Gulf Coast Aerospace Corridor News

ABM students get new building

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:17:00 +0000

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- There was a grand opening Thursday for the new 325th Air Control Squadron building at Tyndall Air Force Base. Brig. Gen. John K. "Jack" McMullen cut the ribbon, which officially opened the 36,000 square-foot building that will be used to train air battle managers. ABMs provide critical information about enemy activities to both air and ground forces. It's the only schoolhouse that will teach air battle managers in the country. (Source: Panama City News Herald, 01/26/12)

Enders picked to head EADS

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:56:00 +0000

EADS has named Tom Enders to take over as chief executive officer when Louis Gallois retires in May. Enders, nominated to a five-year term, was a strong advocate for Mobile, Ala., during the competition between EADS and Boeing to build Air Force tankers. EADS planned to build a 1,500-worker assembly plant at Brookley Aeroplex to build tankers and freighters if it won the competition. Although EADS lost, it has continued to express interest in establishing an assembly facility in the United States because of a backlog of orders from airlines. Enders was expected to be named to the post. Enders, of Germany, and Gallois, of France, served as co-CEOs until opting for an American-style structure with one chief executive officer. (Sources: Mobile Press-Register, 01/26/12, Bloomberg, 01/27/12)

Block 30 cut disappoints NG

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 04:49:00 +0000

Northrop Grumman said it's disappointed with the Pentagon's plans to cancel the Global Hawk Block 30 program and perform its missions with the U-2. But the company said it will work with the Pentagon to assess alternatives to the program's termination. The company said that just a few months ago the Pentagon published an acquisition decision memorandum that said continuation of the program is essential to national security. Northrop, however, also said it's pleased with the continued support for the Global Hawk Block 40 and the Navy's Broad Area Maritime Surveillance system. (Source: Northrop Grumman via PRNewswire, 01/26/12) Gulf Coast note: Central fuselage work on the Global Hawk is done in Moss Point, Miss. Previous post

Pentagon outlines budget plans

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:09:00 +0000

The Pentagon will ask Congress for $525 billion for the military in 2013, $6 billion less than the current budget. Congress will also be asked to approve a new round of base closures. The request announced Thursday would eliminate some 100,000 ground troops, mothball ships and trim squadrons, but increase special forces, improve cyber defense and put more emphasis on drone aircraft. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, previewing plans that will be revealed in more detail next month, said the proposal "will impact all 50 states and many … congressional districts across America." The proposed budget has the Navy keeping 11 carriers, but retires seven cruisers earlier than planned and delays purchases of subs, amphibious assault ships and other vessels. It also slows the purchase of F-35s. Congress controls the Pentagon budget, which is 20 percent of total federal spending, and regularly intervenes. (Sources: multiple, including AP, Reuters, 01/26/12) Gulf Coast note: The Gulf Coast region builds military vessels and portions of drone aircraft, and has several special operations bases and activities. It's also involved in cyber security training at several locations.

Contract: Raytheon, $17.4M

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:28:00 +0000

Raytheon Co., Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $17,424,398 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide test integration of software to enhance the system performance of the AIM 120D missile. The location of the performance is Tucson, Ariz. Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2013. AAC/EBAK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 01/26/12)

Embry-Riddle to open new campus

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:56:00 +0000

CRESTVIEW, Fla. -- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is opening a new Crestview campus to meet a growing need for students in the north end of Okaloosa County, home of Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field. "ERAU is the front runner in knowing the needs of the workplace when it comes to aviation related jobs, and we have seen the growth around the Crestview Airport and in aviation related contracts that make up this area of Florida," said Ron Garriga, director of academic support of Embry-Riddle Fort Walton Beach campus. The new campus is on the second floor of a building at the corner of South Ferdon Boulevard and Southview Drive. (Source: Crestview News Bulletin, 01/26/12)

Two BRAC rounds possible

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:43:00 +0000

The Pentagon plans to request two new base closure rounds, one in 2013 and another in 2015, to help cut almost a half a trillion dollars in spending over the next decade, according to Air Force Times. The spending cuts imposed on the military are expected to result in the elimination of tens of thousands of troops and cuts in aircraft orders, further reducing the need for military infrastructure. (Source: Air Force Times, 01/25/12) Gulf Coast note: This region is home to a heavy concentration of military bases, as well as military activities at non-DoD facilities.

