QuickROUNDUP

BOEING & ELBIT

Boeing and Elbit Systems Ltd have signed an MoU for self-defence solutions for Boeing military aircraft in international markets. On offer is the Elbit Systems’ directed infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) systems for a range of Boeing military fixed-wing and vertical-lift aircraft. The Elbit DIRCM family of systems is lightweight, compact systems designed to protect aircraft from common battlefield threats.

CFM

2012 proved to be another outstanding year for CFM International with the company logging orders for 898 commercial, military and spare CFM56 engines and firm orders and commitments for more than 1,100 LEAP engines for a combined value of $23.5 billion at list price. Till date, CFM has logged total orders and commitments for more than 4,500 LEAP engines while total CFM56 engine orders stand at nearly 29,300 engines.

EUROFIGHTER

On February 13, 2013, Eurofighter completed ten years of service. The world’s first series production Eurofighter took off on its first flight from Cassidian’s Military Air Systems Centre in Manching during February 2003. The aircraft bearing the marking GT001 (GT stands for German Trainer) was delivered to the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) School of Engineering No. 1 in Kaufbeuren, just a few days later, where it has since been used to train ground personnel.

FRENCH AIR FORCE

Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’ARmement (OCCAR), acting on behalf of France, and Airbus Military have signed the initial in-service support contract providing an 18-month A400M support services package to the French Air Force. This is a key milestone in preparation for the delivery of the first A400M to the French Air Force.

INDRA

Indra has signed a framework agreement with the French Direction des Services de la Navigation Aérienne for the supply of en route and terminal distance measuring equipment. The contract was signed for a period of 15 years and will contribute to the renewal of the navigational systems of the French Air Space.

LOCKHEED MARTIN

The first Lockheed Martin production model F-35C carrier variant, known as CF-6, flew its first sortie on February 14. Upon delivery later this year, the jet will be assigned to the US Navy Fighter Attack Squadron 101 (VFA-101) at Eglin AFB, Florida. The unit will serve as the Fleet Replacement Squadron, training Navy F-35C pilots and maintainers.