Astronautics, a leading avionics and military electronics supplier, was selected by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to participate in the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) project with its Standby Engine Indicator Display. The LCH is a multi-role combat helicopter being developed in India by HAL for use by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army. Astronautics recently completed manufacture and supply of 140 of these units and another 40 are in the process for HAL's Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) project. Astronautic's Standby Engine Indicator Display is part of the company's line of Smart-I Cockpit systems – providing advanced, modular solutions for modern avionic cockpits. These displays replace all existing cockpit instruments with high-reliability, color, Active Matrix, LCD-based devices that deliver high brightness and sunlight readability. An internal embedded processor runs the software application that supports the I/O interfaces to the avionics, as well as generating and manipulating display formats. The entire line is based on a common set of elements (Processor, Display-Head, etc.), as well as common packaging. The modularity and re-use of common elements enable cost-reduction and ease of maintenance over the entire life cycle of the avionics. "We are very pleased that our system has been selected for such an important project – one that plays an essential role in the development of the future combat helicopter for the Indian Air Force and Army," Benjamin Weiser, Vice President of Business Development and Marketing explained. "Our displays were chosen due to a combination of features including a high level of modularity, a display capable of operating in a bright daylight working environment, full NVG (Night Vision Goggles) compatibility and an especially high cost-benefit ratio. In addition, our system enables significant savings in Life Cycle Costs, since it can be used as a display in a variety of avionic systems."
At the show, Elbit Systems (Chalet A-200) introduces BrightNite, a solution that enables utility helicopters to successfully perform Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) missions in more than 90% of night flying situations, providing them with piloting capabilities of attack helicopters and enabling a new level of operational flight. Lightweight, compact and cost-effective, BrightNite is a multi-spectral end to end panoramic piloting solution that delivers the essential data directly to both eyes of the pilot, enabling intuitive flight in a head-up, eyes-out orientation in pitch dark and other DVE conditions. The solution is comprised of non-gimballed uncooled FLIR and highly sensitive Complementtary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensors that present an ultra-wide field of regard intuitive image to a display system, which projects to the ANVIS/HUD night Helmet Mounted Display (HMD). The display is overlaid by a synthetic layer that follows the contours of the landscape and a third layer of 3D conformal symbology, which displays hazards, mission conformal symbology and tactical data. Multiple crew-members can simultaneously scan the entire field of regard, using a single sensor and the synthetic world, enabling them to fly in common Line-Of-Sight (LOS).
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Gentex Corporation (booth #H187, inside Hall 2B in the UK Pavilion), a global leader in integrated helmet systems for defense forces, demonstrates the latest in its ALPHA line of aircrew helmet systems, the ALPHA 930 series. The ALPHA 930 series incorporates advanced features designed for the French Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) for use in over 25 types of fixed and rotary wing aircraft. The 930 series provides cross platform compatibility with industry leading protection and capability upgrades to suit the unique needs of the Aviation Légère de l’Armée de Terre (ALAT), Armée de l’Air (AA) and Aéro Navale (AN), supporting personnel serving on the ground, at sea, or in the air. The lightweight ALPHA 930 helmet systems are built to enhance situational awareness by offering a variety of Night Vision Goggle (NVG) integration options, a lip light, and a dual visor housing for day and night operations. Additional performance enhancing and protection capabilities such as communications and Active Noise Reduction (ANR) for high-noise environments further enable situational awareness. The combination of the impact rated, flame resistant shell, and the optional face guard and oxygen mask for high altitude operations, provides industry leading protection while supporting various operational needs. "We are proud to be completing delivery and continuing support to the DGA on the ALPHA 930 cross platform series," said Richard Dellar, UK Managing Director, Gentex Corporation. “In line with our mission of developing the most advanced technology to improve aircrew protection and performance, Gentex remains dedicated to supporting and servicing ALPHA and all of our aircrew product brands."
At this year’s Paris Airshow, Hexcel is promoting a range of composite technologies from carbon fibre, reinforcements and resin formulations to honeycomb with added functionality. These composite materials are used increasingly in civil aircraft, engines, helicopters, and space applications for weight-saving, enhanced performance, design optimization and improved fuel efficiency. Hexcel has leading positions on new aircraft programmes including the A350 XWB, Boeing 787, A320 NEO and B737MAX. Hexcel’s content on the A350 XWB is $5 million per aircraft and includes the carbon fibre prepreg for all of the composite primary structures. Hexcel was also awarded the contract by Safran to supply carbon fibre for all CFM LEAP-1 engine fan blades and containment cases.
