Battalion activated

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The fourth and final battalion of the Army 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) officially has been activated. More than 100 people attended a ceremony at the Special Forces cantonment Friday morning. The activation of the 4th Battalion will enable the 7th Special Forces Group to sustain repeated deployments around the world. The new battalion now has 348 soldiers but is expected to be at its full strength of 436 soldiers by December. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 09/28/12)

Contract: Draper, $13M

Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Cambridge, Mass., is being awarded a $13,000,000 cost plus fixed fee contract for research and development of an advanced secure micro digital data link unit. The location of the performance is Cambridge, Mass. Work is expected to be completed by Sept. 27, 2017. The contracting activity is AFRL/RWK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. (Source: DoD, 09/28/12)

Contract: PRI-DJI, $12.5M

PRI-DJI, Las Vegas, Nev., is being awarded a $12,508,199 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to exercise option two for Base Operations Support services at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Fla., and sub communities. The work to be performed provides for public works administration including labor, management, supervision, materials, supplies, and tools for facilities management, facilities investment, facility maintenance services, pest control and more. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $84,637,994. Work will be performed in Milton, Fla., work for is expected to be completed September 2013. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 09/27/12)

Contract: Pratt and Whitney, $89.2M

United Technologies Corp., Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded an estimated $89,226,102 advance acquisition contract for long lead components, parts and materials associated with the Lot VII Low Rate Initial Production of 19 F135 Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) propulsion systems for the Air Force; 6 Short Take-off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) propulsion systems for the Marine Corps; and 4 Carrier Variant (CV) propulsion systems for the Navy. In addition, this contract provides for the procurement of two CTOL propulsions systems for Turkey; three CTOL propulsion systems for Italy; one F135 STOVL propulsion system for the United Kingdom; and two CTOL propulsions systems for Norway. Work will be performed in Connecticut, Indiana and the United Kingdom and is expected to be completed in September 2013. This contract combines purchases for the Air Force, Navy/Marine Corps, and the governments of Turkey, Italy, United Kingdom and Norway. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 09/27/12) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 training center.

DAGR tested at Eglin

Lockheed Martin recently conducted two separate DAGR missile flight tests, successfully firing the missiles from a prototype pedestal launcher and hitting a stationary target. The tests at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., demonstrated DAGR’s capability as a ground-based weapon. In each test, an inert DAGR missile locked onto the laser spot illuminating the target before launch. Upon launch, each missile flew 3.5 kilometers and hit the target within one foot of the laser spot. Lockheed Martin has conducted more than 30 DAGR flight tests from ranges of 1 to 5.1 kilometers. DAGR has been launched from multiple HELLFIRE-equipped rotary-wing platforms, including the AH-64D Apache, AH-6 Little Bird and OH-58 Kiowa Warrior. (Source: Lockheed Martin, 09/25/12)

Contract: L-3 Vertex, $27.3M

L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $27,293,685 indefinite-delivery requirements contract for logistics services support of the TH-57 aircraft fleet. Services to be provided include repair and/or overhaul of aircraft, engines, avionics and related components. Funds will not be obligated at time of award. Work will be performed at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Milton, Fla., and is expected to be completed in March 2013. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (Source: DoD, 09/26/12)

Summit: Aerospace taking off

SANDESTIN, Fla. -- Northwest Florida has some work to do if it wants to join the global race for billions of dollars in civilian and military aerospace projects coming down the pike over the next two decades. That’s what an aviation expert told more than 400 area business and political leaders Tuesday at Gulf Power Co.’s 16th annual Economic Summit. Aerospace industries the Panhandle should pursue include aircraft manufacturing, rockets and missiles, search and navigation, Tier 1 and 2 parts and service suppliers and unmanned aerial systems. Among the positive things Northwest Florida has going for it is a lot of former military living here. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 09/26/12) Northwest Florida already has significant aerospace activity, including the training of military aviators and development of aerial weapons systems. The entire Gulf Coast region's aerospace corridor will get a boost when Airbus builds its A320 assembly line in Mobile, Ala.

