Bell Helicopters (Booth No. N5612) and BAE Systems announced the successful qualification of BAE’s Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) on the Bell 407GT. The APKWS technology transforms a standard 2.75-inch rocket Hydra-type unguided rocket into a laser-guided precision weapon able to strike soft and lightly armored targets in built-up and confined areas. BAE Systems designed the APKWS technology to fill the gap between the Hellfire missile and unguided rockets. The company is the prime contractor for the program, which is managed by the Navy.
Space technology
October 29, 2012 - 3:25pm
At the NBAA Convention today, Dassault Falcon introduced yet another new version of its Falcon 2000 super-midsize twin. The new Falcon 2000LXS combines the range and amenities of the Falcon 2000LX with the short-field capabilities of the Falcon 2000S. The $32.8 million, Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308C-powered Falcon 2000LXS will replace the 2000LX when it gains certification in 2014.
October 16, 2012 - 3:33pm
Aeronautics engineer Richard Whitcomb–whose research at NASA produced the area rule, supercritical wing and winglets–was posthumously inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame earlier this month. He died in 2008 at the age of 88. During Whitcomb’s almost four decades at NASA his “fundamental insight into aerodynamics and his practical solutions led to three of the most significant and practical contributions to aeronautics in the 20th century,” said NASA Langley Research Center director Lesa Roe.
July 11, 2012 - 4:20pm
UK-based Reaction Engines has carried out a series of tests on a key component for its new engine, the Sabre, which is capable of operating as both a jet and a rocket engine by employing a translating intake. The novel feature will enable the aircraft–such as the Skylon reusable spaceplane–that the Sabre will power to fly anywhere on earth in less than four hours or directly into space and back to deliver satellites or cargo.
February 15, 2012 - 12:30am
Late last month Israel Aerospace Industries and Boeing officials gathered to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their partnership developing the Arrow anti-ballistic missile defense system. At the same time, they announced an extension to the partnership, which at present is working on the Arrow 3 two-stage interceptor.
March 31, 2010 - 6:52am
The FAA has posted new information for airport workers on how to respond to the scene of an accident involving rocket-propelled ballistic parachute-equipped airplanes such as the BRS system in Cirrus airplanes and other aircraft with parachute retrofits.
January 27, 2009 - 9:04am
The FAA has issued a revision of Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin NM-08-27 to warn operators of transport-category aircraft that organic salt runway de-icer fluids could cause “possible brake failure during high-speed aborted takeoff or dragged brake during normal takeoff (and subsequent overheat, once airborne).” The revised SAIB, NM-08-27R1, notifies operators that organic salt runway
June 30, 2008 - 11:38am
According to Unison Industries, its new dual direct spark ignition system (DDSI) successfully lit the Pratt & Whitney RL 10A-4-2 engine on the Lockheed Martin Atlas V Expendable Launch Vehicle’s Centaur upper stage. Launching from Cape Canaveral on August 21, the Centaur’s first RL 10A-4-2 main engine started after the separation of the first stage after just four-and-a-half minutes.
May 29, 2008 - 11:50am
The failure of a Russian Proton rocket in March has thrown the schedule for the launch of Inmarsat’s third and final I4 communications satellite into question, according to Inmarsat officials speaking today at a satellite user conference in San Diego. The third satellite supporting SwiftBroadband aero data and voice services will be positioned over the Pacific Ocean region, completing the I4 coverage network.