Airbus Helicopters showcases H145M and H160 mock-ups, H225M, and H135; the NH90 TTH CAIMAN from the French Army Aviation (ALAT) performs flight demonstrations every day; and the French General Directorate for Armament’s (DGA) booth hosts a TIGER and a NH90 NFH.
Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions and LORD Corporation have agreed to collaborate on the development of a wireless sensing solution for data acquisition in Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) applications. Under the agreement, CWDS’ Avionics and Electronics business will integrate LORD MicroStrain’s Lossless Extended Range Synchronized (LXRS) gateway technology onto a hardware module for use in Curtiss-Wright’s COTS-based Acra KAM-500 Data Acquisition Unit (DAU) subsystem. The new module will make the Acra KAM-500 compatible with the wireless sensor nodes supported by LORD and provide Curtiss-Wright’s FTI customers with a single solution for both wireless and wired data acquisition. It will also enable system designers to configure their wireless and wired networks using the same software, analyze the resulting data with the same playback software, and transmit their wireless FTI data in the same format as that used for wired data.
TE Connectivity (TE - Hall 2B, Booth #B50) showcases its latest high-performance products for harsh environment applications in commercial and military aircraft. TE showcases electrical interconnect and sensing solutions in a media-rich environment focused on the future of aviation. TE’s expertise in materials science is enabling the development of lighter, faster interconnects. The new interconnects make it possible to distribute avionics throughout the airframe in a mini, modular rack principle (MRP) that makes it easier to achieve significant space and weight savings. TE is working in conjunction with major aerospace companies to perfect systems that allow jets to taxi without the use of the main engines. Using power from the auxiliary power unit to run an electric motor that turns the wheels of the plane, TE’s green taxi systems can potentially save airlines millions of dollars in fuel costs and reduce the environmental impact of commercial airlines by using the main engine only to power the plane during flight. From high-speed copper and fiber optic solutions to new antenna technology, TE is making possible “the connected passenger” experience with connectivity for inflight entertainment (IFE) systems that can deliver streaming video, Internet access and even video games reliably and without interruption. With the acquisition of Measurement Specialties, TE is one of the largest sensor companies in the world with a broad portfolio of technologies for a wide range of mission critical applications in Aerospace and Defense. TE has developed innovative force sensors which allow aircraft manufacturers to extend the use of composite materials to flight control surfaces and which also enable the move from hydraulic to electro-mechanical actuation.
Kaman Corporation's Aerosystems division (Stand D118, Hall 3) has resumed production of commercial K-MAX heavy-lift utility helicopters. The aircraft will be manufactured at Kaman’s Jacksonville, Florida and Bloomfield, Connecticut facilities and production and hiring for the programme has already begun. The first new helicopter is expected to be delivered in early-2017. K-MAX aircraft are used around the world for firefighting, logging and other missions requiring repetitive aerial lift capabilities. The US Marine Corps (USMC) maintains two unmanned K-MAX aircraft developed with Lockheed Martin. These aircraft successfully supported the USMC in Afghanistan for 33 months from 2011-2014 carrying more than 4.5 million pounds of cargo. Additional unmanned firefighting and humanitarian missions for K-MAX are also being developed and tested. Launch customers include current K-MAX operators Rotex Helicopter, and Helicopter Express.
Ten years after the first flight of the Alenia Aermacchi SKY-X UAV; and thanks to a series of tests performed in Italy; an important step forward has been achieved for the future operations of the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in the civil air zone. Currently confined to operational theatres, test areas or "corridors" completely separated from airspace reserved for civil aircraft and helicopters, the activities of the UAS or RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems), require important processes of technological change in order to exploit their full potential. Chief among these is flight safety. To assure this fundamental aspect for the future of the UAS of all categories, the EDA (European Defence Agency), launched in 2009 the MIDCAS Project to identify solutions aimed at guaranteeing Mid-air Collision Avoidance, that is to say the separation between manned and unmanned aircraft and the prevention of flight collisions. And this is one of the key missing pieces for a full integration of unmanned aircraft in the civil airspace and ultimately their total commercial and institutional exploitation. In recent weeks, from the Grazzanise Air Force Base, headquarters of ItAF’s 9th Air Wing, Finmeccanica-Alenia Aermacchi has successfully completed, with its Sky-Y RPAS, an important testing cycle proving the functionality of the MIDCAS system in identification of other aircraft in potential congested flight paths (in this case an Alenia Aermacchi’s C-27J intentionally flown close to the Sky-Y at different altitudes and from different directions) and the capability of changing course to avoid collision through an automatic manoeuvre. Tests were carried out with an approach of the two aircraft up to 150 meters.