Contract: L-3 Vertex, $126.4M

L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $126,477,094 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery, requirements type contract to exercise an option for logistics services and materials for organizational, intermediate, and depot level maintenance required to support 28 T-45A and 171 T-45C aircraft based at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville, Texas; NAS Meridian, Miss.; and NAS Pensacola, Fla. Work will be performed in Kingsville (57 percent); Meridian (36 percent); and Pensacola (7 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2013. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 09/25/12)

Contract: EADS NA, $10.8M

EADS NA, Herndon, Va., was awarded a $10,851,124 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract for services in support of the UH-72A Lakota. Work will be performed in Columbus, Miss., with an estimated completion date of September 28, 2013. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 09/25/12)

Scheuermann leaving SSC

Patrick Scheuermann, director of NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center, Miss., since 2010, is moving to Huntsville, Ala., to become director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. He'll be replaced at SSC by Richard J. Gilbrech, currently deputy director and a former director of SSC. At Marshall Scheuermann will replace Robin Henderson, who filled the position in Huntsville temporarily when Gene Goldman retired Aug. 3. The changes were announced today by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. (Source: NASA, 09/25/12)

Contract: L-3 Vertex, $11.4M

L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded an $11,392,043 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery requirements contract to exercise an option for maintenance and logistics services, including labor, services, facilities, equipment, tools, direct and indirect material required to support and maintain the T-39N and T-39G aircraft and related support equipment. Work will be performed in Pensacola, Fla., and is expected to be completed in March 2013. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 09/24/12)

Source: BAE won't risk US ties

BAE Systems doesn't want to jeopardize its special relationship with the Pentagon and will walk away from the proposed merger with EADS to protect it. That's according to a report in Financial Times of London, quoting an unnamed source. The relationship is a Special Security Arrangement and that has allowed UK's BAE to work on many sensitive U.S. projects, including the F-35. It's allowed BAE to build a 40,000-employee network in 40 states and make $14 billion a year in the U.S., according to FT. France and Germany's EADS has a more strict special security arrangement. It has 3,000 employees and makes $1.4 billion a year in the U.S. (Source: Financial Times, 09/23/12) Gulf Coast note: BAE and EADS both have operations in the Gulf Coast I-10 region. EADS also plans to build an A320 assembly line in Mobile, Ala.

NASA picks 26 proposals

NASA has selected 26 proposals from academia and industry for advanced development activities for the nation's next heavy lift rocket, the Space Launch System. Proposals from universities in the four-state Aerospace Alliance region were among the programs selected. They are Auburn University, Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University and the University of Florida. Proposals selected under this NASA Research Announcement seek innovative and affordable solutions to evolve the launch vehicle from its initial configuration to its full lift capacity capable of sending humans farther into deep space than ever before. NASA sought proposals in a variety of areas, including concept development, trades and analyses, propulsion, structures, materials, manufacturing, avionics and software. (Source: NASA, 09/21/12) Stennis Space Center, Miss., will be testing the engines for the SLS; Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans, is fabricating Orion crew capsules and will be building the core stage for the SLS.

Boeing: EADS-BAE raises questions

WASHINGTON -- National security and industrial questions would be raised by a merger of EADS and BAE Systems. That's what the head of Boeing's defense operations, Dennis Muilenburg, told Reuters at the annual Air Force Association conference. He said it must be reviewed carefully by regulators. Europe's EADS and the UK's BAE said last week that they are in talks about a $48 billion merger. (Source: Reuters, 09/20/12) Gulf Coast note: BAE Systems' North American operation is a major defense contractor with operations along the Gulf Coast; EADS has operations in the region as well, including Mobile, Ala., and an American Eurocopter plant in Columbus, Miss. Previous

