TYR Tactical

Archive for the ‘Aviation’ Category

RT’s Advanced Aerostat Technologies Are Poised to Take US Border Security to the Next Level

Friday, April 4th, 2025

The pioneering company will show how its latest ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) aerostat system can provide a superior solution for border security professionals.

TX, USA – April 2, 2025 – RT LTA Systems Ltd., a global leader inthe development and manufacture of aerostat systems for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and communications, will showcase its full range of advanced aerostat solutions at the upcoming Border Security Expo in Phoenix, Arizona. Alongside its U.S. subsidiary, RT Aerostat Systems, Inc., the company will present its innovative mobile aerostat platforms, offering critical solutions to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other security agencies.

RT’s persistent, elevated surveillance and communicationssolutions provide 360-degree coverage over vast areas, delivering real-time intelligence, early warning alerts and enhanced situational awareness. With nearly three decades of operational experience and over six million flight hours, RT has established itself as a trusted provider of combat-proven aerostat systems. Designed for extreme weather conditions, these systems prioritize multi-domain versatility and user-friendliness—critical factors when securing a nation’s extensive borders.

Each aerostat system consists of a ground control station, a ground system module, a tether, a lighter-than-air platform, a stabilized payload platform and an advanced sensor suite. The systems can be rapidly deployed by a

small crew, making them ideal for border security missions. RT’s systems support a variety of payloads, including radars, COMINT/ELINT modules, electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) cameras, as well as communications equipment, ensuring high adaptability for various mission types and seamless interoperability with other field assets, such as UAVs, drones and ground forces.RT’s Skystar™ tactical aerostats provide high mobility and cost efficiency, carrying diverse payloads at altitudes of up to 1,500 feet. The larger, blimp-shaped Skyguard aerostat family can reach up to 20,000 feet, ensuring comprehensive surveillance across expansive geographic areas. RT’s systems have consistently proven their reliability and adaptability across a wide range of environments,from deserts and mountains to maritime settings, offering 24/7 surveillance and communications, even in the harshest conditions.

A standout among RT’s offerings is its compact tactical aerostat mounted on an ATV. Engineered for real-time reconnaissanceacross rugged terrains, and with rapid deployment and maneuverability both on- and off-road, the system can markedly improve flexibility and efficiency for border security operations. This unique system can be operated locally or remotely – from the site or from a distance – supporting EO/IR cameras and communication payloads at altitudes up to 1,500 feet, with real-time data transmission to command and control centers. This robust aerostat solution is easily transportable and operable with minimal training by a small team. The system offers medium-range surveillance capabilities, with swift assembly and launch within 15 minutes. Control is effortlessly managed through a handheld personal control system, making it an ideal choice for diverse surveillance missions.

Rami Shmueli, RT’s CEO, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing reliable, long-endurance surveillance solutions: “For years, we have delivered cutting-edge aerostat technologies to border security agencies worldwide. Our highly mobile and versatile systems are designed to address the evolving challenges of the U.S. Southern Border and beyond. With our Texas-based subsidiary, we are well-positioned to equip U.S. border security agencies with state-of-the-art ISR solutions.”

RT will present its SkyStar™ and Skyguard Aerostat systems at the upcoming Border Security Expo 2025, taking place at the Phoenix Convention Center, South Building, 8-9 April, 2025 (booth #239). Visitors and delegates are encouraged to reach out in advance to schedule an in-person meeting.

BIRD Aerosystems Obtains STC Certification for the Installation of Its SPREOS DIRCM on AIRBUS A319

Tuesday, April 1st, 2025

The Certification Enables Airbus A319 Aircraft Equipped with BIRD’s Airborne Missile Protection System (AMPS) featuring the SPREOS DIRCM to Operate Globally

31 March 2025 – BIRD Aerosystems, a global leader in defense and airborne protection technology, announces that it has successfully obtained Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the installation of its Airborne Missile Protection System (AMPS)incorporating the SPREOS DIRCM on Head-of-Stateaircraft. This certification enables Airbus A319 aircraft, already equipped with BIRD’s system, to operate worldwide with full regulatory compliance.

The Israeli Civil Aviation Authority (CAAI) oversaw and validated the entire installation process, including system integration, flight testing, and a successful demonstration proving the system’s safety. BIRD Aerosystems demonstrated exceptional expertise in manufacturing, system design, and installation, meeting all regulatory requirements and passing rigorous evaluations with success.