Another objective of the testing was to establish the best sensors combination (by using a MIDCAS consortium designed radio, electro-optical, infra-red and radar systems) in order to feed the traffic gathering system on board the unmanned aerial system. This activity has also seen the direct participation of Finmeccanica-Selex ES that has coordinated the development of the “Sense and Avoid” sensor and supplied part of the cooperative sensors. The industrial consortium is made up of Saab (coordinator), Finmeccanica-Alenia Aermacchi and -Selex ES, Diehl, Airbus D&S, ESG, Indra, Sagem, Thales, and the aerospace research agencies CIRA and DLR .
Saab has signed a contract with Pilatus Aircraft to provide the mission and graphics computer, with a digital map function, for the Pilatus PC-21. The order value amounts to approximately SEK100 million. The contract covers development, adaptation and delivery of an open system mission computer, plus the digital map software function, for the PC-21 advanced turboprop trainer aircraft produced by Switzerland’s Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Series production deliveries will start in 2016 and will continue over the life of the PC-21 programme. The contract provides options for additional suborders that could include further cockpit functions and systems.
Safran is spotlighting its full spectrum of innovation at the 51st International Paris Air Show, showing its flagship engines and aircraft equipment, starting with the new-generation LEAP engine from CFM International, the 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran) and GE, that will succeed the best-selling CFM56. Also showcased is the Silvercrest, Snecma's new engine for business jets in the premium large-cabin, long-range class, the Vinci cryogenic upper-stage rocket engine for the ARIANE 6 launcher, the nacelle for the Airbus A320neo, the PATROLLER multi-sensor tactical UAS, and XDI, an X-ray diffraction system that can inspect carry-on luggage.
This year Safran is introducing a space dedicated to innovation, right in the middle of its huge stand (A252, Hall 2a).
***
At the show, Elbit Systems (Chalet A-200) introduces BrightNite, a solution that enables utility helicopters to successfully perform Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) missions in more than 90% of night flying situations, providing them with piloting capabilities of attack helicopters and enabling a new level of operational flight. Lightweight, compact and cost-effective, BrightNite is a multi-spectral end to end panoramic piloting solution that delivers the essential data directly to both eyes of the pilot, enabling intuitive flight in a head-up, eyes-out orientation in pitch dark and other DVE conditions. The solution is comprised of non-gimballed uncooled FLIR and highly sensitive Complementtary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensors that present an ultra-wide field of regard intuitive image to a display system, which projects to the ANVIS/HUD night Helmet Mounted Display (HMD). The display is overlaid by a synthetic layer that follows the contours of the landscape and a third layer of 3D conformal symbology, which displays hazards, mission conformal symbology and tactical data. Multiple crew-members can simultaneously scan the entire field of regard, using a single sensor and the synthetic world, enabling them to fly in common Line-Of-Sight (LOS).