Contract: Del-Jen, $25.4M

Del-Jen Inc., Clarksville, Tenn., is being awarded a $25,417,061 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to exercise option 1 for base operations support services at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., and surrounding areas including Saufley Field, Corry Station and Bronson Field. The work to be performed provides for public works administration including labor, management, supervision, materials, supplies, and tools for facilities management, facilities investment, facility maintenance services (non-family housing), pest control, street sweeping, utility plant and distribution operations and maintenance (chiller, electrical, gas, wastewater, steam and water), environmental services, centrally managed safety services, and base support vehicles and equipment. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $144,538,806. Work will be performed in Pensacola, Fla., and is expected to be completed by September 2013. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 09/20/12)

Contract: Rolls-Royce, $103.3M

Rolls-Royce Defense Services Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $103,322,238 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price; indefinite-delivery requirements contract to exercise an option for intermediate and depot level maintenance and related support for in-service T-45 F405-RR-401 Adour engines. In addition, this modification provides for inventory control, sustaining engineering and configuration management, as well as integrated logistics support and required engineering elements necessary to support the F405-RR-401 engine at the organization level. Work will be done at the Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas (48 percent); NAS Meridian, Miss. (47 percent); NAS Pensacola, Fla. (4 percent); and NAS Patuxent River, Md. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2013. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 09/20/12)

Foreign attaches visit Pensacola

NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA, Fla. -- The Naval Education and Training Command hosted 20 foreign naval attaches during the week at Naval Air Station Pensacola during the group's fall tour of U.S. Navy installations. The command provided an overview of naval training, including aviation, flight physiology, enlisted aviation technical schools, and water survival training. The attaches were from Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Germany, Guatemala, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Many of those countries send students to train at NAS Pensacola. (Source: Naval Education and Training Command, 09/19/12)

A first: F-35, F-22 share sky

F-35 and F-22. U.S. Air Force photo

Two of the most lethal combat aircraft in the world, the F-35 Lightning and F-22 Raptor, flew together for the first time Wednesday in a 90-minute sortie over Northwest Florida. One took off from Eglin Air Force Base near Fort Walton Beach, the other from Tyndall Air Force Base near Panama City. The two planes, tailed by an F-16, flew within 35 feet of one another. Eglin has 19 F-35s of 59 it will eventually get. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 09/19/12) Northwest Florida is where pilots for both fifth-generation jets train. Eglin is home of the F-35 training center and Tyndall is where pilots learn to fly the F-22.

Nine shops seeing big changes

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 325th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment (AGE) shop is one of nine shops in the squadron making the transition from contracted personnel to active duty. The swap is to accommodate the Oct. 1 mission change from Air Education and Training Command to Air Combat Command. With a combat-coded F-22 Raptor squadron coming, the shop must be ready to deploy. The first airmen started arriving in the spring. AGE is home to more than 800 pieces of equipment supporting around 60 aircraft. The shop will also be making the switch to a 24/7 operations. The other eight shops making the transition are Egress, Fuels, Wheel and Tire, Low Observable, Non-Destructive Inspection, Metals Technology, Crash Recovery and Armament. (Source: 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, 09/17/12)

Crowd watches flyover

The Space Shuttle Endeavour, riding piggyback on a 747, flew low over Stennis Space Center, Miss., today just before 8:30 a.m. CDT on its final ferry flight. More than 1,000 center employees and visitors were outside to watch. Endeavour left Florida early this morning. (Source: Sun Herald, 09/19/12) The pair then moved on to Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, where others watched as the youngest shuttle of the fleet passed overhead. Endeavour is heading for Los Angeles where it will spend its retirement years. (Source: Times-Picayune, 09/19/12)

AT-6 weapons test completed

Phase III assessment testing of the AT-6 light attack aircraft's weapons systems was successfully completed at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., according to a Sept. 17 announcement from Hawker Beechcraft Defense. Phases I and II assessments included computer-aided deliveries of general purpose and laser-guided bombs. All weapons testing was accomplished with oversight from the Air Force Air Armament Center and the Air National Guard and Air Reserve Command Test Center. (Source: Defence Professionals, 09/18/12) Previous

Endeavour flight delayed again

The ferry flight of space shuttle Endeavour atop the 747 is rescheduled for Wednesday due to an unfavorable weather forecast along the flight path. Endeavour now is expected to arrive at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday, Sept. 21. The pair will still make low level flyovers at about 1,500 feet over Stennis Space Center, Miss., Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans, and other locations along the way. The flight was originally planned for Monday. (Source: NASA, 09/17/12) Previous