With this certification, Airbus A319 aircraft equipped with BIRD’s advanced SPREOS DIRCM system are now authorized for unrestricted operation worldwide. This milestone reinforces BIRD Aerosystems’ position as a trusted provider of airborne self-protection solutions for both military and narrow & wide-body commercial aircraft.

Ronen Factor, Co-Chief Executive Officer of BIRD Aerosystems, stated:
“This STC is a significant achievement for BIRD Aerosystems, further validating the safety and effectiveness of our advanced airborne missile protection solutions. The successful integration and approval process highlights our technical expertise and commitment to delivering innovative defense technologies that protect aircraft in high-threat environments. With this certification, our AMPS system, including SPREOS DIRCM, is now available for civil aviation, ensuring maximum security for VVIP and high-value commercial aircraft worldwide.”

About Bird Aerosystems’ AMPS & SPREOS DIRCM

SPREOS is a patented DIRCM system designed for missile approach protection. It detects, tracks, confirms and protects against missile threats with practically zero false alarms. SPREOS ensures precise protection against MANPADS threats and seamlessly integrates with diverse missile warning systems.

BIRD’s versatile AMPS solution provides complete protection against ground-to-air threats, including simultaneous defense against multiple MANPADS attacks, for helicopters, transport aircraft and VVIP aircraft used by heads of state.

For more information, please visit www.birdaero.com.

GA-ASI Achieves EMAR/FR 145 Maintenance Organization Approval for MQ-9A and MQ-9B Platforms

Sunday, March 30th, 2025

European Military Airworthiness Regulator Approves GA-ASI Application Approval Will Make Subsequent Certifications Easier

SAN DIEGO – 20 March 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a world leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), has received the prestigious EMAR/FR 145 Maintenance Organization Approval for component maintenance from the French Military Continuing Airworthiness Authority, DSAE. This approval underscores GA-ASI’s commitment to the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence in military aviation.

The EMAR framework is a set of regulations developed from commercial aerospace standards (FAA/EASA) that are designed to ensure airworthiness for European military aircraft. It establishes a common airworthiness framework recognized by military airworthiness authorities worldwide. EMAR/FR 145 certification authorizes maintenance organizations to perform critical maintenance tasks while ensuring strict adherence to safety, reliability, and documentation requirements.

GA-ASI’s EMAR/FR 145 approval allows the company to issue EMAR Form 1s (Return to Service forms) for components serviced by the approved maintenance organization, confirming the safety and airworthiness of the equipment. This recognition applies to GA-ASI’s maintenance activities at its Poway and Adelanto, California, facilities and covers CAT C (component maintenance) services.

“This approval is a significant achievement for GA-ASI, positioning the company to better serve international customers, especially military users of our MQ-9A and MQ-9B UAS platforms,” said Sam Richardson, GA-ASI vice president of Sustainment. “The ability to leverage the EMAR/FR 145 certification streamlines the company’s processes, reduces costs, and accelerates future airworthiness pursuits, as many future customers will recognize this certification rather than requiring a full, independent certification process.”

By obtaining EMAR/FR 145 approval, GA-ASI further demonstrates its ability to meet the stringent demands of the global defense market. The framework’s widespread recognition ensures that GA-ASI can expand operations and offer high-quality, compliant maintenance services to international customers, ultimately driving company growth in global markets.

This certification offers significant operational and financial benefits for both GA-ASI and its customers. For GA-ASI, the approval reduces future oversight costs by leveraging the DSAE Audit Team’s oversight activities, ensuring a more efficient and cost-effective certification process for future non-French EMAR customers. For customers, the EMAR/FR 145 approval provides a framework recognized internationally, offering a streamlined maintenance certification process. The recognition agreements between EMAR and non-EMAR countries allow future customers to leverage GA-ASI’s French approval, saving time and resources compared to a full certification effort.

GA-ASI Completes First Flight of Belgium’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian

Thursday, March 27th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 25 March 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the Belgian Ministry of Defence completed the first flight of a new MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) that will be the first SkyGuardian delivered to Belgium as part of a four-aircraft purchase. The flight was based out of GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility in El Mirage, California and took place on February 20, 2025.

First flight is part of a series of ground and flight tests conducted to validate the performance of the Belgian MQ-9B RPA. The objective of the flight was to prove controllability and safe landing of the aircraft. The flight was successful, and the program will move forward with further development flight tests.

“We’re excited to complete the first flight of SkyGuardian for Belgium,” said Chris Dusseault, vice president of MQ-9B in Europe. “Belgium joins the U.K.’s Royal Air Force and will become the second country to take delivery of our MQ-9B in Europe.”

