyond its VR demonstration unit

New this year is the release of two major Moog motion systems, the E60 and P60, for organizations needing larger systems for Level D flight training centers. The standard for all electric motion systems is the E60, an update on Moog’s previous generations, now with even better reliability and simplified maintenance for top simulation OEMs’ exacting requirements. The P60 pneumatic motion system, which leverages enhanced power management and integrated pneumatics, boasts a 75 percent savings in energy over traditional all-electric systems. Stop by the booth at I/ITSEC to talk with the team at Moog on how to build a new energy-efficient product line of simulators with the P60 or leverage the improvements of the E60 to make the best all electric simulator on the market.

www.moog.com

Posted in Aviation, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on Moog’s 40-year Experience with Simulation on Display with CH-47VR Sim

AFSOC Pathfinding Fuel Efficient Technology

Monday, December 2nd, 2024

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Air Force Special Operations Command, in partnership with Air Force Operational Energy and the Defense Innovation Unit, is testing drag reduction technology to enhance combat capability to mitigate operational risk to the warfighter.

“AFSOC is thrilled to be at the forefront of innovations in drag reduction technology,” said Robert McMaster, SOF Mobility Requirements Analyst. “What we are supporting as a MAJCOM will reduce fuel costs, increase aerodynamic efficiency and flexibility, and may have significant positive implications across the entire service.”

The effort is part of the Air Force’s desire to update legacy aircraft through the application of drag reduction technology. By reducing drag, an aircraft is more aerodynamically efficient which decreases the aircraft’s fuel usage and increases mission capability.

“By exploring drag reduction technology for our legacy airframes we are not only improving performance but also optimizing our energy usage across the enterprise,” said Bill Clark, Operational Energy Analyst for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Installations, Energy and Environment (Air Force Operational Energy). “This translates to cost savings for taxpayers and increased capability for our warfighters.”

AFSOC is testing various drag reduction technologies, which Air Force Operational Energy has funded with the goal of fielding the technology on all C-130 variants. The first test of drag reduction technologies took place here in October with a shark skin-inspired ‘riblet’ film. Early next year AFSOC will support another drag reducing technology by installing small finlets on the C-130 rear cargo door which will smooth out turbulent airflow.

“AFSOC has aircraft at Hurlburt that are specifically used to pathfind new technologies. By using them for this riblet test, it avoids impacting combat coded aircraft from training and operations,” said McMaster. “This is a complex science project where the results may have far-reaching benefits.”

In the coming years, the data collected during the flights will be used to formulate the life-cycle cost-benefit analysis and inform the DoD procurement process of potential drag reducing, fuel saving technologies.

“Drag reduction technologies improve our overall posture for Great Power Competition by optimizing aircraft performance through the lowering of demand for energy in fuel constrained environments,” said Mr. Roberto Guerrero, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Operational Energy, Safety and Occupational Health. “Large theatres, such as the Pacific, require our aircraft to fly long distances to conduct operations. The technologies we are working on today will ensure our forces make it to the fight with the energy supplies needed to win the day.”

Optimization programs like this support the DoD’s operational energy goals, as well as the Department of the Air Force’s goal of increasing legacy aircraft performance and capability. Overall, these goals reflect the DoD’s and Air Force’s commitment to improve energy intensity of current operations, advance transformative technologies, and develop an energy-optimized force that maximizes combat capability.

Air Force Special Operations Command

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on AFSOC Pathfinding Fuel Efficient Technology

Bombardier Defense Delivers First Global 6500 Aircraft To The U.S. Army’s HADES Program

Wednesday, November 27th, 2024

Bombardier Defense delivered the first Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft in support of the United States Army’s High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program during a ceremony held at Bombardier Group’s U.S. Headquarters in Wichita, Kansas

The Global 6500 is a proven platform providing range, speed, reliability and endurance. It represents the ideal fixed-wing solution for the U.S. Army’s next-generation intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, flying higher, faster and farther than legacy airborne sensor platforms

With the ability to deploy in all weather conditions, and the support of Bombardier’s 24/7 worldwide services network, Bombardier’s Global family of aircraft has become the platform of choice for over 10 different mission types

The Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft delivered to the U.S. Army in support of the HADES program.

Bombardier Defense celebrated the delivery of the first Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft to the United States Army in support of the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program. Bolstered by the Global 6500’s high-performance capabilities, the fixed-wing platform will contribute to strengthening the U.S. Army’s aerial deep sensing abilities and marks a significant milestone toward the United States’ goal of modernizing its aerial military intelligence.

Joined by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), State of Kansas officials, and U.S. Army leaders, the celebration highlighted the delivery of the first prototype airframe for the next-generation intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) solution and the beginning of the next stage of the program to integrate systems.