Eglin's "narco sub"

A surrogate semi-submersible engineered to mimic the design of drug-running vessels is helping the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate develop better devices to detect them. Called "Pluto," it's homeported at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and being kept operational by the 46th Test Squadron. The vessels are popularly called "narco subs," build by South American drug cartels. They are actually low-riders, barely visible on the surface of the ocean. The Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and other federal agencies are using Pluto to test remote sensing capabilities on the 45-foot long vessel in the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic and Pacific. (Source: Department of Homeland Security, 09/16/12) Eglin is best known as the base where the Air Force develops and tests aerial weapons, and more recently as home of the F-35 training center.

Grants awarded to protect bases

Gov. Rick Scott said $850,000 in grants will go to 11 Florida communities with military bases. The grants are designed to protect the bases and diversity the economies. In Northwest Florida, Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties will receive a combined $335,000 in 2012-2013 Defense Reinvestment Grants, administred by Enterprise Florida. The military/defense sector has a $60 billion economic impact on the state, providing more than 686,181 jobs. The Bay Defense Alliance will get $100,000, the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce will receive $70,000, the Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County will get $125,000 and Santa Rosa County will receive $40,000. (Source: WMBB, 09/17/12) The Northwest Florida counties are home to Eglin and Tyndall Air Force bases, Hurlburt and Duke fields, Naval Air Station Pensacola and Whiting Field, the Naval Surface Warfare Center and Corry Station.

Armed Fire Scout nears

Armed Fire Scout. Business Wire photo

NASHUA, N.H. -- For the first time, the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System will be integrated onto an unmanned aerial vehicle, BAE Systems said today. The company, which designed and manufactures the guidance section of the laser-guided rocket, was recently awarded a U.S. Navy contract to add the APKWS onto the MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV. The system is being integrated onto the Fire Scout in response to an urgent operational need and is being prepared for rapid deployment. (Source: Business Wire, 09/17/12) Gulf Coast note: Northrop Grumman Fire Scouts are built in part in Moss Point, Miss.

Endeavour flight delayed a day

NASA's planned ferry flight of space shuttle Endeavour atop the 747 has been pushed back a day due to an unfavorable weather forecast. The decision was made Sunday to push back the departure from Monday to Tuesday. The pair will still make low level flyovers at about 1,500 feet over Stennis Space Center, Miss., Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans, and other locations along the route to Los Angeles. Endeavour completed 25 missions, spent 299 days in orbit, and orbited Earth 4,671 times while traveling 122,883,151 miles. (Source: NASA, 09/16/12) Previous

Squadron returns to Keesler

BILOXI, Miss. -- The 345th Airlift Squadron returned home to Keesler Air Force Base Saturday after a four-month deployment in Afghanistan. The 30-member squadron, an active duty member Keesler's 815th Airlift Squadron, deployed May 9 and performed 261 airdrops in the battle zone. (Source: WLOX-TV, 09/ 15/12) The 815th is part of the 403rd Reserve Wing at Keesler.

Fixing a key missile

A key air-to-air missile is in trouble because of a problem with a component. But a fix is being worked for Raytheon's Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). Some of the solid-fuel rocket motors have failed tests at temperatures of minus 65 degrees, a high altitude temperature. Motor-maker ATK is working the problem, but a supplier from Norway, NAMMO, is providing an alternate motor. Col. Jason Denney, manager of the AMRAAM program at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., said the importance of the AMRAAM can hardly be overstated. With its fire-and-forget, "beyond visual range" capability, the AMRAAM is the main air-superiority weapon for the U.S. Air Force, Navy and 35 allied nations. Tests will have to be conducted on the fixes and the new motors. (Source: Arizona Daily Star, 09/16/12) Eglin Air Force Base is where Air Force aerial weapons are developed and tested.