MQ-9B is the world’s most advanced RPAS, delivering exceptionally long endurance and range—with auto takeoff and landing under pole-to-pole SATCOM-only control—and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system. MQ-9B includes the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian® models, with multiple deliveries made to the U.K.’s Royal Air Force (Protector), as well as orders from Canada, Poland, the Japan Coast Guard, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. MQ-9B has also supported various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.

The Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Belgium also includes two Certifiable Ground Control Stations (CGCS).

For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.

AV2.2 Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet (NGFWH) Testing Update

Monday, March 24th, 2025

LIFT Airborne Technologies, in collaboration with the Human Systems Program Office (AFLCMC/ROU), has successfully conducted over fifty-three (53) Performance Specification (P-Spec) environmental test events, windblast test events, and ejection sled test events on the AV2.2 NGFWH under the current Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract.

The AV2.2 NGFWH Slick Variant and the AV2.2 NGFWH equipped with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) Modification Adapter Kit have undergone windblast testing at two seat angles: 17 degrees (representing aircraft such as the F-15, A-10, and F-22) and 32 degrees (representing the F-16). Testing at various speeds included 325 Knots Equivalent Airspeed (KEAS), 450 KEAS, and 600 KEAS for the AV2.2 NGFWH Slick Variant, while the AV2.2 NGFWH with JHMCS Modification Adapter Kit was tested at 450 KEAS.

The successful performance enabled progression to ejection sled testing.

Subsequently, The AV2.2 NGFWH Slick Variant has successfully completed ejection sled testing at 450 KEAS and 600 KEAS, conducted at both 17-degree and 32-degree seat angles. Additionally, the AV2.2 NGFWH equipped with the JHMCS Modification Adapter Kit underwent testing at 450 KEAS at both seat angles. The results from these tests were satisfactory, with both configurations meeting the P-Spec requirements.

The AV2.2 NGFWH is currently operational in various aircraft worldwide, including the latest addition to the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) fleet, the OA-1K Sky Warden. Aircrew operating the OA-1K Sky Warden are enthusiastic about the advanced capabilities of the AV2.2 NGFWH helmet system.

Having met all the requirements outlined in the P-Spec, the AV2.2 NGFWH Slick Variant now enables LIFT Airborne Technologies and the Human Systems Program Office to collaborate on advancing the program to the Milestone C Acquisition Phase and working towards a production contract.

For Department of Defense users seeking testing data regarding the AV2.2 NGFWH, please contact Samantha McKee, NGFWH Contracting Officer at AFLCMC/ROU, at samantha.mckee.1@us.af.mil.

For international users seeking testing data, please contact your respective government officials to request the testing data from the United States Air Force.

For any further inquiries regarding the AV2.2 NGFWH, please reach out to Chris Kitts, Director of Military Programs at LIFT Airborne Technologies, at chris.k@liftairborne.com or Todd Lentz, Chief Revenue Officer at LIFT Airborne Technologies, at todd.l@liftairborne.com.

Air Force Awards Contract for Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Platform, F-47

Sunday, March 23rd, 2025

WASHINGTON (AFNS) —  

The Department of the Air Force announced today the contract award for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Platform, marking a major milestone in the advancement of air superiority. The contract, awarded to Boeing, will lead to the development of the F-47, the world’s first sixth-generation fighter aircraft.

“I’m thrilled to announce that, at my direction, the United States Air Force is moving forward with the world’s first sixth-generation fighter jet,” said President Donald J. Trump during a press briefing at the White House. “Nothing in the world comes even close to it, and it’ll be known as the F-47.”

This decision follows a fair and thorough source selection process conducted by the Air Force, reaffirming the NGAD Platform as the most capable and cost-effective solution to maintain air superiority in an increasingly complex and contested global threat environment. The decision reflects the Air Force’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to the warfighter while optimizing taxpayer investment.

“In terms of all of the attributes of a fighter jet, there’s never been anything even close to it, from speed to maneuverability, to what it can have, to payload. And this has been in the works for a long period of time,” Trump added. “America’s enemies will never see it coming.”

In May 2024, the Air Force conducted a strategic pause in the program to ensure it was making the right decision for its warfighters and for the security of the nation. During this time, the Air Force continued collaborating with industry to aggressively mature critical technologies and accelerate innovation.

“Now we have the F-47, which sends a very direct, clear message to our allies that we’re not going anywhere… and to our enemies that we can, and we will be able to project power around the globe, unimpeded, for generations to come,” said Secretary of Defense, the Honorable Pete Hegseth.