“Bombardier Defense is honored to support the U.S. Army with the delivery of the first Global 6500aircraft, a high-performance platform that possesses the speed, endurance-at-range and altitude capabilities to support deep-sensing for the Army of tomorrow,” said Steve Patrick, Vice President of Bombardier Defense. “This best-in-class jet is the future-proofed solution to provide the U.S. Army with the capabilities needed to face current and future threats.”

“We are proud of the partnership with Bombardier Defense and the mission-focused professionals in the State of Kansas. We remain excited about the opportunities we can unlock by pairing the performance, versatility and reliability of the Global 6500 with modern payloads aligned to priority intelligence requirements. HADES is the centerpiece of the Army’s collection strategy, and the Global 6500 is the system that brings that strategy to life. This aircraft gives us the range, payload capacity, speed and endurance to deliver timely, relevant and responsive capabilities for the full spectrum of Army and Joint collection requirements.” – Andrew Evans, Director, HQDA G-2 ISR Task Force

“The partnership between Bombardier, the U.S. Army and the Wichita workforce has produced a next-generation aircraft equipped to meet the demands of warfare in a new era of technology,” said U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS). “The HADES aircraft has the tools needed to deter threats, conduct surveillance and help keep our country safe. This is the start of a new chapter in the aviation capabilities of our military and continues Kansas’ legacy of defense manufacturing.”

Fixed-wing platforms like Bombardier’s Global 6500aircraft, which flies faster, longer, and higher than legacy airborne sensor platforms, offer a significant advantage toward enhancing performance of aerial ISR missions. The Global 6500 provides several advantages for military entities, such as reliability, operational reach, and expanded operating areas. With a maximum endurance of up to 18 hours, and up to 750 flight hours between maintenance intervals, and part of the Global family that has an impressive 99.83% dispatch reliability, the Global 6500 aircraft is an ideal choice to accomplish operational objectives such as deep sensing.

Bombardier Defense has dedicated in-house engineering and support teams available 24/7 worldwide with the ability to incorporate modifications tailored to the customer’s need with complete certification capabilities across the full spectrum of civilian, military and hybrid operations. Bombardier brings decades of experience working with special mission operators and renowned mission systems integrators to adapt its proven platform for critical operations worldwide.

Posted in Army, Aviation, Contracts, ISR, Press Release | Comments Off on Bombardier Defense Delivers First Global 6500 Aircraft To The U.S. Army’s HADES Program

Gentex Corporation Awarded Navy OTA for Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet Program

Wednesday, November 27th, 2024

CARBONDALE, PA, November 26th, 2024 – Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, aircrew, emergency responders and industrial personnel, has been awarded an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) by the U.S. Navy to develop the Navy’s Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet (NGFWH) program. This further signifies Gentex’s commitment to providing cutting-edge protection for military aircrew and marks an important step forward in Naval Aviation safety and innovation.

Through this OTA, the NGFWH will complete qualification and achieve airworthiness and production readiness qualifications for use on Navy fixed wing aircraft including the E-2D, F/A-18, EA-18G, T-45 and T-6. Designed to meet the evolving mission requirements of Naval Aviation, the NGFWH is set to become the Navy’s standard helmet for its fixed-wing, tactical aviators.

The NGFWH will deliver a more advanced and adaptable helmet system and will provide a platform for future upgrades, ensuring the system evolves with the needs of Navy aircrew. Key System Attributes (KSAs) for the NGFWH include improved mass properties such as reduced weight, optimized center of gravity and balanced principal moments of inertia.

“Gentex Corporation is honored to be awarded a Navy OTA for the Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet program. This partnership reflects our continued commitment to delivering cutting-edge protection and performance for those who serve, and we are dedicated to supporting the Navy’s mission with the highest standards of performance and safety,” said Rob Stimis, Fixed Wing Segment Director at Gentex Corporation.

This program will span approximately 18 months, culminating in a helmet system that represents the next generation of fixed-wing pilot safety and mission capability. Operational fielding of the NGFWH is anticipated to begin in late 2025.

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, Contracts, Helmets, Navy, Press Release | 3 Comments »

GA-ASI Completes Final Qualification Test for HFE 2.0 Engine

Thursday, November 21st, 2024

200-HP Heavy Fuel Engine Will Be Used for Gray Eagle 25M

SAN DIEGO – 19 November 2024 – On Nov. 13, 2024, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), completed its final qualification test for its new 200-horsepower heavy fuel engine at its El Mirage, California, flight facility. The Heavy Fuel Engine (HFE) 2.0 is a highly reliable low-maintenance engine with a 40 percent increase in service life providing longer maintenance-free operational periods. The engine will provide the horsepower and electrical power required to meet the demanding performance needs of the new Gray Eagle 25M for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO).

