Aerospace

Boeing Awarded U.S. Army Contract for Next Generation Diagnostic Tool

* Next Generation Automated Test System (NGATS) provides mobile diagnostic testing.

* Units exceed expectations in Fix-Forward isolation, detection, saving over $26 million in five months for one Armored Brigade Combat Team.

With a deal worth up to $92 million over three years, the U.S. Army has chosen Boeing to manufacture additional Next Generation Automated Test System (NGATS) units. NGATS is a single, portable diagnostic tool that conducts in-field tests in real-time.

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NGATS provides immediate solutions, enabling automated fault diagnosis of more than 100 components. NGATS eliminates manual troubleshooting and disassembly of components which reduce labor hours. NGATS aids in avoiding lead times that come with ordering parts and possible depot-level maintenance. One Armored Brigade Combat Team noted NGATS saved more than $26 million in repair costs in five months.

“This award demonstrates that NGATS is becoming the standard for fix effectiveness and readiness in the field, enabling operations in a contested logistics environment,” John Chicoli, director of Boeing Global Services, Vertical Lift and Special Operations, said.

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In addition to Army platforms such as the M1A2 SEP V2/V3/V4, M1A1 Abrams tank, M2A3 Bradley, and M1126 Stryker vehicles, these versatile units will be used in 2023 on M109A7 Paladin and the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. A similar test program set is being developed by Boeing to address no evidence of failure issues while maintaining readiness on the AH-64 Apache.

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.