Talks over Saufley end

The Navy ended negotiations with a developer over an enhanced use lease to turn 104 acres at a former air station into a research/business park. Navy officials say it would have been too costly to move three commands from Saufley Field, Fla., to nearby Naval Air Station Pensacola. Uncertainty over funding for the relocation and renovations forced the Navy to cancel the project with DCK Worldwide. Saufley Field is an active Navy facility 10 miles north of NAS Pensacola. Once a full-fledged air station, it's now an outlying landing field. (Source: Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast, 09/12/12) Previous

SLS marks first year

NASA's Space Launch System, designed to bring astronauts further into space than ever before, has marked its first year of progress. The heavy-lift program was announced Sept. 14, 2011. It borrowed pieces from the canceled Constellation program and other proven NASA systems. Along the Gulf Coast, both Stennis Space Center, Miss., and Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans are involved. SSC has run a series of tests on the J-2X that will power the upper stage, and will also test the RS-25s that will power the first stage. Michoud has been building Orion crew vehicles, and will also build the core stage. (Source: NASA/MSFC, 09/12/12)

Chamber scouts suppliers

BERLIN, Germany -- The international business community is now associating Airbus with Mobile. That's according to Troy Wayman of the Mobile Chamber of Commerce, who spoke to the Mobile Press-Register by phone Wednesday from the ILA Berlin Air Show. Airbus in July said it would build an A320 assembly line in Mobile at Brookley Aeroplex. On Wednesday alone chamber officials met with four potential Airbus suppliers. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 09/12/12) Meanwhile, an Escambia County, Fla., county commissioner and chamber representative are also in Germany checking out companies that supply Airbus. They've reportedly met with more than 20 prospects. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 09/12/12)

Lockheed marks 10 at SSC

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- Lockheed Martin Mississippi Space & Technology Center on Wednesday marked its 10th anniversary at the NASA facility. Site director Dave Hartley said the center has delivered four satellite propulsion systems this year and has six more in production. The propulsion systems are for the popular A2100 satellites and maneuver the craft in space. Dennis Little, vice president at Lockheed Martin headquarters in Bethesda, Md., said future projects include propulsion systems for the next generation of GPS and weather satellites and the Orion crew vehicle. (Source: Sun Herald, WLOX-TV, 09/12/12)

Huntsman expanding

McINTOSH, Ala. -- A company that makes, among other things, resin used in aerospace parts, is expanding in Washington County north of Mobile. Huntsman Advanced Materials said it will add 225 full-time and contractor positions to the plant in McIntosh. The resin is also used in the oil and gas exploration industry. Currently 200 employees work at the McIntosh plant. (Source: WKRG-TV, 09/12/12)

BAE, EADS in talks

BAE Systems said it's in talks with EADS about a combination of the two companies, according to Bloomberg. BAE would own 40 percent and EADS, the European Aeronautic, Defence and Space Co., would own the rest. A combination of BAE and EADS, parent of Airbus, would be a return to plans for a single European aerospace business. It would create the world's largest aerospace business. (Source: Bloomberg, 09/12/12) Gulf Coast note: BAE Systems' North American operation is a major defense contractor with operations along the Gulf Coast; EADS has operations in the region as well, including Mobile, Ala., and an American Eurocopter plant in Columbus, Miss.

AirAsia will be first with sharlets

Low-cost carrier AirAsia of Malaysia will be the first operator of the A320 to use the model with "sharklets" on the wingtips. The announcement was made at the Berlin air show. AirAsia will take delivery of the first A320 equipped with the fuel-saving wing-tip devices at the end of this year. Sharklets will be fitted on previously ordered, newly-built A320s for AirAsia, scheduled for delivery from the end of 2012. The tips will result in close to 4 percent fuel savings for the most popular Airbus aircraft. (Source: EADS, Reuters, 09/11/12) Gulf Coast note: Mobile, Ala., will be the future home of an A320 assembly line. Previous