Hegseth stated the F-47 represents a significant advancement over the F-22, which is currently the U.S. Air Force’s primary air superiority fighter.

“This is a historic investment in the American military, in the American Industrial Base, that will help revive the warrior ethos inside our military, which we’re doing–rebuilding our military,” Hegseth added. “We know this is cheaper, longer range and more stealthy.”

As the cornerstone of the NGAD Family of Systems, the F-47 is designed to integrate next-generation stealth, sensor fusion, and long-range strike capabilities to counter the most sophisticated adversaries in contested environments. Its adaptability and modular design ensure seamless integration with emerging technologies, positioning it as a dominant platform for decades to come.

“With this F-47 as the crown jewel in the Next Generation Air Dominance Family of Systems, we believe that this provides more lethality,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. “It provides more capability, more modernized capability, in a way that is built to adapt, along with our Collaborative Combat Aircraft.”

Over the past five years, in strong partnership between the Air Force and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, X-planes have been laying the foundation for the F-47. These experimental aircraft have flown hundreds of hours, advancing stealth, range, and autonomous systems while refining operational concepts.

“Hopefully, these magnificent planes will be built and in the air during my administration. It’s ready to go. They’ve already built much of what has to be built in terms of production, including the sheds.” Trump added. “We will ensure that the USA continues to dominate the skies.”

By leveraging cutting-edge digital engineering techniques and government-owned architecture, the F-47 benefits from a streamlined and accelerated development timeline compared to previous fighter programs. These advancements enable rapid technology integration, ensuring the F-47 remains adaptable and upgradable to meet future mission requirements and counter emerging threats.

“Air dominance is not a birthright, but it’s become synonymous with American airpower, but our dominance needs to be earned every single day,” said Allvin. “Since the earliest days of aerial warfare, brave American Airmen have jumped into their machines, taken to the air, and they’ve cleared the skies. That’s been our commitment to the fight, and that’s really been our promise to America, and with this F-47 we’re going to be able to keep that promise well into the future.”

The contract award funds the engineering and manufacturing development phase, which includes maturing, integrating, and testing all aspects of the F-47. This phase will produce a small number of test aircraft for evaluation. The contract also includes competitively priced options for low-rate initial production.

Future basing decisions and additional program elements will be determined in the coming years as the Air Force advances the F-47 toward operational deployment.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Cubic Participates in Cope North ‘25 Multi-Domain Exercise

Tuesday, March 18th, 2025

Providing “truth in training” to trilateral air interoperability operations with U.S., Japan and Australia

SAN DIEGO – March 17, 2025 – Cubic’s Advanced Training Solutions (ATS) team delivered 4th and 5th generation Air Combat Maneuver Instrumentation (ACMI) systems, with Simplified, Planning, Execution, Analysis, Reconstruction (SPEAR) Common Data Model (CDM), to Cope North’s annual training exercise held in Guam.

“Our solutions introduce a new era in training, enabling posture and deterrence, exponentially increasing warfighter readiness.” said Paul Averna, VP and GM, ATS for Cubic. “The successful mission integrated a blended environment of F-35 P5 Internal Subsystem (IS), ACMI pods, ground stations and SPEAR, delivering a fully operational, high fidelity tracking of three F-35 partners and three variants of 4th gen fighters from three U.S. services for the first time ever. We’re grateful to participate in this critically valuable exercise and we look forward to many more years at Cope North.”

Cubic is a recognized industry leader in Air Combat Training (ACT) designs and delivers solutions to support 4th and 5th generation aircraft training. The F-35 P5 IS provides high fidelity, encrypted Time Space Position Information (TSPI) for live monitoring and post mission review for accurate and efficient reconstruction. Cubic’s ACMI pods incorporate advanced GPS technology, allowing pilots to train anywhere at any time over land and sea, enabling training missions to be conducted without reliance on fixed range infrastructure. In 2025, Cubic will field the next evolution of ACMI, P5 System Security Update (SSU), encrypting the ACMI pod data for true interoperability between 4th and 5th gen fighters. All training data is ingested in SPEAR, during and after the mission, for enhanced data visualization and analysis to provide “speed to insight” to significantly improve combat effectiveness. SPEAR delivers a complete reconstruction of “when, how and what” happened, allowing the participants to spend the majority of their debrief time on the analysis of “why” it happened.

See the Gentex Next Generation Fighter Helmet at the Avalon Airshow

Monday, March 17th, 2025