Associated Aircraft To Develop Next-gen IFF
U.S. Pavilion exhibitor Associated Aircraft Manufacturing & Sales has signed an agreement with Northrop Grumman to further develop the next-generation military identification-friend-or-foe (IFF) transponder–the AN/APX-121. The company will continue to develop, manufacture and make upgrades to the device to meet future requirements. It already provides support for numerous IFF users around the world.

Beaver Boasts New Landing Gear Actuator
Beaver Aerospace & Defense is here in the Farnborough airshow’s U.S. Pavilion in Hall 2 unveiling a new electromechanical landing gear actuator. The device does not employ hydraulics and, in case of power outage, the landing gear can deploy by freefall. The technology gives aircraft manufacturers a weight-saving opportunity and also reduces maintenance requirements.

Makino Shows Hi-Tech Machine Tools
Makino Milling Machine Co. is here at the U.S. Pavilion in Hall 4 (Stand A14) exhibiting its next-generation of MAG series five-axis machine tools–the A7. The company pledges increased accuracy and reduced cycle times for large, complex aluminum monolithic parts.

The A7 features volumetric accuracy compensation and a high-power, high-torque spindle. It can accommodate part sizes up to 276- by 79- by 28 inches for a maximum weight of 11,024 pounds. New linear motors yield 0.5g accelerations. At peak power, the spindle can remove 5,400 cubic centimeters of chips per minute.
For titanium machining, Makino’s Advantige technology quadruples productivity and doubles tool life, the company says. Improvements can be found in spindle performance, coolant delivery, vibration damping, machine rigidity and cutting strategies.

Also on display is Makino’s G5 Grinder horizontal machining center. It can grind, drill, bore and mill–all on the same machine, saving on equipment costs and allowing the user to keep the part in the machine.

LM Picks Marotta for JAGM
Lockheed Martin has selected Marotta Controls of Montville, New Jersey, to provide the pneumatic cooling system for the imaging infrared sensor on the joint air-to-ground missile, which is to replace the Hellfire II, airborne TOW and Maverick missiles in U.S. forces. Marotta Contols is exhibiting here in Farnborough at the U.S. Pavilion in Hall 2 (Stand A13).