Shuttle's 'ride' arrives

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The modified Boeing 747 that will haul the space shuttle Endeavour piggyback-style to Los Angeles next week arrived at Kennedy Space Center Tuesday to pick up its passenger. Endeavour is in the Vehicle Assembly Building and will be towed to the landing strip Friday morning. A lifting structure will hoist it so the 747 can pull underneath. It will take off Monday morning for its trip to California, which will include several stops as well as low fly-bys at multiple locations, including Stennis Space Center, Miss., and Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans. Infinity Science Center, just outside Stennis Space Center, is opening at 8 a.m. and offering a bus tour to the space center to view the event between 9 and 9:30 a.m. The cost is $5. (Sources: Spaceflight Now, Infinity Science Center, 09/11/12) Previous

Contract: Alutiiq, $11.6M

Alutiiq 3SG LLC, Anchorage, Ark., is being awarded an $11,596,067 firm fixed price contract to procure support for the Acquisition of Civil Engineering Base Operations Support at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The location of the performance is Tyndall AFB. Fla. Work is to be completed by Sept. 29, 2013. The contracting activity is AETC CONS/LGCK, Randolph AFB, Texas. (Source: DoD, 09/11/12)

Drone squadron a Navy first

The Navy is launching its first unmanned helicopter squadron next month in Coronado, Calif. HUQ-1 Hydras will train current pilots and enlisted non-pilots to fly the unmanned helicopters likely to become common on Navy ships. MQ-8C Fire Scouts, built by Northrop Grumman, will arrive at North Island Naval Air Station in 2014. The larger version of the Fire Scout will be operated off destroyers and frigates. The Navy has tested the MQ-8B version of the Fire Scout on frigates and have deployed them in Afghanistan. (Source: UTSanDiego, 09/10/12) Gulf Coast note: Fire Scouts are built in part in Moss Point, Miss. Previous on Fire Scout

RF seeker sought for HVPW

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Northrop Grumman and the Air Force are working on a precision guidance system for a rocket-propelled bomb for the F-35 that attacks deeply buried targets. Northrop Grumman won a $1.8 million contract to gather data to support development of an RF seeker for the future High Velocity Penetrating Weapons. The idea is to develop a 2,000-pound bunker-buster with the punch of a 5,000-pound gravity bomb. (Source: Military & Aerospace Electronics, 09/11/12) Previous

Airbus: Supply chain an issue

Airbus is facing a backlog of 4,400 aircraft, but may be limited in ramping up production because of the supply chain. Airbus, which will be building an assembly line in Mobile, Ala., produces 42 single-aisle planes every month. It would like to push that to 44 a month, but it's worried about overstretching the supply chain, said John Leahy, chief operating officer of customers at Airbus. (Source: Air Transport World, 09/10/12)

Land near Airbus available

MOBILE, Ala. – More than 300 acres near the planned $600 million Airbus assembly line is being put on the market. Local contractor Jerry Lathan has partnered with the National Auction Group for the sale. Calling the site a "rare opportunity to acquire substantial acreage" near Airbus, the National Auction Group's website lauds Lathan's property for its "unlimited potential for industrial, commercial and residential endeavors." (Source: Mobile Press Register, 09/10/12)

Empty buildings concern officials

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. -- The number of empty buildings in the Commerce and Technology Park concerns some city officials. Councilman Dennis Reeves said he was driving through the industrial park recently and was surprised. But Kay Rasmussen of the Okaloosa County Economic Development Council said the EDC is aware and continually marketing the park. One councilman wondered why an indoor unmanned systems test center wasn't being placed in an empty building at the park. Rasmussen said none of the park buildings meets the requirements for the UAV center. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 09/09/12) Previous

Pensacola air fares among highest

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Pensacola's average air fare is 11th highest among the 100 largest airports in the nation, according to figures from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The Pensacola News Journal reports that the average ticket price out of Pensacola as of April 1 was nearly $447, up 15 percent from a year ago. Driving it are fuel prices and reduced seating capacity. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 09/08/12)

Wing commander leaving

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Air Force announced Friday that Brig. Gen. John K. McMullen will be leaving after serving a year as commander of the Tyndall's 325th Fighter Wing. McMullen will be reassigned to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, as the deputy chief of staff operations for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Headquarters Allied Air Command. The News Herald reports that no timetable has been set. (Source: Panama City News Herald, 09/07/12)