The three-week qualification test of the HFE 2.0 engine is aligned with the Federal Aviation Administration’s endurance test requirements (FAA 14 CFR 33.49) as the FAA’s primary performance standard for engines to be used in commercial aviation. Over the last 18 months, HFE 2.0 excelled in strenuous durability testing that included 2,450 full power cycles simulating high stress conditions during three extensive test profiles of 200, 400, and 651 hours. Additionally, the engine completed 50 hours of flight testing across the flight envelope.

“This test is the culmination of the extensive durability and flight test program for the HFE 2.0 engine,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “It’s been great to see the outstanding test results that have validated the design and development of the HFE 2.0 engine we have worked on so passionately for the past seven years and to bring this world-class engine to the Gray Eagle fleet.”

GA-ASI and its General Atomics Europe affiliate partnered with global leaders in high-performance engines — supported by propulsion technology innovator Cosworth — to develop an engine on the company’s internally funded research and development program. GA-ASI also brought in General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems to design and build the engine’s dual brushless generator, which will dramatically reduce field maintenance and is designed to be a drop-in replacement for the existing generator. The enhanced generator will deliver over 50 percent more electrical power to support newly available payloads for the MDO mission.

After completion of the FAA engine endurance test, next steps call for the U.S. Army certification process to allow authorization of the HFE 2.0 for use on the existing fleet of GA-ASI’s Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) as a replacement for the 180-horsepower engine that is reaching its end of life. HFE 2.0 is also the cornerstone of the modernized Gray Eagle 25M (GE 25M) UAS currently being produced under a U.S. Army-funded program to support future MDO UAS missions.

Posted in Aviation, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Completes Final Qualification Test for HFE 2.0 Engine

ISTEC Delivers First Batch of Weapon Integration Mounts for the New USAF Grey Wolf Helicopter

Tuesday, November 19th, 2024

ISTEC Services Limited, the British company with 35 years of operationally proven experience in the design, manufacture and supply of complex weapon integration solutions for military platforms, is delivering the first production shipsets (a shipset is a left and right gun mount pair) for the new United States Air Force (USAF) Grey Wolf Helicopter. The USAF Grey Wolf helicopter is a Boeing led programme for the replacement of the famous, but aging, UH-1N Huey helicopter and is built on a Leonardo MH-139A platform. ISTEC has recently delivered the first shipsets to Leonardo and the USAF took delivery of the first low-rate production Grey Wolf helicopter in August 2024.

The Grey Wolf offers significant improvements in terms of speed, range, and payload capacity compared to the Huey. It also features modern avionics, defensive systems, and a more robust airframe, making it suitable for a wide range of missions. The ISTEC weapons mount contract was originally awarded in 2018 and following prototype design and customer testing, to ensure the maximum arcs, ease of use and air safety compliance, final design approval was granted in 2020. Full production started in 2023, and following the delivery of the first shipsets, the remainder of the contract will be aligned with the wider programme delivery schedule.

ISTEC has extensive experience in providing weapons integration solutions for the Land, Sea and Air domains. However, there were many additional elements to the Grey Wolf project such as an external mounting frame that required significant additional design input from the ISTEC team. All the Grey Wolf components are manufactured with a ‘cradle to grave’ traceability process to ensure all raw materials sourced are to aerospace release, with full audit back to the mill, regular composition testing to ensure material alloying elements are above specification and thereby ensuring that the gun mounts meet the rigorous manufacturing standards required to be classed as airworthy and type certified.

Mick Coulson, Manager Director at ISTEC said, “This has been a significant project for ISTEC, supporting a major helicopter replacement programme for the USAF, that we have been privileged to have been involved with from the very start. ISTEC is well known for our universal gun mount systems, especially on vehicles and ships, but I am extremely proud of the design and engineering expertise that has gone into producing this aviation specific system for the Grey Wolf, clearly demonstrating the universal benefits of using our weapon integration systems across all domains.”

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Contracts, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 5 Comments »

Gentex SideKick ARC Mini Rails for HGU-56/P Helmet

Friday, November 15th, 2024

It was only a matter of time before the Ops-Core ARC (Accessory Rail Connector) would find its way on to a flight helmet.

The SideKick ARC Mini Rails offer a low-profile attachment point for additional technology, mounting them closer to the helmet, with a lower center of gravity. Additionally, accessories will breakaway at 8 ft/lbs in the event of a crash or snag.

SideKick ARC Rails are designed to be compatible with all fielded and future HGU-56/P style helmets, including RWH and ABH.

Available in Black.

shop.gentexcorp.com/sidekick-arc-mini-rail

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, Helmets | Comments Off on Gentex SideKick ARC Mini Rails for HGU-56/P Helmet