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Archive for the ‘MRO’ Category

General Atomics and EDGE Establish Partnership To Manufacture, Test and Repair Electromechanical Systems

Tuesday, February 18th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 17 February 2025 – EPI, an entity of EDGE Group and the cornerstone of precision engineering in the UAE’s aerospace, oil and gas, and defence industries, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with General Atomics-Systems Integration, an affiliate of General Atomics.

The signing ceremony was held on February 17, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025.

“Through this collaboration, EPI will significantly expand its capabilities. This will include the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility to support the production of electromechanical systems,” said Michael Deshaies, CEO of EPI.

“Working with EPI will mark a leap forward in the development and manufacturing of this advanced aviation technology,” said General Atomics-Systems Integration Vice President Scott Sappenfield. “We expect to offer safe, affordable, high-performance solutions to replace legacy systems in military and commercial aircraft.”

This project is enabled by the Tawazun Council (Tawazun Economic Program). A key milestone in the project will be the certification of EPI’s facility as a Part 145 repair centre. This will involve the production airworthiness certification process and the test and evaluation of prototype units, ensuring compliance with the highest industry standards.

Ninth Air Force’s Largest-Ever RADR Exercise Executed by 379th ECES

Tuesday, February 11th, 2025

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSABILITY (AFNS) —

The 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron executed the Ninth Air Force’s largest-ever no-notice Rapid Airfield Damage Recovery exercise, setting a benchmark across the branch. The multi-day RADR exercise played a part in the broader Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) directed operation Agile Spartan 25-1.

The primary goal of RADR is to ensure airfields return to full functionality as efficiently as possible to maintain flight operations following an attack. The exercise involved Airmen assessing damage, clearing debris and repairing the airfield.

Squadron leadership developed a scenario by utilizing intelligence on real-world adversary munition capabilities in the theater. From there, the 379th ECES explosive ordnance disposal unit was tasked with cratering a mock runway using controlled detonations.

“We were alerted of a [simulated] attack and had to repair the airfield to facilitate the return of aircraft from a forward operating location,” said 1st Lt. Daniel Cunningham, 379th ECES operations flight deputy. “With minimal preparation time, we organized a team to evaluate the damage and construct a plan for complete repair within 48 hours.”

A typical RADR exercise would involve two simulated craters. This exercise had nine real craters, the largest being 60 feet by 35 feet, an unprecedented size for an exercise in a deployed location. This escalation in scope was specifically designed to test the limits of a single squadron’s capabilities, challenging predefined operational thresholds.

“We took the foundations of RADR framework and expanded on it, leaving us with a unique situation that required us to be innovative with the resources and constraints we had to work with,” said Master Sgt. Tyler Jones, 379th ECES heavy repair superintendent. “The scale of this exercise was uncharted territory for us.” 

Adding an additional level of complexity, the exercise planning team simulated the loss of Jones, thereby removing his leadership and experience. This ‘inject’ forced personnel to step above their typical role, fostering leadership and accelerating growth in preparation of a contested zone. 

“Losing [Jones] forced the squadron to come together with different units executing as a team,” said Staff Sgt. Noah Scott, 379th ECES pavements and construction equipment supervisor. “In a real-world scenario, there’s a possibility of losing anyone. If we lost the person in charge we’d have to adapt to continue the mission. This scenario threw us in a high-stress environment, ensuring everyone stepped up.” 

With the time limit in place, Airmen within the squadron whose day-to-day duties did not encompass the skills required for RADR, were called upon to assist in the recovery process. Pavements and construction equipment specialists conducted on-the-spot training, demonstrating the flexibility of the Mission-Ready Airman concept. 

By the 23rd hour of the exercise, the minimum operating strip was fully restored, allowing simulated aircraft to return more than 24 hours ahead of schedule. As the 379th Air Expeditionary Wingcontinues to shift from an expeditionary to an enduring mindset, Airmen participating in the exercise spent an additional four hours shifting expedited repairs for the exercise into permanent repairs that will enhance future recovery efforts. 

“Repairing nine large craters with time to spare showcased Air Force Civil Engineer’s ability to adapt and rapidly respond to a large-scale attack,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Needham, 379th ECES commander. “This team far exceeded my expectations and set a new standard for civil engineers across the Air Force. I am honored to lead such a talented and driven group of Airmen.”

