Aerospace

Germany to retire all its Tiger attack helicopters by 2038

Germany plans to phase out its Tiger combat helicopters by 2038 and gradually replace the fleet with H145M light military helicopters, made by Airbus. According to a statement from the German Defence Ministry.

The decision was anticipated as both France and Spain committed to join in the initiative in 2022, Germany had long since virtually withdrawn from a global effort to update helicopters. Berlin has remarked on the Tiger’s poor operational availability as a result of technical issues on numerous occasions.

France and Spain launch Tiger MkIII programme(Opens in a new browser tab)

In support of a story by Sueddeutsche Zeitung, a representative for the German Defence Ministry stated that the Tiger fleet would be phased out by 2038 without any further actions.

The Military Programming Law does not contain any confirmation of the Mk3 Tiger programme. General Pierre Schill, Chief of the General Staff of the French Land Army [CEMAT], stated that the issue will be one of “taking into account the elements that the conflict in Ukraine will provide us to specify the conditions of use of these helicopters, in particular depending on the evolution of aerial drone capability.”

The MkIII initiative to update the helicopters had too many risks in terms of cost and timely execution for the ministry to participate in, she noted. The ministry had examined many scenarios.

Cyprus orders six H145Ms for its National Guard(Opens in a new browser tab)

She claimed, without providing specifics on numbers and pricing, that the ministry intends to acquire H145M light military helicopters from Airbus in order to achieve its NATO obligations in the future rather than keep the Tiger operational. By the end of the year, the ministry intends to submit a contract for approval to the budget committee of the parliament.

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Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.