AEROSPACE
KBR | November 22, 2022
KBR announced today it has been awarded a $156.7 million task order to support capabilities assessment and enhancements for the U.S. Army's Utility Helicopter 60 Variant (UH-60V) fleet, providing technologically superior and cost-effective helicopters for U.S. and Allied Forces. KBR was awarded this contract under the Department of Defense Information Analysis Center's (DoD IAC) multiple-award contract (MAC) vehicle. These DoD IAC MAC task orders are awarded by the U.S. Air Force's 774th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron to develop and create new knowledge for the enhancement of the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) repository and the research and development and science and technology community. Under the terms of the contract with Program Executive Office (PEO) Aviation, Utility Helicopter Project Office (UHPO), KBR and key teammate Northrop Grumman Corporation will develop recommendations and technical solutions for the UHPO and its international partners to increase availability, improve reliability, and reduce the support costs for the UH-60V.
"KBR is excited to support PEO aviation as they advance Black Hawk technology to better support the U.S. military with this critical asset, KBR and Northrop Grumman bring the experience and expertise to deliver solutions to maintain Army aviation technological superiority and reduce costs."
Stuart Bradie, President and CEO of KBR
This work is expected to be performed over five years, with KBR performing Reliability, Maintainability, Quality, Supportability, and Interoperability (RMQSI), logistics and testing, program management, and validation, prototyping, lifecycle analyses, and sustainability improvement. Work is expected to take place at KBR and partner facilities in Huntsville, Alabama. According to the U.S. Army, the UH-60V helicopter, known as the Victor, "was developed to overhaul the aging UH-60A and L fleets. The new model has several technological advancements that make it easier to operate than older variants, including an upgraded digital glass cockpit, certified GPS RNAV database and advanced flight planning and mission capability." Planned upgrades and improvements to the UH-60V encompass the avionics architecture, flight controls, fuel system, electrical system, airframe, drive train, and a newly developed rotor system. KBR is proud to be a leader in advancing air, space, cyber, and defense systems for the U.S. military. KBR offers full lifecycle support for hardware including design, obsolesce management, prototyping, and full integrated logistics support. KBR has been supporting PEO Aviation and UHPO since 1988, providing critical support and analysis through decades of program evolution, sustainability, and technology transitions. Northrop Grumman provides the Integrated Avionics Suite for the UH-60V. This transformational approach to avionics modernizes the U.S. Army's UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters with a glass cockpit, including an integrated computational system, visual display system and Control Display Units. This replaces the analog gauges in UH-60L helicopters with an integrated system that provides one of the most advanced avionics systems in the U.S. Army.
About DOD IAC Program
The DoD IAC, sponsored by the Defense Technical Information Center, provides technical data management and research support for DoD and federal government users. Established in 1946, the IAC program serves the DoD science & technology (S&T) and acquisition communities to drive innovation and technological developments by enhancing collaboration through integrated scientific and technical information development and dissemination for the DoD and broader S&T community.
About KBR
We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 28,000 people performing diverse, complex and mission-critical roles in 34 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver.
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AEROSPACE
Ball Corporation | December 08, 2022
Ball Aerospace has selected Dr. Alberto Conti, to serve as vice president and general manager of the company's Civil Space Strategic Business Unit (SBU), effective immediately.In this role, Conti will lead the Civil Space SBU and will be responsible for a portfolio that spans across all science fields, operational weather and Earth observation, as well as advanced technologies and development. He will partner with customers and stakeholders to achieve mission priorities and define next-generation architectures through the development and implementation of strategies aligned with the Ball Aerospace strategic plan.
"Dr. Conti is a respected leader of the international astronomical community with an impeccable record of solving complex challenges through strong, collaborative relationships, trusted communication and a passion and dedication for mission success," He brings extensive aerospace and defense industry experience to his new role as the company's leader in the Civil Space SBU and we are thrilled to have him in this role."
David Kaufman, president, Ball Aerospace.
