Aerospace

These are two new challenges Malaysia faces in purchasing FA50.

Malaysia and South Korea are stuck with the final price of the FA 50 and Malaysia ask KAI to match the price of HAL Tejas Mk1A. they asked them to bring down the price of the unit price of the AESA radar and Inflight refueling capable FA 50 version from 50 million to 43 million USD to make it comparable to the price of Tejas MK-1A.

KAI selected a few of the fighter aircraft for the country’s defense squad which should be single-seater fighter jets and the trainer type of category aircraft with refueling facilities. Malaysia was chosen for the KAI’s FA 50 and Tejas fighter jet from HAL. finally, it selected the Korean fighter jet.

Why did Tejas not win the RMAF tender? Here are four potential reasons.(Opens in a new browser tab)

which India offered to Malaysia despite Mk-1A having a higher TRM AESA and better Weapons package including Brahmos capability, KAI, however, is not agreeing to this demand as it would mean a loss for the company which has not yet completed certification of the equipment listed in RMAF RFP requirements.

Malaysia Airlines to return A380s to Airbus by 2023(Opens in a new browser tab)

Another reason behind KAI’s reluctance is that, unlike India which is the sole owner of the Tejas program and has exclusive rights to decide which systems to buy/make to integrate with Tejas as per customer demands, Fa-50 is a Joint program between US company Lockheed Martin and Korean KAI, thus certification and integration of new equipment for Fa-50 would be more time consuming and expensive.

Airbus and Korea Aerospace Industries deliver first Light Civil Helicopter(Opens in a new browser tab)

There is also the possibility of limiting the technology transfer if it builds in Malaysia. there are challenges which have to face it by Malaysia with KAI.

While this stalemate between both sides over the pricing might not be a deal breaker, as per Malaysian media it might delay the signing of the final contract by a month.

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.