By Airman 1st Class Zeeshan Naeem

379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

USSOCOM PEO-Maritime Multi-terrain Maintenance Trolley Assessment Event

Friday, October 4th, 2024

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM PEO-Maritime (PEO-M) Undersea, will host an assessment event to explore industry’s interest and ability to design, develop and support a multiple surface maintenance and support trolley for the Dry Combat Submersible (DCS) program.

PEO-M Undersea, in conjunction with other Government stakeholders is seeking a multiple terrain maintenance and support trolley for the DCS program.  This effort will require design, development, manufacture, documentation, training, and support of the trolley.

As a part of the DCS support equipment, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) developed and delivered a maintenance trolley that is suitable for use in a flat, level factory floor environment. Due to the range of operational locations anticipated for the DCS, PEO-M Undersea and the Integrated Maintenance Depot Section (IMDS) team at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek (JEBLC), are seeking a design that will provide similar maintenance and support capabilities but will be able to operate in an environment of rough surfaces that may be expected in deployment areas.

Detailed requirements will be provided as an attachment to this notice, but the general requirements include:

–    Provide access and support capabilities similar to existing OEM system

–    Be air, land, and sea transportable (without the DCS on-board)

–    Be able to operate on rough and uneven terrain that may be expected in forward operating environments with the DCS loaded

–    It is desired to be able to perform or support ramp launch and recovery of the DCS

–    It is desired to be able to be self-propelled and/or be transported with its prime mover in all conditions

Submit NLT 15 November 2024 11:59 PM ET.

For full details at events.sofwerx.org/peo-m-dcs-multi-terrain-maintenance-trolley.

This project is ITAR Restricted.

Alcon Launches Their Latest Full-Service Brake-By-Wire Technology into Defence, at Eurosatory 2024

Thursday, June 13th, 2024

Alcon, the highly acclaimed UK-based brake and clutch company and defence brake specialist, is announcing its latest generation full-service Brake-By-Wire technology at Eurosatory 2024. Alcon’s technology is derived from its motorsport products and is applicable to multiple defence vehicle applications. At Eurosatory, Alcon will be available to discuss this and its full range of bespoke and off-the-shelf defence and security orientated braking solutions in Hall 5A, Stand HJ280.

The ever-changing face of defence vehicle technology is entering a new era. Driven by the requirement to further protect the warfighter and to help saves lives, countries are seeking technology enabled battlefield solutions, driving increasing demand for vehicles that are capable of partial or full autonomy. A critical component for OEM manufacturers designing autonomous vehicles is a high-quality, safe, reliable and effective braking system that can be operated with or without a driver in the loop. Alcon’s Brake-By-Wire (BBW) system delivers exactly that with fit-for-purpose redundancy and system safety for each application, plus many other benefits across a range of defence and security vehicles, for both autonomous and crewed vehicle systems.

Alcon has a long and distinguished history of developing innovative and ultimately race winning solutions for the motorsport sector. They started development, and produced their first successful BBW product, for Formula E in 2016 and were nominated for the Most Innovative New Motorsport Product of the Year by the World Motorsport Symposium. Since then, Alcon have continued development of their lightweight motorsport and autonomous BBW solutions driven by successive high-profile programs to produce a product that is not just world-class, but also world-beating. Alcon have combined these years of development, race- track learning and cutting edge engineering experience to produce further variants. These systems are significantly enhanced and enable Alcon to offer a scalable BBW solution to meet the wide range of demands that defence vehicles bring, such as, large vehicle loads or multi-axle solutions (4×4, 8×8 and tracked). In addition, Alcon BBW solutions offer faster braking response, reduced maintenance, improved flexibility and adaptability and enhanced diagnostics.

As defence vehicle OEMs move towards diesel electric drive (with or without a battery to support), EV silent running or stealth modes and autonomy, the ability to integrate the vehicle control system into the wider vehicle architecture becomes vital, reducing mechanical and hydraulic complexity. The introduction of Alcon’s BBW approach is a major step forward because, based on Alcon’s extensive defence engineering experience, the system can be developed to be extremely robust, modular and scalable. Alcon’s BBW solutions offer advanced capability including: independent control of each wheel station allowing for redundancy and braked steering; mechanical separation of the brake pedal from the system, simplification of installation and autonomous and/or remote control of the brake function, and seamless integration with conventional hydraulic braking systems. BBW in defence and security applications is not limited to autonomy as BBW can be used as a conventional foundation braking system or for efficient blending of regenerative and friction braking, delivering significant efficient and performance advantages to any vehicle OEM.