SSC starting powerpack tests

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:06:00 +0000

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- A new series of tests on the J-2X engine that will power the upper stage of NASA's Space Launch System will begin next week. The tests will be on the J-2X powerpack, which is on the top portion of the J-2X. It includes the gas generator, oxygen and fuel turbopumps and related ducts and valves that bring the propellants together to create combustion and generate thrust. About a dozen powerpack tests of varying lengths are slated through summer at Stennis' A-1 Test Stand. The J-2X is being developed by Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne. (Source: NASA, 01/25/12)

Vision to suspend FWB service

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:33:00 +0000

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. -- Vision Airline's flights to and from Northwest Florida Regional Airport will end Feb. 29, and it's not known when or if those flights will resume. Vision started service at Northwest Florida Regional in December 2010 with direct flights to and from Niagara Falls, N.Y., and Miami. Service was expanded in January 2011 and the airport here became a hub. But in the summer some destinations were dropped, others were added. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 01/24/12)

Fire Scouts on 3rd deployment

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:55:00 +0000

MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopters departed last week aboard the USS Simpson on a third operational deployment. The frigate is scheduled to spend six months off the coast of West Africa and in the Mediterranean. Two airframes are deployed and provide the ship's sole aviation capability. On previous deployments the Fire Scouts were accompanied by MH-60 Seahawk. (Source: Flightglobal, 01/23/12) Gulf Coast note: Fire Scouts are built in part in Moss Point, Miss., by Northrop Grumman.

Global Hawk variant to be cut

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:22:00 +0000

The Air Force's Block 30 variant of the Global Hawk unmanned surveillance plane is being terminated in the budget request that will be sent to Congress in February, according to reports. But one report says the proposed fiscal 2013 budget also includes $1.2 billion for three additional Block 40 variants. The Air Force already has 11 of the latest models delivered or on contract. In addition, the Pentagon wants to continue an $11 billion Navy Global Hawk program. (Sources: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg, 01/24/12). Gulf Coast note: Global Hawks are built in part in Moss Point, Miss. Previous Global Hawk post

Contract: L-3, $69.2M

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:56:00 +0000

L-3 Communications Corp., Systems Field Support, Madison, Miss., was awarded a $69,277,000 firm-fixed-price contract to provide for the support of the worldwide fleet of C12/RC12/UC35 aircraft. Work will be performed in Madison, Miss., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2013. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 01/24/12)

NATO to ink AGS deal in May

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:18:00 +0000

NATO's long process to order an Alliance Ground Surveillance capability could achieve a contract signature within the next few months. A 13-nation deal should be signed before the next NATO summit in Chicago in May. U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Steve Schmidt, commander of the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force, valued the pending acquisition at about $1.3 billion for five Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 40 unmanned air vehicles, each equipped with a Northrop/Raytheon surveillance payload. (Source: Flightglobal, 01/20/12) Gulf Coast note: Global Hawks are built in part in Moss Point, Miss.

Operation leaves airport

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:09:00 +0000

DESTIN, Fla. -- Emerald Coast Aviation has closed its operations at Destin Airport. It subleased services for Miracle Strip Aviation, one of two fixed-base operators at the airport. Emerald Coast Aviation, which opened the branch at Destin Airport in April, handled aircraft maintenance and repairs and flight instructions for Miracle Strip Aviation. The company also is a full fixed-base operator at Bob Sikes Airport in Crestview and provides fueling services at Northwest Florida Regional Airport. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 01/20/12)

Pensacola getting Southwest

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:55:00 +0000

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Pensacola International Airport's Air Tran will be converting to Southwest Airlines. The change will occur over the next several months. Southwest bought AirTran in May, and there has been a lot of anticipation about what will happen in markets served by AirTran. Pensacola's airport is among 22 non-Southwest destinations that the company will keep. A half dozen other cities will see service end. Pensacola had been trying to get Southwest for years, including several years ago when the airliner chose Panama City over Pensacola. (Sources: Pensacola News Journal, WEAR-TV, 01/20/12) Southwest also serves New Orleans.

F-35B probation ends

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:02:00 +0000

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta today said the probation on the Marine Corps version of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has been lifted, according to the AP. The probation was put in place last year by then-Secretary Robert Gates because of technical issues of the most complex version of the F-35. The program has been plagued with cost overruns and development delays. (Source: AP, 01/20/12) Gulf Coast note: Lockheed Martin is building three versions of the plane, the F-35A for the Air Force, the F-35C for the Navy and the F-35B for the Marines. Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the JSF training center. It currently has three F-35B and six F-35A jets. Previous story on probation

SSC to show off J-2X

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:28:00 +0000

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- NASA's Stennis Space Center has invited the media to take a look next week at the facilities used to test the J-2X engines that will be used with the Space Launch System. On Wednesday they'll see the test control center, the A-1 Test Stand where the J-2X powerpack will be tested soon, as well as the facility where the final assembly is done on the J-2X. The SLS will launch the Orion crew capsule that will take astronauts into deep space. NASA officials will provide a briefing on the SLS and J-2X and what goes into testing the engine. (Source: NASA, 01/20/12)

Eglin gets another F-35

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:55:00 +0000

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A ninth F-35, this one a Marine Corps version, has arrived at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., after a 90-minute flight from Fort Worth, Texas. BF-7 was piloted by U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Joseph Bachmann. Eglin, home of the F-35 Integrated Training Center, now has the largest F-35 fleet in the Department of Defense. BF-7 is assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's Marine Fighter/Attack Training Squadron 501 with the host 33rd Fighter Wing. The Marine Corps variant, F-35B, is a short takeoff/vertical landing version of the plane. (Source: Lockheed Martin, 01/19/12)

F-35 EIS to be released

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:10:00 +0000

The Air Force will file a draft Environmental Impact Statement Jan. 20 for the proposed establishment of a second F-35 pilot training center. The Air Force and Air National Guard bases under consideration are Boise Air Terminal Airport Air Guard Station, Idaho; Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.; Luke AFB, Ariz.; and Tucson International Airport Air Guard Station, Ariz. Luke is the Air Force's preferred alternative, but no final decision has been made. The draft statement opens a 45-day public comment period ending March 14. There will be 13 public hearings near the bases. (Source: AFNS, 01/19/12) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the initial training site.