 |
| At Paris Air Show, Elbit Systems unveils BrightNite, a solution that enables utility helicopters to successfully perform Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) missions in more than 90% of night flying situations, providing them with piloting capabilities of attack helicopters and enabling a new level of operational flight. |
***
Gentex Corporation (booth #H187, inside Hall 2B in the UK Pavilion), a global leader in integrated helmet systems for defense forces, demonstrates the latest in its ALPHA line of aircrew helmet systems, the ALPHA 930 series. The ALPHA 930 series incorporates advanced features designed for the French Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) for use in over 25 types of fixed and rotary wing aircraft. The 930 series provides cross platform compatibility with industry leading protection and capability upgrades to suit the unique needs of the Aviation Légère de l’Armée de Terre (ALAT), Armée de l’Air (AA) and Aéro Navale (AN), supporting personnel serving on the ground, at sea, or in the air. The lightweight ALPHA 930 helmet systems are built to enhance situational awareness by offering a variety of Night Vision Goggle (NVG) integration options, a lip light, and a dual visor housing for day and night operations. Additional performance enhancing and protection capabilities such as communications and Active Noise Reduction (ANR) for high-noise environments further enable situational awareness. The combination of the impact rated, flame resistant shell, and the optional face guard and oxygen mask for high altitude operations, provides industry leading protection while supporting various operational needs. "We are proud to be completing delivery and continuing support to the DGA on the ALPHA 930 cross platform series," said Richard Dellar, UK Managing Director, Gentex Corporation. “In line with our mission of developing the most advanced technology to improve aircrew protection and performance, Gentex remains dedicated to supporting and servicing ALPHA and all of our aircrew product brands."
***
At this year’s Paris Airshow, Hexcel is promoting a range of composite technologies from carbon fibre, reinforcements and resin formulations to honeycomb with added functionality. These composite materials are used increasingly in civil aircraft, engines, helicopters, and space applications for weight-saving, enhanced performance, design optimization and improved fuel efficiency. Hexcel has leading positions on new aircraft programmes including the A350 XWB, Boeing 787, A320 NEO and B737MAX. Hexcel’s content on the A350 XWB is $5 million per aircraft and includes the carbon fibre prepreg for all of the composite primary structures. Hexcel was also awarded the contract by Safran to supply carbon fibre for all CFM LEAP-1 engine fan blades and containment cases.
***
Airbus Helicopters showcases H145M and H160 mock-ups, H225M, and H135; the NH90 TTH CAIMAN from the French Army Aviation (ALAT) performs flight demonstrations every day; and the French General Directorate for Armament’s (DGA) booth hosts a TIGER and a NH90 NFH.
 |
| H225M (Photo: Airbus/Anthony_Pecchi) |
***
Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions and LORD Corporation have agreed to collaborate on the development of a wireless sensing solution for data acquisition in Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) applications. Under the agreement, CWDS’ Avionics and Electronics business will integrate LORD MicroStrain’s Lossless Extended Range Synchronized (LXRS) gateway technology onto a hardware module for use in Curtiss-Wright’s COTS-based Acra KAM-500 Data Acquisition Unit (DAU) subsystem. The new module will make the Acra KAM-500 compatible with the wireless sensor nodes supported by LORD and provide Curtiss-Wright’s FTI customers with a single solution for both wireless and wired data acquisition. It will also enable system designers to configure their wireless and wired networks using the same software, analyze the resulting data with the same playback software, and transmit their wireless FTI data in the same format as that used for wired data.
***
TE Connectivity (TE - Hall 2B, Booth #B50) showcases its latest high-performance products for harsh environment applications in commercial and military aircraft. TE showcases electrical interconnect and sensing solutions in a media-rich environment focused on the future of aviation. TE’s expertise in materials science is enabling the development of lighter, faster interconnects. The new interconnects make it possible to distribute avionics throughout the airframe in a mini, modular rack principle (MRP) that makes it easier to achieve significant space and weight savings. TE is working in conjunction with major aerospace companies to perfect systems that allow jets to taxi without the use of the main engines. Using power from the auxiliary power unit to run an electric motor that turns the wheels of the plane, TE’s green taxi systems can potentially save airlines millions of dollars in fuel costs and reduce the environmental impact of commercial airlines by using the main engine only to power the plane during flight. From high-speed copper and fiber optic solutions to new antenna technology, TE is making possible “the connected passenger” experience with connectivity for inflight entertainment (IFE) systems that can deliver streaming video, Internet access and even video games reliably and without interruption. With the acquisition of Measurement Specialties, TE is one of the largest sensor companies in the world with a broad portfolio of technologies for a wide range of mission critical applications in Aerospace and Defense. TE has developed innovative force sensors which allow aircraft manufacturers to extend the use of composite materials to flight control surfaces and which also enable the move from hydraulic to electro-mechanical actuation.