Report: Airbus close to major deal

Reuters is reporting that sources tell it AirAsia is close to a deal to buy up to 100 Airbus jets. That puts Asia's largest budget carrier on course for expansion. The deal for A320 family jets is potentially worth $9 billion. Demand from Asian low-cost carriers is helping to drive production at Airbus and Boeing to record levels. (Source: Reuters, 09/08/12) Gulf Coast note: Airbus said in July that it's building a $600 million A320 assembly line in Mobile, Ala., to help meet demand.

Endeavour's final ferry flight set

Space Shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified 747, will make its final ferry flight when it leaves Sept. 17 from Kennedy Space Center, Fla., for a flight to Los Angeles International Airport. Plans are for low-level fly-overs at multiple locations, including Stennis Space Center, Miss., and Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. SSC is where all the shuttle main engines were tested and Michoud is where all the external tanks were built. The 747 will fly at about 1,500 feet at each location, depending upon conditions. Stops are also scheduled in Houston, El Paso and Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., before it's final touchdown at Los Angeles. (Source: NASA, 09/07/12)

F-35A reaches milestone

F-35 at Eglin. Air Force photo

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Air Force officials begin the F-35A Operational Utility Evaluation Sept. 10, a step that moves the service closer to beginning F-35 pilot and maintener training. The review is expected to last about 65 days. Since February 11 pilots checked out in basic F-35A operations. In the evaluation data will be collected from all facets of F-35 training, including maintenance, classroom, simulator and flights. It will be a precursor for the Air Force to train other services and allies. Initially, 59 aircraft and three flying squadrons, one for each service/aircraft variant, will be established at Eglin. (Source: Team Eglin Public Affairs, 09/07/12)

Foundation ponders property

MOBILE, Ala. -- The decision of Airbus to build an A320 assembly line at Brookley Aeroplex is likely to play a role in how the University of South Alabama Foundation develops its 300 acres at the complex. Director Maxey Roberts said the foundation wants to talk with stakeholders, the city of Mobile and Mobile Airport Authority for input on how to develop the property. She said the foundation wants the property to contribute to the economic development for the region. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 09/06/12)

Contract: Composite Eng., $7.3M

Composite Engineering Inc., Sacramento, Calif., is being awarded a $7,317,122 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, firm fixed price contract to procure 54 peculiar reparable spares for the Air Force Subscale Aerial Target BQM-167. Location of performance is Sacramento. Work is to be completed by Nov. 9, 2015. The contracting activity is AFLCMC/EBYK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. (Source: DoD, 09/06/12)

ACS to stay under AETC

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 325th Air Control Squadron is scheduled to be the only squadron within Tyndall's 325th Fighter Wing to remain under Air Education and Training Command after the wing transitions to Air Combat Command. "We are staying with the current command because we are an initial skills training course and that falls under the mission of AETC," said Lt. Col. Gary Smith, 325th ACS commander. The squadron graduates around 150 students a year, with a course length of nine months. The squadron will change its name to the 337th Air Control Squadron two days after the 325th FW transitions to the ACC. (Source: 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, 09/05/12)

Storage facility nears completion

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A project to build a new addition and repair the F-22 Raptor parts storage facility will be finished March 2013. GCC Enterprises Inc., of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., was awarded the $1 million contract in September 2011 and began work in April 2012. The 3,000-square-foot vault is designated to secure F-22 parts, and for a 800-square-foot weapons vault expansion. The new vault construction has been completed and the expansion on the weapons vault is scheduled to begin within the week. Tyndall will undergo a transition from Air Education and Training Command to Air Combat Command Oct. 1. The change requires adding additional support facilities, aircraft and personnel to the installation. (Source: 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, 09/05/12)

Forecast bodes well for region

With Airbus revising its forecast upward about the growth of the global airline and freighter market, what could it mean for Mobile, Ala., which will become home of the newest Airbus assembly line? The Mobile Press-Register spoke to some local and regional economic development leaders to get their read on what may be in store for Mobile and the surrounding region. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 09/05/12) Previous