New career field pilots graduate

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:55:00 +0000

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Two members of Beale Air Force Base were recognized as the first RQ-4 Global Hawk pilots in the new 18X career field during a winging Jan. 13. They began training in October 2011 after a decision to establish undergraduate training for remotely piloted aircraft pilots across the service. The new career field is designated for RPA pilots coming from non-rated career fields as well as newly commissioned officers. The pilots will begin flying operational and humanitarian missions immediately in support of combatant commanders worldwide. (Source: AFNS, 01/19/12) Gulf Coast note: Global Hawks are built in part in Moss Point, Miss.; military aviators are trained in Northwest Florida; the Coast Guard trains unmanned systems pilots at the Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Ala.

Controller blamed for close call

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:40:00 +0000

GULFPORT, Miss. -- The National Transportation Safety Board found a near-midair collision at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport in June was likely caused by errors made by an air-traffic controller. He cleared a Cessna for takeoff and 16 seconds later cleared a Continental Express jet to take off on a different runway. While both aircraft were about 300 feet above the airfield the jet passed in front of the Cessna, coming as close as about 300 feet. (Source: Sun Herald, 01/18/12)

F-35 has tailhook issue

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:21:00 +0000

Lockheed Martin is working on a solution to a problem with the tailhook on the F-35C, officials said. According to published reports, the carrier variant of the F-35 can't land on a carrier because the tailhook is too short, too close to the landing gear and can't grab arresting cables. Leaked Pentagon documents claim the design flaw has caused eight simulated landings to fail. (Source: Daily Telegraph, 01/16/12) Lockheed Martin has traced the problem to the tailhook design and efforts to fix the problem under way. Tom Burbage, Lockheed program manager, said the problem is limited to the hook itself. The hook system is being modified and tests will be done in the second quarter of the year. (Source: Navy Times, 01/17/12) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the site of the F-35 training center.

Airbus thinking of U.S. plant?

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:26:00 +0000

Airbus may add a final assembly line in the United States to increase visibility in the largest market for single-aisle planes, according to one executive. Airbus parent, EADS, would have had an assembly line in the U.S. in Mobile, Ala., had it not lost the aerial refueling tanker competition to Boeing. Airbus currently has final assembly lines in France, Germany and China. The comment about a possible U.S. assembly line came from Hans Peter Ring, chief financial officer of EADS, in an interview with Bloomberg. (Source: Bloomberg, 01/17/12) Meanwhile, Airbus is adding fuselage work in Wichita, Kan. Airbus North American Engineering Inc. said it's looking to hire 30 new engineers to work at its Wichita headquarters. The Wichita site, which has primarily done wing engineering since it opened in 2002, will now have some fuselage design work on the A350-1000 program. (Source: Wichita Business Journal, 01/17/12) Previous posts of interest: Airbus, Boeing see demand increase; Shelby: Airbus still eyeing Mobile; Boeing leaving Wichita

Eglin accomplishments noted

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:16:00 +0000

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The commander of the Air Armament Center at Eglin Air Force Base issued a commentary Tuesday about the base's accomplishments in 2011. Maj. Gen. Kenneth Merchant listed the arrival of the first F-35 fighter and bed down of the Army's 7th Special Forces Group. He also cited the base's rating of excellent in an operational readiness inspection along with several other excellence awards. Merchant said the 46th Test Wing verified the performance of multiple Air Force and Joint weapon systems, aircraft avionics, aircraft survivability, and command, control, communication and computer systems. It oversaw about 15,000 ground, flight test, and training missions supporting 689 programs. (Source: Eglin Air Force Base, 01/17/12) Note: Previous post on changes at Eglin

Florida targets UAVs

noreply@blogger.com (David Tortorano) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:33:00 +0000

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. -- Two speakers at the Okaloosa County Economic Development Council's symposium Friday said the field of unmanned aerial systems is a target area for the state and Northwest Florida. Gray Swoope, president and CEO of Enterprise Florida, said the development and operation of unmanned vehicles is one of the fastest growing fields in the country. Mark Bontrager, vice president of Space Florida, said the federal government soon will designate six areas of the country for unmanned air flights, and he hopes one or more will be in Florida. The EDC already has made unmanned vehicles a priority and created a group last year focused on bringing more development to the area. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 01/13/12)