***
Kaman Corporation's Aerosystems division (Stand D118, Hall 3) has resumed production of commercial K-MAX heavy-lift utility helicopters. The aircraft will be manufactured at Kaman’s Jacksonville, Florida and Bloomfield, Connecticut facilities and production and hiring for the programme has already begun. The first new helicopter is expected to be delivered in early-2017. K-MAX aircraft are used around the world for firefighting, logging and other missions requiring repetitive aerial lift capabilities. The US Marine Corps (USMC) maintains two unmanned K-MAX aircraft developed with Lockheed Martin. These aircraft successfully supported the USMC in Afghanistan for 33 months from 2011-2014 carrying more than 4.5 million pounds of cargo. Additional unmanned firefighting and humanitarian missions for K-MAX are also being developed and tested. Launch customers include current K-MAX operators Rotex Helicopter, and Helicopter Express.
***
Ten years after the first flight of the Alenia Aermacchi SKY-X UAV; and thanks to a series of tests performed in Italy; an important step forward has been achieved for the future operations of the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in the civil air zone. Currently confined to operational theatres, test areas or "corridors" completely separated from airspace reserved for civil aircraft and helicopters, the activities of the UAS or RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems), require important processes of technological change in order to exploit their full potential. Chief among these is flight safety. To assure this fundamental aspect for the future of the UAS of all categories, the EDA (European Defence Agency), launched in 2009 the MIDCAS Project to identify solutions aimed at guaranteeing Mid-air Collision Avoidance, that is to say the separation between manned and unmanned aircraft and the prevention of flight collisions. And this is one of the key missing pieces for a full integration of unmanned aircraft in the civil airspace and ultimately their total commercial and institutional exploitation. In recent weeks, from the Grazzanise Air Force Base, headquarters of ItAF’s 9th Air Wing, Finmeccanica-Alenia Aermacchi has successfully completed, with its Sky-Y RPAS, an important testing cycle proving the functionality of the MIDCAS system in identification of other aircraft in potential congested flight paths (in this case an Alenia Aermacchi’s C-27J intentionally flown close to the Sky-Y at different altitudes and from different directions) and the capability of changing course to avoid collision through an automatic manoeuvre. Tests were carried out with an approach of the two aircraft up to 150 meters.
 |
| Chosen by MIDCAS consortium as the best platform available in Europe for this technological experimentation, Alenia Aermacchi’s SKY-Y has therefore made it possible to carry out the first flight test of automatic collision avoidance based on “non-cooperative” sensors: namely the capability of also avoiding traffic of manned aircraft not equipped with transponders (aircraft identification standard system), generally used on commercial airplanes. |
Another objective of the testing was to establish the best sensors combination (by using a MIDCAS consortium designed radio, electro-optical, infra-red and radar systems) in order to feed the traffic gathering system on board the unmanned aerial system. This activity has also seen the direct participation of Finmeccanica-Selex ES that has coordinated the development of the “Sense and Avoid” sensor and supplied part of the cooperative sensors. The industrial consortium is made up of Saab (coordinator), Finmeccanica-Alenia Aermacchi and -Selex ES, Diehl, Airbus D&S, ESG, Indra, Sagem, Thales, and the aerospace research agencies CIRA and DLR .
***
Saab has signed a contract with Pilatus Aircraft to provide the mission and graphics computer, with a digital map function, for the Pilatus PC-21. The order value amounts to approximately SEK100 million. The contract covers development, adaptation and delivery of an open system mission computer, plus the digital map software function, for the PC-21 advanced turboprop trainer aircraft produced by Switzerland’s Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Series production deliveries will start in 2016 and will continue over the life of the PC-21 programme. The contract provides options for additional suborders that could include further cockpit functions and systems.
***
Safran is spotlighting its full spectrum of innovation at the 51st International Paris Air Show, showing its flagship engines and aircraft equipment, starting with the new-generation LEAP engine from CFM International, the 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran) and GE, that will succeed the best-selling CFM56. Also showcased is the Silvercrest, Snecma's new engine for business jets in the premium large-cabin, long-range class, the Vinci cryogenic upper-stage rocket engine for the ARIANE 6 launcher, the nacelle for the Airbus A320neo, the PATROLLER multi-sensor tactical UAS, and XDI, an X-ray diffraction system that can inspect carry-on luggage.
This year Safran is introducing a space dedicated to innovation, right in the middle of its huge stand (A252, Hall 2a).
***
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