Summit slated for next month

NEW ORLEANS -- The four-state Aerospace Alliance is holding its second annual summit Oct. 25-26 in New Orleans at the Marriott Convention Center. The alliance was formed more than three years ago by Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi to encourage growth of aerospace activities in the four states. This year's summit will include sessions on opportunities in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles and commercial space. To register, click here. The inaugural fall summit last year was held at Sandestin Beach Resort, Fla., and was attended by a variety of aerospace companies, economic development officials and business leaders from the four states. (Source: GCAC, 09/05/12) Previous

F-35B completes air start testing

The F-35B short take-off and vertical landing variant of the fighter completed engine air start tests that involved shutting down and restarting the Pratt & Whitney F135 in flight. BF-2 completed 27 air starts at various altitudes using various methods on Aug. 15 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Air start testing is required for the F-35B to undertake high angle-of-attack trials next year. The Air Force's F-35A variant had earlier completed its air start testing at Edwards. (Source: Naval Air Systems Command, Flightglobal, 09/04/12) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 training center

Airbus ups estimate of aircraft need

Airbus has increased its 20-year production forecast by 5 percent. The company's latest Global Market Forecast cites a need for some 28,200 passenger and freighter aircraft of 100 seats or more between 2012 and 2031, worth nearly $4 trillion. Of those, more than 27,350 will be passenger aircraft valued at $ 3.7 trillion. Passenger traffic will grow at an average annual rate of 4.7 percent in the next 20 years and 10,350 aircraft will be replaced by new efficient models. By 2031 the world's passenger fleet will have expanded by 110 percent from slightly over 15,550 today to over 32,550. (Source: Airbus, Reuters, 09/04/12) Gulf Coast note: Airbus in July said it would build a $600 million A320 assembly line in Mobile, Ala., at Brookley Aeroplex. Previous Boeing prediction

Blanket to shield SLS engines

The heat shield around the Space Launch System RS-25 engines will not be the same as the Space Shuttle Program. The decision was made to move to a lighter, more flexible blanket, similar to the ones used on other vehicles and on the aft skirt of the Solid Rocket Boosters. The new blanket design will save about 700 pounds and will be easier to produce, assemble and install. The design change will debut during the test firings at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. (Source: NASA Spaceflight, 09/03/12)

Australia eyes Triton

Radio Australia reports that the country is resurrecting plans to buy seven Northrop Grumman maritime surveillance spy drones. The country first considered buying 12 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft in 2004, but in 2009 the plan was canceled. The next year three were considered, and the latest plan calls for seven of the Triton models. (Source: Radio Australia, 09/04/12) Gulf Coast note: Global Hawks in all variants are built in part in Moss Point, Miss. Previous on Triton

Reserve unit joining Tyndall

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 325th Fighter Wing marks the transition to Air Combat Command from Air Education and Training Command Oct. 1, a move that adds additional personnel and aircraft. The 44th Fighter Group, Detachment 2 from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., is one unit to be added to Team Tyndall. It's a Reserve unit and schedule to operate as a support function to the new combat-coded F-22 Raptor squadron standing up in early 2013. The 44th FG is descended from the historic 44th FG, and the 301st Fighter Squadron derives its lineage directly from the Tuskegee Airmen. They are now merged into one unit. About 250 members will comprise the 44th FG and reside in and around Tyndall. Reserve personnel assigned to the 44th FG specifically, are nearly 25 percent full-time. (Source: 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, 08/31/12)

100th A320 comes off China line

The 100th A320 came off the line Friday at the final assembly plant in Tianjin, China. Dignitaries from China and Europe were there for the event. The assembly line is the third one for the A320, built after lines in Toulouse, France, and Hamburg, Germany. In July this year Airbus has announced its decision to establish an A320 assembly line in the United States in Mobile, Ala. (Source: Avionics Intelligence, ETN Global Travel Industry News, 08/31/12)