Aviation

Lockheed Martin delivers airborne laser weapon to US Air Force.

According to report The Air Force Research Lab received a small directed energy weapon from Lockheed Martin in February, marking a significant step in the quest to outfit a tactical fighter jet with a laser capable of shooting down anti-aircraft missiles. Tyler Griffin, a company executive, told reporters earlier this month in the lead-up to the Farnborough Air Show, “It is the smallest, lightest, high energy laser of its power class that Lockheed Martin has created to date.” It is a crucial test in the development of a functional airborne laser weapon system.

While the Pentagon has advanced a number of different directed energy weapons in recent years, the value of this one, dubbed LANCE, is its small size, weight, and power requirements. “It’s one-sixth the size of what we produced for the Army going back to 2017,” Griffin added, referring to the Robust Electric laser Initiative programme. “Laser Advancements for Next-generation Compact Environments” is the meaning of the abbreviation LANCE. In November 2017, Lockheed received the initial contract for LANCE as part of the Air Force’s Self-protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator (Shield) programme.

Northrop Grumman has created a beam control system and a pod that are used in conjunction with LANCE to focus the laser on its intended target. The Air Force reported receiving that pod subsystem from Boeing in February 2021. It will be possible to use these subsystems and/or an integrated laser weapon system after conducting mission usefulness analysis and war gaming studies. The findings of these investigations will be used to choose specific objectives for further testing and demonstrations.

Griffin stated that after the laser has been delivered to the Air Force, the next stage will be to begin integrating the weapon with the thermal system that controls LANCE’s heating and cooling. Griffin deferred to the Air Force when asked about the timing of the weapon’s discharge. The service has not made any final decisions on “follow-on efforts,” according to Wood, the AFRL officer, who spoke to Breaking Defense.
In collaboration with our warfighter stakeholders, he stated, “a number of potential applications and platforms are being evaluated for prospective demonstrations and tests.” At this time, no choice has been made on a particular application or platform for these follow-on activities, no flight demonstration is funded, and there is no straight transition plan into a programme of record.

Aviation

Farnborough 2024: A Landmark Airshow Concludes with £81.5 Billion in Deals

As the 45th edition of the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA2024) concluded, it proved to be a tremendous success. The event, which ended yesterday, saw £81.5 billion worth of deals signed and 260 firm commercial aircraft orders placed within the first four days. For the UK alone, the deals announced amounted to £13 billion.

The Airbus A321XLR showcased an incredible aerial display at the airshow, becoming a centerpiece attraction. As Airbus’s latest addition to the market, the A321XLR aims to challenge the narrow-body aircraft segment with its extended range and innovative features. Additionally, Embraer impressed attendees with the E195-E2’s aerial display, highlighted by its striking black livery.

The ATR aircraft demonstrated its remarkable takeoff and landing capabilities, further showcasing its versatility. The Chinook helicopter also participated, displaying its impressive performance and ability to handle multi-level tasks, making it invaluable for defense and battlefield operations.

The show ended with an exhilarating final air display. The Starlings Aerobatic Team performed an impressive formation flight, while the Stampe Formation team showcased their vibrant heritage aircraft. The Royal Air Force’s F-35 flyover and the F-15QA’s powerful farewell flight added to the excitement. The British Army’s renowned Red Devils parachuted down, providing a spectacular closing to the event.

Day 2 Highlights: Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer Orders at Farnborough International Airshow 2024 : Click here

With this year’s orders finalized, the focus on the fifth and final day of FIA2024 shifted to inspiring the next generation of pilots, engineers, manufacturers, and innovators. We eagerly anticipate seeing everyone again at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026.

Airbus Expands Reach with Major Orders

Airbus has secured two significant deals that will expand its presence in the global market. The Abra Group, aiming to enhance its international long-haul operations, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for five A350-900 aircraft. Additionally, flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, strengthened its partnership with Airbus by signing an MoU for 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900s.

Virgin Atlantic also made headlines by ordering seven additional A330neo aircraft. This order highlights the airline’s confidence in the A330neo’s performance and passenger comfort, as well as its commitment to sustainability. The advanced technology and fuel efficiency of the A330neo make it an ideal choice for Virgin Atlantic’s transatlantic operations, aligning with their goal of providing an enhanced and eco-friendly travel experience.

Embaer Aircraft

In a notable order, the Netherlands and Austria finalized a joint commitment for nine C-390 Millennium transport planes. Scheduled for delivery starting in late 2027, these aircraft will facilitate improved training and logistics collaboration among NATO partners. The C-390 Millennium continues to be a favored choice for European nations due to its exceptional performance and cost-effectiveness.

In the military aviation sector, Embraer announced a major order from the Paraguayan Air Force (FAP) for six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. This versatile, multi-mission aircraft will enhance the FAP’s capabilities in armed reconnaissance, close air support, light attack, and advanced training missions.

Boeing aircraft.

Boeing also had a notable presence on Day 2 of the airshow. Qatar Airways announced an order for 20 additional 777-9 airplanes, reinforcing its commitment to the 777X program. The 777-9, touted as the world’s largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet, is set to play a crucial role in Qatar Airways‘ long-haul fleet expansion, offering increased passenger capacity and improved fuel efficiency.

In a significant move for the leasing sector, Macquarie AirFinance announced its first direct order with Boeing, purchasing 20 737-8 aircraft. This order not only doubles Macquarie AirFinance’s existing 737-8 order book, acquired from ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Co.

De Havilland Aircraft orders

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited also made strides with several announcements. ANA Holdings signed a letter of intent for seven reconditioned DHC Dash 8-400s, which will be reconfigured to integrate seamlessly with ANA Group’s current fleet.

Additionally, Skyward Express ordered one Dash 8-400, while De Havilland confirmed the sale of two Dash 8-400s to Widerøe and one to the Tanzania Government Flight Agency (TGFA). De Havilland also announced a cargo conversion solution sale to Advantage Air, further expanding its portfolio and market reach.

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