Conti previously served as Ball Aerospace's director for New Business and Innovation Solutions in the Civil Space SBU. Prior to joining Ball, Conti served as the innovation manager for Civil Space at Northrop Grumman. Previously, he served as the James Webb Space Telescope (Webb) innovation scientist at the Space Telescope Science Institute, the current science and mission operations center for Webb. Earlier in his career, he was the Hubble Space Telescope chief engineer for Data Management, the development manager for the Community Missions Office, and the project manager for the data archive of the Galaxy Evolution Explorer space mission. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, Ball Aerospace pioneers discoveries that enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most. We create innovative space solutions, enable more accurate weather forecasts, drive insightful observations of our planet, deliver actionable data and intelligence, and ensure those who defend our freedom go forward bravely and return home safely. Go Beyond with Ball.® For more information, visit www.ball.com/aerospace or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.
About Ball Corporation
Ball Corporation supplies innovative, sustainable aluminum packaging solutions for beverage, personal care and household products customers, as well as aerospace and other technologies and services primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ 24,300 people worldwide and reported 2021 net sales of $13.8 billion. For more information, visit www.ball.com, or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.
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AEROSPACE
Boom Supersonic: | December 14, 2022
Boom Supersonic, the company building the world's fastest airliner, today announced Symphony, a new propulsion system designed and optimized for its Overture supersonic airliner. Boom also announced that it will be teaming with three industry leaders to develop Symphony including Florida Turbine Technologies (FTT) for engine design, GE Additive for additive technology design consulting, and StandardAero for maintenance.
"Developing a supersonic engine specifically for Overture offers by far the best value proposition for our customers,Through the Symphony program, we can provide our customers with an economically and environmentally sustainable supersonic airplane—a combination unattainable with the current constraints of derivative engines and industry norms."
Blake Scholl, Founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic.
Symphony will be a bespoke design leveraging proven technologies and materials to achieve optimal supersonic performance and efficiency. Overture's new propulsion system will operate at net zero carbon and meet Chapter 14 noise levels. When compared to derivative approaches, Symphony is expected to deliver a 25% increase in time on wing and significantly lower engine maintenance costs, reducing overall airplane operating costs for airline customers by 10%. United and Boom share a passion for making the world dramatically more accessible through sustainable supersonic travel," said Mike Leskinen, President, United Airlines Ventures. "The team at Boom understands what we need to create a compelling experience for our passengers, and we are looking forward to a United supersonic fleet powered by Symphony."
Symphony Collaboration
Boom has selected Florida Turbine Technologies, a business unit of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., as its engine design team. FTT has leading supersonic engine design expertise, including key engineers among the team responsible for the design of the F-119 and F-135 supersonic engines that power the F-22 and F-35. The team at FTT has a decades-long history of developing innovative, high-performance propulsion solutions," said Stacey Rock, President of Florida Turbine Technologies. "We are proud to team with Boom and its Symphony partners and look forward to developing the first bespoke engine for sustainable, economical supersonic flight. Boom also announced that GE Additive will collaborate on the Symphony program. Symphony will benefit from GE Additive's proven track record of designing additively manufactured engine components enabling more streamlined development, reduced weight, and improved fuel efficiency. We are excited to support Overture and Symphony," said Chris Schuppe, General Manager Engineering and Technology at GE Additive. "GE Additive will bring industry-leading capabilities to Symphony, providing additive manufacturing design consulting and technology, while looking for additional areas to potentially collaborate. Additionally, StandardAero, one of the aerospace industry's largest independent maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers, will ensure that Symphony is designed for maintainability. Boom's collaboration with StandardAero aims to deliver reliable and economical operations, and provision of maintenance services for the life of the aircraft. Boom will also benefit from StandardAero's experience as an assembler of supersonic engines. We are excited to team with Boom as its strategic engine MRO partner and for the opportunity to contribute to the company's bright future, ensuring its aircraft will receive the industry's finest engine MRO services," said Russell Ford, Chairman and CEO of StandardAero. "Our current qualifications, capabilities and experience assembling and servicing supersonic military jet engines makes us the intelligent solution for future commercial, supersonic engine MRO applications.
Symphony Technical Overview
Symphony will be a medium-bypass turbofan engine with the same basic engine architecture that currently powers all modern commercial aircraft. Unlike subsonic turbofans, this new propulsion system will include a Boom-designed axisymmetric supersonic intake, a variable-geometry low-noise exhaust nozzle, and a passively cooled high-pressure turbine.
