Here are the programs that made the biggest news over the past week:
F-35 can fly longer now — The situation is improving for the F-35 after its latest setback, with the Pentagon relaxing flight restrictions on F-35 test aircraft,
we reported last week. The F-35 Joint Program Office is now allowing F-35s to fly six hours at a time in two specific scenarios: when transiting to ranges for weapons testing and for in-flight refueling visits. The aircraft had been grounded for 11 days in June after a fire on an F-35A variant, which a preliminary investigation blamed on “extensive rub” of a fan blade on the F135 engine. It remains to be seen what effect this entire situation will have on engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, but even though some may be longing for the alternate engine program that was cancelled in recent years, it’s unlikely the GE/Rolls-Royce-built F136 will be making an appearance anytime soon in this budget climate. Read more F-35 analysis >>>
Modernizing the Black Hawk — The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is getting some much-needed modernization upgrades to its cockpits, we reported. Northrop Grumman will replace older analog gauges with digital electronic instrument displays, creating a new UH-60V designation of the aircraft. In addition to providing a more user-friendly interface for operators of the aircraft, the system is also smaller, lighter, and uses less power than the older systems. The Army expects to modify between 700 and 900 aircraft. Read more UH-60 analysis >>>
AARGM reaches milestone — Though the Navy plans to trim AARGM buys over its five-year plan, the program itself is humming along after achieving its third full-rate production contract award to manufacturer ATK, according to Seapower Magazine. The $96.2 million contract covers missiles for both the Navy and the Italian Air Force. The program achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) back in July 2012 and was first approved for full-rate production two months later. The missile is used on F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft, and will be compatible with the F-35 once that aircraft reaches the fleet. Read more AARGM analysis >>>
Turkey places big AMRAAM order — The AIM-120 AMRAAM program scored a win on the international market last week with Turkish newspaper Hurriyet Daily News reporting that the country has been cleared to spend $320 million for 145 missiles, as well as some guidance sections, launchers, containers, support equipment, and parts. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency cleared the sale, stating that the move was consistent with U.S. interests in assisting a NATO ally “in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense.” DSCA in February cleared a sale of 36 AMRAAMs for $80 million to Norway, and approved South Korea’s decision to purchase 260 AMRAAMs for $452 million in July 2013. Read more AMRAAM analysis >>>