Ollie Jackson, Chief Engineer – Controlled Brakes at Alcon said: “There are many complexities for OEMs delivering autonomous vehicle capability, but with nearly a decade of experience in Brake-By-Wire solutions for high performance motorsport, combined with Alcon’s considerable defence engineering experience, our latest BBW solutions solve many of the associated braking challenges. BBW also helps Alcon to deliver a full-service braking solution that combines the very latest friction braking technology to help align the defence and security vehicle market with the emerging new technologies seen in the wider automotive brake engineering environment. BBW is not just about autonomy, it’s a technology that can be applied anywhere to maximise vehicle efficiency and help save the lives of those operating vehicles at risk in harsh environments.”

Opening of the Maintenance and Repair Centre in Ukraine with Political Support

Thursday, June 13th, 2024

The political opening of the Rheinmetall Ukrainian Defense Industry LLC maintenance and repair centre in western Ukraine took place yesterday (10 June 2024). On this occasion, the Ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industries, Oleksandr Kamyshin, visited the site there: “We strive to develop our production capabilities together with our allies and believe that the Ukrainian defence industry is a part of the European defence industry, which strengthens the system of collective security of the European Union. Therefore, the opening of a joint service center with Rheinmetall is not only a step towards the Victory of Ukraine, but also an important stage in the construction of the arsenal of the Free World.” 

Marder infantry fighting vehicles are already being maintenanced and overhauled at the hub. In the future, Leopard 1 and Leopard 2 main battle tanks and other German-made systems will also be repaired at other locations in Ukraine. 

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “It is a matter close to our hearts to provide Ukraine with effective and reliable support. When it comes to supplying spare parts, our top priority is to maximise availability and ensure rapid replenishment. To achieve this, we utilise existing channels via original manufacturers, process material ourselves and with partners. We are also reactivating original supply chains and integrating local production in Ukraine.” 

“The opening of the first joint service center with Rheinmetall in Ukraine is crucial for strengthening our defence capabilities. This facility will allow us to ensure quick repairs and maintenance of German equipment directly on Ukrainian soil, significantly enhancing the efficiency of our Armed Forces. We are grateful to our German partners for their trust and support, which enable us to confidently move towards victory and integrate into the European collective security system”, added Dmytro Klimenkov, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine.

Rheinmetall is utilising existing local infrastructure, but has also brought special tools, spare parts and other equipment to the hub. Last year, Ukrainian specialists were trained at Rheinmetall sites in Germany in the repair of combat vehicles, including industrial mechanics and mechatronics engineers, for example. These personnel then returned to Ukraine and worked there on the maintenance and repair of the relevant systems.

The joint venture Rheinmetall Ukrainian Defense Industry LLC was founded in October 2023. The announcement was made at the German-Ukrainian Economic Forum in Berlin, in the presence of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal.

Rheinmetall Pressing Ahead with F-35A project: AERO-Bildungs GmbH Commissioned with Technical Training for Production Mechanics

Saturday, June 8th, 2024

Rheinmetall is pressing ahead with its F-35A programme. The technology group has commissioned AERO-Bildungs GmbH to provide technical training for the production mechanics for the centre fuselage section of the F-35A in Weeze.

AERO-Bildungs GmbH is a partner specialised in the field of technical training within the aviation sector. The mid-sized family business located in Oberpfaffenhofen in Bavaria will assist with planning of the training and the implementation of basic technical training. This shall enhance the knowledge and skills initially learnt at Northrop Grumman in the USA not only to be applied in Weeze, but also to be passed on to other employees in the same quality, thus enabling a transfer of knowledge. In cooperation with experienced Rheinmetall trainers, a dedicated training and competence center is being set up in Weeze to ensure sustainable knowledge building and ongoing employee qualification.

The commissioning of AERO-Bildungs GmbH as of April 2024 is the first step towards further integrating German companies into the F-35A delivery and supply chain for the Weeze site. It underlines the Duesseldorf-based technology group’s commitment to increasing German added value within the programme.