Engine design features to include:
Architecture: twin-spool, medium-bypass turbofan engine, no afterburner
Thrust: 35,000lbs at takeoff
Fuel: optimized for 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Single-stage fan designed for quiet operation
Passively cooled high-pressure turbine
Additive manufacturing for low weight, low part count, and reduced assembly costs
Certification: compliant with FAA and EASA Part 33 requirements
Overture Program Schedule
With Symphony design already underway, Overture is on track to achieve type certification in 2029. Production is set to commence in 2024 at Overture's Superfactory in Greensboro, NC, with rollout in 2026 and first flight in 2027.
About Boom Supersonic:
Boom Supersonic is transforming air travel with Overture, the world's fastest airliner, optimized for speed, safety, and sustainability. Serving both civil and government markets, Overture will fly at twice the speed of today's airliners and is designed to run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Symphony™, a Boom-led collaboration with industry leaders, is the propulsion system that will power Overture. Overture's order book, including purchases and options from American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines, stands at 130 aircraft. Boom is working with Northrop Grumman for government and defense applications of Overture. Suppliers and partners collaborating with Boom on the Overture program include Collins Aerospace, Eaton, Florida Turbine Technologies (FTT), a business unit of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., GE Additive, Safran Landing Systems, StandardAero and the United States Air Force. For more information, visit https://boomsupersonic.com.
About StandardAero:
StandardAero is one of the world's largest independent providers of services including engine and airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and assembly, engine component repair and manufacturing, engineering services, interior completions and paint applications. StandardAero serves a diverse array of customers in business and general aviation, airline, military, helicopter, components and energy markets. StandardAero is owned by global investment firm Carlyle. For more information about StandardAero, go to www.standardaero.com.
About GE Additive:
GE Additive – part of GE is a world leader in metal additive design and manufacturing, a pioneering process that has the power and potential to transform businesses. Through our integrated offering of additive experts, advanced machines, and quality powders, we empower our customers to build innovative new products. Products that solve manufacturing challenges, improve business outcomes, and help change the world for the better. GE Additive includes additive machine brands Concept Laser and Arcam EBM, along with additive powder supplier AP&C.
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies and commercial enterprises. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology for these industries are rapidly brought to market through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive research and streamlined development processes. At Kratos, affordability is a technology and we specialize in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems, training, combat systems and next generation turbo jet and turbo fan engine development. For more information go to www.KratosDefense.com.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 26, 2021, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
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AEROSPACE
AeroVanti Air Club | November 23, 2022
Private aviation pioneer AeroVanti Club today announced a partnership with Maryland Athletics, its second such collaboration with a leading NCAA athletics department. In addition to flying the Maryland Terrapins, AeroVanti is the exclusive aviation partner for the University of Central Florida Knights Now that basketball season is in full swing, Maryland alumni and fans can join AeroVanti in The AeroVanti Courtside Club in the Xfinity Center. We’re thrilled to support the Maryland Athletics Department, its talented student-athletes and its hard-working coaching, support and administrative staff,” said AeroVanti Founder and CEO Patrick Britton-Harr. “AeroVanti was founded in Annapolis, Maryland, so we’ll always support our hometown teams. And with our operations and maintenance hub in Florida, we had to partner with UCF, as well. In less than two years since launching, AeroVanti has experienced 400% growth, transforming the private aviation industry, and quickly establishing itself as the leader in best-in-class private services at a fraction of the price of its competitors. A recent $100 million fleet expansion solidified its position as an industry pioneer creating an entirely new market segment in the $25-billion-a-year private aviation industry.
“It’s very exciting for Maryland Sports Properties to bring AeroVanti on as a strategic partner for this season and years to come,Patrick and his team have trusted us to provide the brand exposure to the best fans and alumni in the country and we know we will deliver.”
Jack Krabbe, general manager of Maryland Sports Properties.
AeroVanti members are not burdened by costly initiation fees, expensive hourly rates, capped miles, or inconvenient booking restrictions like other membership-based private aviation services. In addition to being faster and more affordable than its competitors, AeroVanti’s fleet of Piaggio P180 Avantis has one-third the carbon footprint, making it the top option for the sustainability-conscious passenger.
About AeroVanti Club
AeroVanti Club offers its air club members an exclusive private aviation experience through individual, family, and corporate memberships. Current destinations which are rapidly expanding, span the entire USA, Canada, and the Caribbean. With its ultra-competitive pricing, flexible membership options and completely bespoke service, AeroVanti created an entirely new market segment and redefined private aviation as it exists today. AeroVanti flights are conducted in accordance with the FAA Regulation Part 91F.
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