Rheinmetall has been commissioned by Northrop Grumman to produce at least 400 centre fuselage sections for the F-35A fighter aircraft in 2023. Extensive infrastructure measures are currently underway in Weeze, North Rhine-Westphalia, near the Dutch border. The aim is to complete the production facility in spring 2025 and then start production in summer 2025.

About Rheinmetall Aviation Services:
Rheinmetall Aviation Services GmbH (RAS), based in Bremen, was founded at the beginning of 2019 for strategic cooperation with Sikorsky in the Heavy Transport Helicopter (STH) procurement project. RAS has been working in close cooperation with the German Air Force at three different airfields since 2021/2022. RAS is seamlessly integrated into the German Air Force’s organisational structure and successfully takes over support, maintenance and repair of the CH-53G fleet.

Another important milestone was achieved in 2023 when RAS, in cooperation with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, entered into the production of centre fuselage sections for the F-35A. With an investment volume in the three-digit million euro range, Rheinmetall is currently building a state-of-the-art factory at the Weeze site in North Rhine-Westphalia for the production of at least 400 F-35A centre fuselage sections for the German Air Force and allied nations.

A new era in the air dimension will begin for Rheinmetall with the completion of the factory by the end of the first quarter of 2025 and the subsequent start of production and delivery of the first centre fuselage sections as of the first quarter of 2027.

Wilcox Industries Corp Announces a New Integrated Logistics Support Plan

Tuesday, May 14th, 2024

Tampa, FL – At the annual SOF Week, Jim Pettigrew, Vice President of Integrated Logistics Support, outlined Wilcox’s vision to support the unique operational needs of our customers. Recognizing the importance of the investment when purchasing Wilcox equipment, this new program is designed to reduce our customers overall life cycle costs and get the maximum return on their investment. Whether our customer is a part of an elite force, a conventional military unit, or law enforcement, our Wilcox team aims to provide an affordable full life cycle support package through flexible fixed pricing or cost-based Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) solutions.

Our specialized ILS24, and ILS36 are fixed priced support solutions that offer ILS support for up to 36 months, above the standard warranty. Our flexible ILS Plus solution will be a cost-based option that can be renewed yearly meeting the needs of our customer’s requirements. Our “Just-In-Time” ILS packages will be competitively priced and designed to meet specific customer needs. The final details of this program will be released before the end of this year.

In response to the announcement, James Teetzel, CEO, of Wilcox, stated, “We are very excited to offer this extended warranty program to our customers! With the limited budgets our customers contend with, it is our responsibility to be as creative as we can for our customers to get the most out of the funding, they have available, whether directly or indirectly. We need to always ensure their equipment is ready when needed now and in the future!”

For More Information

For more information on our ILS protection plans, visit www.wilcoxind.com/ILS.
For information about Wilcox or Wilcox Products, visit: www.wilcoxind.com  or call: 603-431-1331.

Man Lift USA Stands Ready to Fulfill Explosion Proof (EX) Rated Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Requirements

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

As new Explosion Proof (EX) rated Material Handling Equipment (MHE) requirements and regulations become more stringent across military and commercial sectors, Man Lift USA stands ready to fulfill needs of end users and program offices for EX compliant MHE.

Man Lift USA designs and manufactures specialty aerial access and material handling solutions. We have been providing lift and access equipment for the most unique, hazardous, and challenging environments since 2000.

Our material handling equipment is designed to boost productivity and ensure safety in demanding work environments. We offer a range of products such as boom lifts, scissor lifts, material lifts, and mobile cranes to develop tailor-made solutions for your facilities, aircraft, ship, or rocket construction and maintenance.

Our flagship products are our EX rated articulating boom and scissor lifts. However, we also offer several other electric, electrically insulated, Track-Driven, and more traditional MHE solutions for customers in addition to our EX rated line of products.

Man Lift USA’s equipment is recognized as the gold standard and utilized extensively across the aerospace, shipbuilding, chemical, and construction industries in addition to aircraft maintenance, facilities maintenance, painting, fuel cell work, or any environment where explosion hazards may exist. Our EX rated lifts meet and exceed safety requirements working in and around enclosed spaces, ordinance, paint vapors, or volatile fuels and chemicals.

Our lifts have longer run times between charging cycles than the competition and offer essential options such as aircraft protection kits, collision protection kits, omnidirectional steering, and vertical access platform accessories as well.

For sales inquiries or additional information please contact:

James@manliftusa.com

Billy@manliftusa.com

www.manliftusa.com